Diagram of the business start-up process

CHOOSING THE BEST RESOURCES

You have ideas.  Your skills and know-how can take this to the next level.  You have a business plan.  You’re ready to get started, but now what do you do?  Forming a company is the first step in the formalization of your plan.  You need to be certain you’re doing it the right way.  Therefore, you need a provider who will support you throughout the process. That’s where we come in! After all, CorpCo® has been providing quality company formation services to entrepreneurs, accountants, attorneys, and start-ups for over 25 years.

CorpCo® provides company formation/incorporation and LLC formation services in all 50 US states as well as the District of Columbia. There are several entity types to choose from.  This can make the incorporation process seem complicated and overwhelming.  We’ve gathered as much information as possible and present it here for our clients, beginning with the various entity types.

A corporate business “entity” is a body established by law and existing separate and distinct from the individuals whose contributions make it possible for it to function.

Our clients typically request the following entity types for their company formations: C-Corp, S-Corp, LLC (limited liability company), and Non-Profit (Not-for-Profit) corporation. Prior to selecting a specific entity type CorpCo® urges its clients to fully familiarize themselves with the various business structures.  We’ve put together an overview and FAQs for each of these entity types to help you with this process.

If you aren’t quite sure which entity type is right for you, we suggest that you obtain appropriate advice from an accountant or lawyer.  These professionals can help you to determine the most advantageous business entity for your specific needs.

ONLINE ORDERING

When you have made that determination and are ready to proceed, choose CorpCo® to assist you with the company formation process.  Ordering online has never been easier!  Just choose your state and entity type, then choose a company formation package.  Our Standard Package comes with registered agent services and a corporate kit.  The form will guide you as you go. You can even add other services such as an EIN (Federal Employer ID Number), good standing certificate, or certified copy. After your order is placed, our team of incorporation specialists will be with you every step of the way.  What’s more, when you choose to appoint CorpCo® as your registered agent, we’ll send you annual compliance reminders together with our renewal notifications.

INCORPORATE NOW!

LEARN MORE ABOUT ENTITY TYPES BEFORE ORDERING YOUR COMPANY FORMATION:

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shares of stock should I authorize?

Each state has different guidelines for authorizing stock in your corporation. For Delaware corporations we recommend that you have 1,500 shares of common stock, or less, authorized. This will guarantee you the lowest fees at the time of incorporation and annually. The Delaware Annual Franchise Tax is based on the number of shares authorized, and having 1,500 shares or less authorized, will guarantee that you pay the minimum annual Franchise Tax of $75. For information about other States’ guidelines for stock authorization, please contact our office!

Note: Limited Liability Companies do not authorize/issue stock. Therefore, this information does not apply.

Why do I need a registered agent?

Each Secretary of State’s office requires that a Registered Agent be named when incorporation documents or foreign corporation registration documents are filed.

The Registered Agent must be someone located at a physical address in the state of incorporation or registration (P.O. Boxes and/or Mail Boxes, etc. addresses are NOT acceptable).

The registered agent acts as the official point of contact for the Secretary of State’s office and accepts all official mail (Service of Process, Annual State reports, other State Mail, Certified Mail, etc.)

CorpCo can act as your registered agent in any state. It is extremely important to keep your registered agent informed of any changes to your mailing address or telephone number, to ensure that you can be reached when CorpCo receives official mail or service on your behalf. Appoint CorpCo as your registered agent.

What are the benefits of incorporating my business?

The most common reason someone chooses to incorporate is for personal liability protection. In addition, the benefits of incorporating your business may include: increasing your tax savings, raising capital, the perpetual existence of the corporate structure, and tax-free dividends. Corporations can also simplify estate and family planning.

Note: CorpCo recommends that you check with your attorney or accountant to verify which corporate and/or tax structure is right for you, and to make certain that you are taking advantage of all of the benefits of incorporating your business. Incorporate now.

How do I choose a “corporate ending” for my company name?

Your corporation’s name must have an approved corporate ending in order to be approved by the Secretary of State office. In most States your corporation’s name must include an ending such as: Incorporated, Company, Corporation or Limited. Or, one of the following abbreviations: Co., Corp., Inc. or Ltd. The State of Delaware allows the following corporate endings: Company, Corporation, Club, Association, Incorporated, Fund, Foundation, Institute, Society, Syndicate or Limited, or their appropriate abbreviations. Limited Liability companies most often use “Limited Liability Company”, or LLC or L.L.C. as their corporate endings

Note: There may be restrictions on using company names that include the words, Bank, Trust, University or College.

If I incorporate in Delaware, can I conduct business in other states?

Yes. You can always conduct business in other states regardless of the State you choose to incorporate in. Most states will require a corporation to register there as a foreign corporation if they are not incorporated there directly and are conducting business there. We recommend you contact the Secretary of State’s office in the State(s) you are conducting business in to see if this registration will be necessary. Each state has different rules and requirements, regarding this, and you must contact each state office separately for this information.

If you do need to register your existing corporation to do business in another state(s), CorpCo can assist you with this filing as well!

Register now.

How long will it take for my corporation/LLC to be formed?

Delaware corporations are normally formed within 1-2 business days. You may expect to receive your filed incorporation documents within five to seven (5-7) business days. The turn-around time for corporations or LLCs which are formed in States other than Delaware is slightly longer. You will generally receive your filed documents within two to three (2-3) weeks, when filing in a state other than Delaware. If you need your documents back quicker, you can choose EXPRESS service for an additional $100 (+ state expediting fees, if any). EXPRESS service normally cuts the incorporation processing time in half.

I am ready to incorporate… now what?

If you are ready to incorporate CLICK HERE and begin the process, by filing out our online, secure Incorporation Order Form.. CorpCo will then prepare and process your corporate documents with the State office on your behalf, based on the information in your application. Once filed, your corporate documents will be sent to you for your records.

When is my registered agent fee due each year?

Delaware registered agent service is billed in January each year, when the Delaware annual franchise tax reports are sent out. Non-Delaware registered agent service is usually billed on the anniversary date of your corporations’ filing with the Secretary of State, and normally corresponds with the State’s annual report filing. Renew your registered agent services now by logging in to the client dashboard.

If I incorporate in Delaware will I need a bank account or office address there?

No. Your corporation or LLC does not need to maintain a bank account, or office in Delaware, as long as your corporation or LLC is represented by a registered agent. CorpCo can act as your Delaware registered agent for $119.00 per year.