There are many online sources available to help you thorough the process of business incorporation. Once you have consulted with an attorney or CPA about incorporating your business, you will have a better understanding of the necessary steps to take.
The main steps for forming a legal entity are listed below, and can provide you with a good starting point for your business incorporation.
The first step to take is to decide on a name for your legal entity. You may be required to include the legal ending of the entity you incorporate under to your business’ name. Checking with the Secretary of State for name availability can help you with the first step, as you cannot choose a name that has already been registered. Conducting a trademark check will enable you to have a unique logo to identify your business or products with.
Decide which state you will want to incorporate in. States may have different tax laws, so these should be considered in this decision.
Consult an attorney, CPA, or online resource to discuss regulatory requirements and which forms you will need to fill out. If you decide to form a corporation or LLC , you will be required to file an Articles of Incorporation document with the secretary of state.
Finally, you will have to file bylaws with the state, which will outline corporate and other valuable information. Stock certificates can then be distributed to shareholders in compliance with security laws. Notes of corporate actions, as well as meeting minutes, must be documented in an official corporate minute book. Record officers should also be elected, as well as the directors of the corporation. The IRS also needs to be contacted in order to receive your state and federal tax ID numbers. This information may also be available on the IRS website.
Remember, you have several sources you can call upon to help you with this process. Your attorney, CPA, or online business incorporation services are all available to assist you in any way possible.
