1. CHOOSE THE TYPE OF BUSINESS STRUCTURE-----------------------------
The most
common types of corporate entities are discussed in the Types
of Corporations
section. If you require more information than is provided here,
we welcome your phone call or e-mail. One of our Corporate Specialists
will be happy to discuss the particulars of any type of business
structure with you.
2. CHOOSE A STATE OF INCORPORATION---------------------------------------
Corporate
Extensions can incorporate your company in any state, regardless
of where you plan to conduct business. Some states have particularly
attractive laws for corporations and our Corporate Specialists
can provide you with information on the advantages of incorporating
in certain states. Below is a price list for the cost of incorporation
or forming an LLC in each state (state fees are subject to change
without notification):
3. CHOOSE A CORPORATE NAME---------------------------------------------------
This
is a more important step than some realize and there are requirements.
One of these is that your company name cannot imply any illegal
activity (eg. Shoplifters, Inc.). Your company name must include
one of the following words or an abbreviation thereof: Incorporated,
Corporation, Company, Limited or Association. Also, your name
must not be the same (or so similar so as to cause confusion)
as any existing business in the same state. Because so many new
businesses are formed every day, it is important that you reserve
your name as soon as possible. Corporate Extensions can check
on the availability of your name and, if available, reserve it
in the state of your choice for up to 60 days while you are in
the process of incorporation.
4. CHOOSE A REGISTERED AGENT-------------------------------------------------
As every
state requires corporations and LLCs to have a Registered Agent
to receive notices for the corporation, this is an important early
consideration. The Registered Agent must have a street address
in the state of incorporation, so it may be very cost-efficient
for you to serve as your own Registered Agent if you are incorporating
in the state in which you live or have an office. If you choose
not to do this, Corporate Extensions and our network of affiliated
agents will be able to serve as your Registered Agent in any state.
5. FILL OUT THE COMPANY INFORMATION FORM-----------------------------
Click
here to go to Corporate Extensions' Company Information
Form, which you can complete on-line to get your incorporation
prepared and filed as quickly as possible. If you do not wish
to incorporate in this manner, you can call Corporate Extensions
at (800) 474-6340 with your credit card number. Our Corporate
Specialists can incorporate your business over the phone or you
can order our free brochure with an Information form enclosed.
As soon as you return the form and payment by fax or mail, Corporate
Extensions will prepare and file your Articles of Incorporation
immediately. For a small increase in state filing fees, most states
will file your Articles in 24 hours, though some states can take
up to two weeks to return to you a confirmation of your incorporation.
Corporate Extensions will follow up on your filing and forward
to you a certified copy of your filed Articles along with your
Corporate kit.
6. ORDER YOUR COMPLETE CORPORATE OR LLC KIT-----------------------
Proper record keeping is important for the protection of your assets. If any legal action is ever brought against your business, you will need to prove that you are conducting business as a corporation. Your corporate records may be the only way you can do this. We will provide you with a personalized volume of your corporate or LLC documents, which includes:
You can order your customized kit at the bottom of your Company Information Form, or, if you have any questions, you can call us and order by fax, by mail or over the phone.
7. HOLD THE APPROPRIATE MEETINGS-------------------------------------------
After
your Articles of Incorporation have been filed by Corporate Extensions,
your company should hold the first Board of Directors meeting
during which the directors and officers are appointed or elected,
bylaws are adopted, and other corporate business is addressed.
For further information regarding these proceedings, go back to
our questions page or call us at (800) 474-6340 to speak to one
of our Corporate Specialists.
