business structure and tax savings

[wade]

I am independent contractor. I will get the check in my name. I would like to start a computer consulting firm. I have the following questions:
1. Under which form of business structure can I still get the check in my name and show it as income for the corporation?
2. Without starting the business structure can I start a retirement plan to save my taxes. If so can you guide me?

Thanks in advance.
--Casual

1. Setup your name as a S-corp name ie: John Q. Smith, Inc. Get a Federal ID# for the corp and give to your customer so they will write the check in your name (corp name) and issue the 1099Misc if required in the corp name (A 1099 is not usually required for a corp unless it is health services).

2. As a corp the simple way to go would be a SEP-IRA plan where the corp makes a contribution to your IRA. The SEP-IRA may be setup with the use of IRS form 5305-SEP http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5305sep.pdf