benefit corporation

In the United States, a benefit corporation is a type of for-profit corporate entity, authorized by 30 U.S. states and the District of Columbia that includes positive impact on society and the environment in addition to profit as its legally defined goals. Benefit corporations differ from traditional C corporations in purpose, accountability, and transparency, but not in taxation. Since January 2016 the Italian Parliament has introduced a new type of for profit corporate entity named Società Benefit, that includes positive impact on society and the environment in addition to profit as its legally defined goals, thus making Italy the first country in the world to make this legal status available on its entire territory.