Which of the following is a potential benefit of forming a corporation?

Forming a corporation provides limited liability protection to its owners, who are known as shareholders. This means that the personal assets of the shareholders are protected from the debts and obligations of the corporation. If the corporation faces financial troubles, such as bankruptcy or lawsuits, the shareholders are only liable for the amount they have invested in the company. This protection encourages investment as individuals are less likely to risk their personal wealth when starting or investing in a business.

The other options do not capture the essence of forming a corporation. Ease of partnership dissolution, for instance, is not a characteristic typically associated with corporations, as they are distinct entities with their own procedures for dissolution. Complete control by the founder is more often a feature of sole proprietorships or partnerships rather than corporations, where control is usually shared among a board of directors and shareholders. Lastly, corporations are usually required to follow formal reporting requirements, including annual reports and financial disclosures, which contrasts with the idea of lacking the need for formal reporting. Thus, the key benefit of limited liability distinctly highlights the advantages of corporate structures.