📅 2026 Update: Changes in Business Law and Corporate Formation

Since the original article, there have been significant updates in U.S. corporate law and business practices. Key changes include new rules on corporate transparency and adjustments in corporate filing fees across various states. The information in the earlier article continues further down the page.

🏛️ Corporate Transparency Act Exemptions

On March 26, 2025, FinCEN exempted U.S.-formed companies and U.S. persons from beneficial ownership reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act. This exemption became permanent on August 11, 2026. This change reduces regulatory burdens for many businesses, allowing them to operate without additional reporting requirements.

💰 Changes in Filing Fees

Delaware has updated its expedited filing fees. The One Hour Service now costs $1,000, while Two Hour Service is $500. Same Day Service costs $100 per document, and Delaware also offers an Expedited Service for $15 per document. In Washington State, the Apostille fee is now $15, with expedited processing available for an extra $15.

Georgia’s filing fees are non-refundable and vary based on the processing speed requested.

⏳ Updated Processing Times

Processing times for corporate filings have also changed. In Delaware, standard processing typically takes 7-10 business days, while expedited services can be completed in as little as one hour. In Washington State, Apostille requests generally take 7-10 business days, with expedited service available in 2-3 days.

Georgia's online filings are processed within 7-10 business days, while paper submissions take longer.

📄 Steps to Form Corporations

To form a corporation in Delaware, you need to file a Certificate of Incorporation with the Delaware Division of Corporations. In Washington State, submit an Apostille Request Form for document authentication. In Georgia, business entities must file the appropriate formation documents with the Georgia Secretary of State’s office.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • 🏛️ The Corporate Transparency Act exemptions reduce reporting for many businesses.
  • 💰 Delaware and other states have updated their filing fees and processing times.
  • ⏳ Expedited services are available for quicker processing in Delaware, Washington, and Georgia.
  • 📄 Specific steps are required for forming corporations in these states.

💡 Tips for Business Formation

Review the details of your own situation with your attorney.

📋 Understand State Requirements

Each state has unique requirements for forming a business entity. Research what is needed in your state, including filing fees and necessary documents.

🕒 Consider Expedited Processing

If you need to start your business quickly, consider using expedited processing services. They can significantly reduce your waiting time, especially in Delaware.

💻 Use Online Resources

Many states offer online resources for business formation. Visit your state’s Secretary of State website for forms and guidance.

📄 Keep Documentation Ready

Have all necessary documents ready before starting the filing process. This can help avoid delays and ensure your application is complete.

💵 Factor in Costs

Be aware of the various fees associated with forming a business. These can include state filing fees, expedited service fees, and additional costs for services like Apostilles.

🏆 Business Formation Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section highlights services that assist with business formation and related legal needs. Their ratings come from Trustpilot data checked in October 2026, reflecting user experiences. It’s important to note that star ratings can fluctuate, and unhappy customers often share their experiences more than satisfied ones.

🥇 1. LegalZoom

LegalZoom has been rated 4.6. It is known for its business formation services, registered agent services, and estate planning services. Some users report delays and communication issues, which may affect their experience.

🥈 2. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer holds a score of 4.5. The service is known for its legal document creation and business formation services. However, its subscription model may not suit all users, which could be a drawback for some.

🥉 3. LawDepot

LawDepot averages a score of 4.0. This service provides customizable legal document templates at affordable prices. Some users have reported unexpected charges, which can be a concern when budgeting for services.

4️⃣ Bizee

Bizee has a high rating of 4.8. It is known for business formation services, registered agent services, and compliance services. Some reviewers have mentioned unexpected charges, which may be something to consider when selecting a service.

🆓 Free Government Assistance

Many states offer free resources for business formation. The Delaware Division of Corporations, Washington Secretary of State, and Georgia Secretary of State provide guidance and support for forming and managing business entities without charge.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing a Service

  • 📝 Types of services offered for business formation.
  • 💲 Costs associated with filings and services.
  • ⏱️ Processing times for filings and requests.
  • 🌐 Availability of online resources and customer support.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the Corporate Transparency Act?

The Corporate Transparency Act requires certain businesses to report information about their beneficial owners. However, recent exemptions mean many U.S. companies are no longer subject to these reporting requirements.

📅 How long does it take to form a corporation in Delaware?

Standard processing for forming a corporation in Delaware typically takes 7-10 business days. Expedited services can significantly reduce this time.

💵 What are the typical costs for filing in Georgia?

Georgia's filing fees for business formation are non-refundable and non-transferable. Processing times and fees can vary based on the service level requested.

📄 How do I obtain an Apostille in Washington State?

To obtain an Apostille in Washington State, submit a completed Apostille Request Form along with the required fee to the Washington Secretary of State’s office. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee.

🏛️ Can I form a corporation in Delaware if I'm not a U.S. resident?

Yes, anyone can form a corporation in Delaware, regardless of residency or nationality. This makes Delaware a popular choice for business formation.

🕒 What are the benefits of expedited filing services?

Expedited filing services allow for faster processing of corporate documents. This can be crucial for businesses that need to start operations quickly.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Business Law

Several recent court rulings have impacted business law and corporate practices in the U.S. These rulings can affect how businesses operate and comply with legal standards.

For more recent rulings, feel free to browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






The U.S. States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Preet Bharara, announced that Nelson Burtnick—who served as the director of payments for Pokerstars and Full Tilt Poker—plead guilty to charges of unlawful internet gambling, bank fraud, money laundering, and other gambling crimes on September 19, 2012.  According to Bharara, Burtnick willfully intended “to deceive banks into processing hundreds of millions of dollars of internet gambling transactions.”



Burtnick is a Canadian citizen and resident of Ireland. 



After Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in 2006, only three companies continued to conduct business in the United State market: Pokerstars, Full Tilt Poker, and Absolute Poker.  U.S. banks mostly disagreed to process the payments because the gambling was illegal, so the companies, and mainly Burtnick, relied on “third-party payment processors” to trick the banks into processing the payments. 

Poker Website Executive Pleads Guilty in Manhattan Federal Court


The U.S. States Attorney reports that Nelson Burtnick “pled guilty to one conspiracy to accept funds in connection with unlawful internet gambling, commit bank fraud, and commit money laundering.”  He is also charged with two counts of accepting funds connected to unlawful internet gambling. 



Burtnick has a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.  There were six more defendants charged during the April 15, 2011 indictment as well.  Brent Beckley was sentence to 14 months in prison; Ira Rubin was sentenced to 36 months in prison; John Campos was sentenced to 3 months in prison; and Chad Elie will be sentenced on October 3, 2012.  Bradley Franzen is awaiting sentencing, and charges are still pending against Ray Bitar. 



The U.S. Attorney Office’s Complex Frauds Unit is handling this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arlo Devlin-Brown, Niketh Velamoor, Andrew Goldstein, and Nicole Friedlander are specifically handling the case, and other Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharon Cohen Levin, Jason Cowley, and Michael Lockard are handling the civil money laundering and forfeiture actions.



Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation