What is a corporation?
A corporation is a legal entity that exists separately from its owners. Creation of a corporation occurs when properly completed articles of incorporation are filed with the correct state authority, and all fees are paid.
What is the difference between an "S" corporation and a "C" corporation?
All corporations start as "C" corporations and are required to pay income tax on taxable income generated by the corporation. A C corporation becomes a S corporation by completing and filing federal form 2553 with the IRS. An S corporation's net income or loss is "passed-through" to the shareholders and are included in their personal tax returns. Because income is NOT taxed at the corporate level, there is no double taxation as with C corporations. Sub-chapter S corporations, as they are also called, are restricted to having fewer than 100 shareholders, who must be individuals (S Corps cannot be owned by other corps) who are not nonresident aliens.
How do I name my corporation?
First, we recommend that you spend some time coming up with a name for your corporation. Although each state has different rules concerning the naming of your corporation, the most common rule is that it must not be deceptively similar to another already formed company. The corporate name must include a suffix. Some examples are "Incorporated", "Inc.", "Company", and "Corp." However, your state may have different suffix requirements.
What are the benefits of incorporating?
The primary advantage of incorporating is to limit your liability to the assets of the corporation only. Usually, shareholders are not liable for the debts or obligations of the corporation. So if your corporation defaults on a loan, unless you haven't personally signed for it, your personal assets won't be in . This is not the case with a sole proprietorship or partnership. Corporations also offer many tax advantages that are not available to sole proprietors.
Some other advantages include:
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A corporation's life is unlimited and is not dependent upon its members. If an owner dies or wishes to sell their interest, the corporation will continue to exist and do business.
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Retirement funds and qualified retirement plans (like 401k) may be set up more easily with a corporation.
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Ownership of a corporation is easily transferable.
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Capital can be raised more easily through the sale of stock.
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A corporation possesses centralized management.
What is a Registered Agent?
Most every state requires that a corporation have a registered agent. That agent must have a physical location in the formation state. The registered agent can typically be any person (usually a resident of the state) or any properly registered company who is available during normal business hours to receive official state documents or service of process (lawsuit).
How many Directors/Shareholders do I need?
Most states allow for one person to act as shareholder, director, and all officer roles.
What is a Federal Tax Identification Number or EIN?
Your corporation is required to have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) also known as your Federal Tax Identification Number so that the IRS can track payroll and income taxes paid by the corporation. But, like a social security number, an EIN is used for most everything the business does. Your bank will require an EIN to open your corporate bank account.
What do I need to do AFTER I incorporate?
You must have your initial shareholder(s) meeting to elect your director(s), if your director(s) haven't been designated in the articles. Then, you must have your initial organizational meeting of your directors. At this meeting, you will need to elect your officers, adopt your company's bylaws, and issue your stock (among other actions).
