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The Company Corporation has been helping entrepreneurs incorporate their businesses for over 100 years. They offer soup-to-nuts incorporation services through their Web site, along with helpful, step-by-step advice on getting it done correctly in any state.
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Visit The Company Corporation web site for complete details.
Come up with at least two back-up names in case your first choice is already taken. You must file your corporate name with the Secretary of State in the state where you choose to incorporate. Note that some states may allow you to reserve a name for a nominal fee prior to sending in your documents.
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Check with your local Secretary of State to see if the corporate name you have chosen is still available.
Many business owners choose to incorporate in their own state, but you can choose to incorporate in any of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Some states have more corporate-friendly laws than others-for example, no corporate income tax-so it's worth checking into other states.
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Find out what makes Delaware and Nevada so attractive to so many business owners.
The Secretary of State where you choose to incorporate will provide you with a checklist of items and downloadable forms to complete. If you find the paperwork too time-consuming, think about hiring an outside company or an attorney to handle the details.
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Download an order form and do it yourself, or get help from an incorporation firm, such as MyCorporation.com or 101incorporate.com. To find an attorney, go to FindLaw.
As a corporation, you'll need a Federal Tax Identification Number (also called an Employer Identification Number or EIN) from the IRS. The IRS uses this nine-digit number to identify businesses that are required to file various tax returns.
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Find out who needs a Federal Tax ID Number and how long it takes, then apply online at the IRS website. To find out if you need a State Tax ID Number, check with your state.
Corporations are required to have a board of directors. Board responsibilities include meeting at least once annually, establishing business policies, possibly electing the president of the company, and assuring that the company is operating lawfully. Keep it simple in the beginning, and elect only a few members to your board (including yourself).
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Learn more about the responsibilities of your board of directors at MyCorporation.com.
Bylaws are your official game plan, and are used for running the operations of your corporation. In general, your bylaws will outline the responsibilities of your directors and officers.
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See sample bylaws at FindLaw, and get help writing your bylaws with a corporate bylaw kit.
There comes a time in every company's life when certain steps should be taken to protect the business as well as add credibility to its reputation. No matter what size the company may be, it can benefit from being incorporated. While most business owners and managers are smart about business, they may not be knowledgeable about what it takes to legally incorporate their business. Fortunately, incorporation service companies are available to help you take the necessary steps for business incorporation. Before choosing the right company for your business needs, it's important to research each service companies' reputation and business practices.
Most high quality incorporation service companies are more than happy to assist their clients through every step of the process. You will find many benefits to choosing to incorporate your company. There are vendors, clients, and prospective business partners are more likely to want to work with an incorporated company. Incorporation also protects the business owners from personal liability should the business go under. You will also benefit from the improved tax benefits and increased allowable deductible expenses you are allowed to take before salaries are given to the owners.
For more information on company incorporation, visit the resources listed on the left.