When you start a Corporation in Michigan, you’ll need to register it with your official business name. So, your first order of business is to choose a unique, memorable, and relevant name for your new business in the state of Michigan.

Also, follow the naming convention and guidelines for Corporations in Michigan. You may need to use terms like Corporation, Incorporated, Limited, Co., Corp., etc. Additionally, check the state database to check for name availability.

Many times, it takes new entrepreneurs a while to get started with the business registration process. This means that there may be a delay between when you choose your business name and when you file your Michigan Articles of Incorporation.

In such cases, you can reserve your business name for 180 days (six months) by paying a nominal fee of $10. Unlike most other states, Michigan allows you to reserve the name again once the initial reservation period ends in six months.

A registered agent is an individual or organization responsible for receiving all legal and business correspondence on behalf of your company. They’ll pass all important legal documents to you and notify you of any upcoming compliance deadlines.

That’s why the next step in this guide to starting a Corporation in Michigan is to find and hire a registered agent for your business. The agent you appoint should have a physical address in Michigan, which is where your documents will be sent.

To officially register your company, you need to file the Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State for Michigan. You can do this online through their website or send the documents via mail or submit them in person at the concerned office.

You need to pay a state filing fee of $10. And if you want to expedite the process you can pay $50 for 24-hour processing, $100 for same-day processing, $500 for 2-hour processing, and $1,000 for 1-hour processing of your application.

Just like other states, Michigan also requires corporations to appoint a board of directors. In fact, you need at least one director to sign the Articles of Incorporation when you register your business with the Secretary of State.

The directors of a Corporation are responsible for making important decisions for the company. They can choose to manage the day-to-day operations of the company or appoint corporate officers and managers to take care of the operations.

The Board of Directors of a Michigan Corporation is responsible for drafting corporate bylaws for the company. This is a document that lays down the guidelines for how the company will be run and how decisions will be made.

The corporate bylaws also contain information on the company’s purpose, management structure, procedure for holding shareholder and board meetings, and other important information pertinent to the business and its operations.

The first board meeting is extremely important for any Corporation, whether in Michigan or any other state. This is when the directors meet for the first time to make important business decisions that affect the strategic direction of the company.

During the initial meeting, directors will appoint officers, discuss each director’s roles and responsibilities, issue share certificates, etc. You need to take detailed minutes of this meeting to keep a record of everything that was discussed.

A C-Corporation can issue various classes of stock to its shareholders, unlike an S-Corporation, which is allowed to issue only one class of stock. Some of these stocks may offer voting rights to shareholders while others may not.

When you incorporate in Michigan, you need to authorize shares and provide the details for the same in your Articles of Incorporation. If you issue more authorized shares than allotted, you will need to pay an additional fee of $50-$1,000.

Any business that intends to hire employees, must have an Employer Identification Number. Also known as a Tax ID, this identification number is used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify your business for tax purposes.

You will also need an EIN to open a bank account for your business. Sometimes banks and investors also ask for this number before they give you a loan or invest in your Michigan business in any capacity. So, acquire one as soon as you can.

If you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, you would know the importance of keeping your personal and business finances separate. Opening a separate business bank account, therefore, is not an option, but a necessity for any business.

While it’s not exactly a requirement for incorporating your business, you should do this as part of your business formation process. The sooner you start a business bank account the better it is, as you can start tracking expenses from day one.

To run a business in any state, you will need some licenses and permits at the federal, state, and local levels. The number and type of business licenses you’ll need will vary depending on your type of business, industry, and area of operation.

Some businesses may just require a general business license, while others may need occupational or professional licenses. Some businesses also need food permits, health permits, etc. Find out the requirements and get these.

A website is where potential customers go to find information about your business. A website is the face of your business and can either drive leads and turn them into customers or cause prospects to leave and never come back again.

That’s why you must have a well-designed, SEO-friendly, and user-friendly business website. Use a good website design and marketing solution to ensure that your site is easy to navigate, aesthetically pleasing, and optimized for search engines.

Here’s what you’ll get with the free plan:

• Business name search: You can use the free name check tool to search for the availability of your chosen business name for use within the state.

• Complimentary registered agent services: You get one year of registered agent services from a Michigan registered agent, completely free of charge.

• Articles of Incorporation: Inc Authority will help you prepare and file your application to form a Corporation in Michigan, completely free of charge.

• S-Corporation election: If you want to get the S-Corp tax status to get more tax benefits, then Inc Authority can help you file Form 2553.

• Quick tax consultation: You get a brief consultation with a tax expert who’ll help you save money of federal and state taxes, as much as possible.

• Online document management: When you sign up for any plan, you get the option to store your documents online and maintain online corporate records.

• Business funding needs analysis: Inc Authority will assign you an expert who’ll analyze your short-term funding needs and offer sources of funding.

Price: Free

To register your new business, you will need a unique business name that is not used by any other business within the state. You can search the state database to find out of your selected name is available for use within North Carolina.

Also, ensure that your chosen name follows the North Carolina naming conventions for C-Corps. Your business name, for example, should include a term like corporation, incorporated, inc, and a few others to mark your business as a C-Corp.

If you foresee a delay between name selection and business registration, then you can reserve your corporate name for a period of 120 days. This will ensure that no other business can take your reserved name for that period of time.

You will need to file an application with the North Carolina Secretary of State to reserve your corporate name, which you can file online or via mail. For this, you will need to pay a one-time filing fee of $30, which is non-refundable.

While not all states require a Corporation to have a registered agent, North Carolina does. You must have a designated registered agent for your company and must provide their contact information to the Secretary of State’s office.

The job of a registered agent is to receive legal documents and notices on behalf of your business and forward them to you. A registered agent can be an individual or business, in the state of North Carolina, that accepts the responsibility.

Preparing and filing the Articles of Incorporation will register your business with the state and formally create your Corporation. You can file this application online from the official website or using the services of an agency like Inc Authority.

You can also download the application, fill it out manually, and submit it via mail or in person. In any case, you will need to pay a nominal state fee of $125 along with the application to get your North Carolina Corporation officially registered.

Every C-Corporation must have one or more directors who will be the key decision-makers for the business. These initial directors will be responsible for creating bylaws and setting the strategic direction for the business.

Given that you need to provide the information about directors in the Articles of Incorporation, you should appoint them as soon as possible. This will also ensure that you don’t need to make amendments to the formation documents later.

One key responsibility of your chosen board of directors is to craft corporate bylaws for your business. This is an official document that lists down all the rules and regulations of how the Corporation will be run and business decisions will be made.

Typically, shareholders create these bylaws during the first board meeting. The bylaws must cover all essential guidelines from how a conflict will be resolved among shareholders to who will be responsible for which tasks.

One of the most important steps in the process of starting a new Corporation is holding that first board meeting. Due to the formal structure of a C-Corp, this is a mandatory task, one that needs to be recorded using meeting minutes.

At the first meeting, all the directors come together to discuss the strategic direction the business will take. This is when corporate bylaws are formed and officers are appointed to run and manage the day-to-day operations of the new business.

A C-Corporation in North Carolina is allowed to issue various classes of stock, unlike S-Corporations, which are allowed only one. But when you first register your business, you may not have planned far ahead to think about all the stock you’ll issue.

But during your first board meeting, you need to issue some shares to shareholders, in proportion to their contributions. While it’s not mandatory to issue physical stock certificates, it is a good practice to present shareholders with these.

An EIN is a must-have for every Corporation in North Carolina as it is used for a wide variety of business purposes. First and foremost, you’ll need an EIN to hire employees and pay their salaries. You also need it to pay taxes for your business.

The IRS uses an EIN to identify businesses for tax purposes and track their tax payments. Moreover, you will also need an EIN to open a business bank account, as it is one of the required documents that banks ask for when opening an account.

Every business requires certain licenses and permits to start operating in a state or county and you will too. These requirements vary depending on your industry, type of business, and the location where you want to operate your business.

Find out what permits your business will need and acquire them. North Carolina doesn’t have a generic business license and has a list of over 700 occupational and state-issued licenses, so make sure you’re thorough in your research.

To be successful in this digital age, you must have an online presence and a website is the perfect way to do that. Your website acts as the main source of information about your business for your potential customers and other stakeholders.

To launch your business website, you’ll need a web domain that matches your chosen business name. Choose a good website design and marketing solution to ensure your site is user-friendly and easy to navigate by your potential customers.

By now, you’ve completed all requirements for starting and running a North Carolina Corporation. But your job doesn’t end here, as you also need to follow ongoing requirements and North Carolina law to stay in good standing with the state.

This means you need to pay all application taxes on time, file an annual report before the due date, and meet other compliance requirements. Any change in registered agent or business information also needs to be communicated in a timely manner.

Here’s what you’ll get with the free plan:

• Corporate name search: Using a simple search bar on its website, you can check whether your chosen company name is available for use.

• 1-year registered agent services: You get complimentary registered agent services for one year, after which you can upgrade to the paid service.

• C-Corp registration: Experts at Inc Authority will prepare and file Articles of Incorporation to get your new company registered with the state.

• S-Corporation election: Inc Authority will fill out and file Form 2553 of the Internal Revenue Service to get you the special S-Corp tax status.

• Quick tax consultation: With the free plan, you get a brief tax consultation with an expert who’ll guide you through the process and help save on taxes.

• Online document management: You can create an Inc Authority account and get free online storage for managing all your business documents.

• Business funding needs analysis: An expert will analyze your current and future business funding needs and offer you various sources of funding.

Price: Free

First off, choose a unique and representative name for your C-Corp in Ohio. Conduct a search on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website to check if anyone else is using it. Alternatively, you can use Inc Authority’s ‘business name check’ service for free.

In addition, pick a name that is easy to pronounce and remember by customers. You can also check if a matching domain name is available for your business website. To secure the name, file a name reservation application to reserve it for 180 days.

The law mandates that every C-Corp in Ohio must have a registered agent. The RA serves as a Corporation’s official point of contact for receiving legal documents, such as tax notices, legal summons and lawsuits, and other major communications.

Many companies offer registered agent services for a fee, typically ranging from $99 to $249 per year. But Inc Authority provides free registered agent services for the first year with all plans. This is a cost-saving option that is great for new businesses.

The next step for starting a C-Corp in Ohio is to appoint directors or managers, depending on your entity type. Identify individuals with the relevant qualifications and expertise, hold a meeting to accept their positions, and establish corporate bylaws. 

The board’s ongoing responsibilities include decision-making, strategic planning, and ensuring compliance. Seek guidance to ensure compliance with Ohio business regulations and to structure the board effectively for the Corporation’s needs.

With a registered agent and at least one director in place, it’s time to register your C-Corp in Ohio. To do so, you must file the Articles of Incorporation by paying a filing fee of $99. The application can be submitted online, via mail, or in-person.

Upon processing, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation, confirming your C-Corp’s legal existence. Depending on your business, additional agreements and bylaws may be necessary. Fortunately, Inc Authority handles all the tiring paperwork for you.

The next step to get your C-Corp in Ohio up and running is to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or tax ID number. The easiest way to do this is through the online application process provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The application typically requires information about your C-Corp, such as its legal name, address, and the responsible party’s details. Once you have your EIN, you can proceed with important tasks like hiring employees, opening bank accounts, etc.

Now’s the time to set up a corporate bank account. For this, you need to submit your formation documents and EIN to the bank. In addition, specific licenses and permits may be required by the state based on your type of business and industry.

All of this might seem a bit cumbersome. To make things simple, you can always seek help from Inc Authority. Their experienced team will provide expert consultation to assist you in understanding and fulfilling your business’s licensing requirements.

Issue stock to shareholders in exchange for their capital contributions, whether it’s cash, property, or services. You may also need to obtain shareholder approval if required. For a C-Corp in Ohio, both par value or no par value shares are available as options.

Certain sales in Ohio are exempt from registration requirements. These exemptions include intrastate sales to a few Ohio residents and sales that meet the criteria for the federal private offering exemption. To know more, consult Ohio’s Division of Securities.

Maintaining compliance with the state’s regulations is crucial to keep your C-Corp in Ohio in good books. This includes filing an annual report with the Ohio Secretary of State, maintaining corporate records, and conducting shareholder meetings.

Additionally, make necessary changes and amendments to keep records up to date. Otherwise, your business could face penalties in the form of fines. Consider seeking guidance from Inc Authority to remain compliant, and foster long-term success.

Georgia business owners should choose a unique name for their C-Corp. You can check the availability of your preferred business name by searching Georgia’s C-Corp business name database. You can also reserve your name online for 30 days.

As per Georgia law, the name shouldn’t be longer than 80 characters and must end with the terms “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Limited,” “Company,” or their abbreviations. It must also not include restricted words that can confuse the public like “FBI” or “CIA.”

To legally create your Corporation in Georgia, you must prepare and file Articles of Incorporation with the Georgia secretary of state.

Your Articles of Incorporation must include the name of your C-Corp in Georgia, the total number of shares the Corporation will issue, the name and address of the incorporator, the name and address of your Registered Agent, and the address of your principal office.

Georgia law requires all Corporations to appoint a Registered Agent for the organization. The Registered Agent receives official legal documents and correspondence from the state and other bodies. They’re also responsible for filing compliance reports with the state. 

The Registered Agent must have a physical address in the state and be available during regular business hours to receive important business documents. You can be your own Registered Agent or seek a dedicated Georgia Registered Agent service like Inc Authority.

Though you’re not required by the state corporations division to do so, it’s advisable to create the corporate bylaws for your C-Corp in Georgia. This is an internal document kept at the C-Corp’s main office that sets the basic rules for running the organization. 

Your corporate bylaws should touch on issues such as the number of directors, the responsibilities of the different offices, and when to hold annual meetings. Well-defined corporate bylaws show banks, creditors, and investors that your C-Corp is legitimate. 

C-Corporations in Georgia are required by law to have at least one director. The person signing the Articles of Incorporation must appoint the initial directors to serve on the board until the first annual meeting when the shareholders will elect new board members.

The board directors should be at least 18 years old. The corporate bylaws will state how many directors the Georgia Corporation will have. The directors do not have to be Georgia residents or shareholders in the C-Corp unless stated in the corporate bylaws.

For you to launch and operate your C-Corp in Georgia smoothly, you’ll need to draft a shareholder agreement. This is an agreement between the C-Corp owners that outlines the legal structure for making crucial decisions and the obligations of all shareholders. 

The shareholder agreement also establishes the total number of shares issued and their fair price. It also sets clear directives on how outsiders can become shareholders in the company as well as stating the payment details in the event the C-Corp is put for sale.

Issue stock certificates to all the shareholders of your C-Corp in Georgia for their capital contribution to the organization. Shareholders can contribute property, services, cash, or a combination of these three in exchange for partial ownership in the organization. 

Enter the name, address, and contact information of the shareholder in the stock transfer ledger. Georgia doesn’t require C-Corps to set a par value for their stock. As such, you need to specify the par value of your shares in your Articles of Incorporation.

All Corporations in Georgia should apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. The EIN is a unique nine-digit number that identifies the Corporation as a business entity. It’s used for tax purposes and opening a Corporate bank account. 

C-Corps in Georgia pay corporate income tax at the rate of 6% and must file returns at the state and federal levels. Additionally, Georgia Corporations are required to pay the net worth tax. The shareholders of the Corporation also pay taxes on their earnings, resulting in double taxation.

Your C-Corp in Georgia may need certain permits and licenses based on your industry to operate legally in the state. Find out from the state department which licenses are mandatory for your Corporation and apply for them in advance.

Examples of permits Georgia Corporations need include a zoning permit, occupation permit, liquor license, and health permit. Considering how difficult it is to acquire these licenses, working with a professional service like Inc Authority will help you save time.

Within 90 days of establishing your C-Corp in Georgia, you must submit your initial annual registration report to the state department. The report provides the current record of your C-Corp’s management structure, mailing address, and Registered Agent. 

In the report, you must list the three key principal officers of the Corporation, i.e. CEO, Secretary, and CFO. It must also include a notice of your intention to form a C-Corp in Georgia in a local newspaper. There’s a fine of $250 when you don’t submit this report.

Inc Authority’s free plan is full of amazing features to help you launch your C-Corp in Georgia with ease. It provides the following services at $0 processing fee + state fees:

• Business name check
• Free Georgia Registered Agent service for one year
• Digital document storage and delivery
• Tax planning consultation
• Preparation and filing
• 24/7 Inc care support
• Business credit and funding analysis

Price: Free

The Starter Business Bundle provides the following features to entrepreneurs who want to start a C-Corp in Georgia. 

• Everything in the free plan
• Complete corporate bylaws
• Initial meeting minutes and resolutions 
• EIN/federal tax ID number 
• Annual compliance notifications
• Web domain & email addresses

Price: Custom

The Fast Track package has premium features to help entrepreneurs run and manage their C-Corp in Georgia. Its features include:

• Everything in the Starter Business bundle
• INC Success Advisor Package 
• Private banking specialist 
• Personalized business advice
• Expedited filing

Price: Custom

The name you choose for your C-Corporation must be distinct from any other companies in Illinois. It should also contain the word “Corporation,” “Company,” “Incorporated,” “Limited,” or abbreviations of each. 

You should conduct a business name search to find out if your name is unique or not.

You can do so using the Business Services name database on your state website, or you can have Inc Authority provide the service for free. You can also reserve your name with the Illinois Secretary of State for 90 days at an extra fee of $25.

You’ll need to appoint a Registered Agent to receive official notices on behalf of your Corporation. A Registered Agent may be an Illinois resident or a domestic or foreign organization that’s authorized to conduct business in Illinois.

If your Registered Agent is a C-Corporation, its corporate bylaws need to stipulate that it can take on agent roles. Your Registered Agent must also agree to receive any legal documentation on your behalf. 

An incorporator is a person or entity that officially signs and fills out your Illinois C-Corp’s Articles of Incorporation. They also get to appoint your initial corporate directors. They will need to include their names and addresses in your Articles of Incorporation.

Your incorporator can be an individual or a C-Corporation. They do not have to be a director, corporate officer, or employee of your C-Corporation.

To form your C-Corp in Illinois, you need to file Articles of Incorporation with the Department of Business Services. You can do so online or send it by mail. This costs $150 plus $4 for online processing.

You can also get expedited formation services for $250 if you want your documents to be processed in 24 hours. 

Your Articles of Incorporation should contain your business name, Registered Agent details, share structure, member details, and more.

Corporate bylaws are an internal rule book that set the tone for how your business will be operated. These bylaws include items such as shareholder responsibility and profit sharing. The state of Illinois does not require your C-Corp to have them, but it’s important that you do so.

Corporate bylaws help improve your business’s credibility in the eyes of your banks, creditors, and the IRS. With Inc Authority’s premium plans, you can get samples of corporate bylaws to help get you started.

Businesses in Illinois need to include the purpose of their C-Corp in the Articles of Incorporation. For the most part, you can just state a general purpose for your business. This way, you can always expand your Corporation to venture into other fields and industries.

This is, however, different for professional C-Corporations, like medicine. For these, you’ll need to state your specific purpose. That said, professional businesses in Illinois are not eligible for online incorporation.

When filing your Articles of Incorporation, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is to decide how shares are going to be structured in your Corporation. These decisions include class and series of shares and the number of shares that can be issued.

When authorizing company shares, you’ll specify the rights that come with each class, e.g. voting rights. You’ll also state any preferences, conditions, restrictions, limitations, or special rights that come with those shares.

Besides signing the Articles of Incorporation, your incorporator is also responsible for choosing the first members of your board of directors. These members serve until the first annual board meeting is held, where the shareholders elect a new board.

At your first board meeting, these directors choose your corporate officers, like your CEO, CFO, etc. They also make rules, grant permission to issue shares, choose an official stock certificate form, etc.

The Employer Identification Number (EIN), also called the Federal Tax Identification Number, is used to identify a business organization. It acts as a social security number for your business entity.

Some of the reasons your business will be needing an EIN include setting up a bank account for your business and to present your federal and state tax. You also need your EIN to be able to employ people.

It’s important to separate your personal finances from your Illinois C-Corp’s finances. A corporate bank account also helps you quickly accept payments, pay bills, and save money.

To open a business bank account in Illinois, you need to provide a few details. As mentioned earlier, you’ll need your company EIN and a copy of your Illinois C-Corp’s Articles of Incorporation.

Every year, Corporations are required to submit an annual report and state franchise tax form to the state of Illinois. In addition to this, the state imposes a tax on the net profits of Corporations as well as a “personal property replacement tax.”

Here are some services Inc Authority offers for free. 

• Business name check: This helps check the availability of the Illinois C-Corp business name you want to use.

• Business formation: Inc Authority submits the Articles of Incorporation for your Illinois C-Corp to the Secretary of State on your behalf. 

• Registered Agent services: You get Inc Authority as your Registered Agent for free for one year. 

• Storage of digital documents: This lets you keep digital versions of your business papers such as corporate bylaws, annual reports online.   

• Tax advice: Inc Authority assigns you a tax consultant to help build the ideal tax structure and save on taxes.

Business funding analysis: Your funding requirements will be evaluated by specialists, who will also recommend reliable sources of finance.

The Starter package provides the following features for an extra cost.

• Corporate bylaws: You will have access to templates that will help you draft extensive bylaws for your Illinois C-Corp.

• Stock certificate: Inc Authority offers templates for the creation of stock certificates to issue to shareholders. 

• Employer Identification Number: Applying for an EIN for your C-Corp can be difficult, and Inc Authority provides the service on the Starter plan. 

• Corporate forms and documents: To set up and maintain C-Corps, you’ll need different business documents that this feature provides. 

• Annual compliance notifications: Inc Authority notifies you of future deadlines and requirements for your company’s compliance annually. 

• Advanced tax consultation: This entails a more in-depth analysis of the tax requirements that your business must meet to get the best possible tax savings. 

• Web domain and email addresses: You get one business domain and five professional email addresses for your Illinois C-Corp.

Price: Custom

This premium package has features that are also available as add-ons if you want to include them in your Starter package. Here are the features.

• Customer success advisor: This feature gives you access to a dedicated customer success manager who will walk you through the process of forming your Illinois Corporation. 
• Private banking specialist: The specialist will help you identify the most suitable banking solutions and checking accounts for your Illinois C-Corp.

• Personalized business advice: This feature ensures you get business advice tailored to your personal success.
• Expedited filing: You’ll get priority filing with Fast Track especially if you’re under pressure to launch your business quickly. 

Price: Custom

• Federal trademark: Inc Authority helps you conduct a comprehensive trademark search and file your trademark application.

• Business plan: You’ll get a specialized advisor who will learn about your objectives and then develop a strategy to achieve them.

• Business credit: Inc Authority provides a credit coach who will work with you to help you build or repair your credit.

• Revocable living trust: Transferring your assets, especially estates, into a revocable living trust might be confusing, but the experts at Inc Authority help with this.

• Business funding: To help businesses gain funding, Inc Authority provides advice on how to meet requirements before applying for money.

• Website and marketing: You’ll get a unique and engaging website, a logo, business cards, and search engine-friendly content.

Price: Custom

Choose a business name that is unique, memorable, and easy to spell. Your corporate name should also be relevant to your business or industry and represent your business well. Do your research and make a list of relevant names.

Next, conduct a search on the state database to ensure that no other Pennsylvania business has taken your chosen name. This step will filter out most of the names you’ve shortlisted and you can choose the best name from the remaining options.

Once you have finalized your business name, it’s important to reserve it with the state authorities to ensure no one else can use it. This is especially important if you anticipate a delay in starting your Pennsylvania incorporation process.

Pennsylvania is one of the states that allow businesses to reserve a name for a generous 120-day period. You need to pay a filing fee of $70 and submit the application to the Department of State through your preferred channel.

Unlike many other states, Pennsylvania does not require you to hire a registered agent and provide their details during the registration process. As such, it does require a physical street address for your business in Pennsylvania.

If you don’t have one, you can either hire a registered agent or a Commercial Registered Office Provider (CROP). The designated agent will receive all legal documents and other business correspondence on behalf of your business.

To officially register your C-Corp in Pennsylvania, you need to prepare and file Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State. You will need to pay a non-refundable filing fee of $120 to submit your application and register your business.

You will also need to submit a docketing statement, apart from the Pennsylvania Articles of Incorporation. For both, you’ll have to provide essential business information, such as name and location of the business, and shareholder information.

Every business requires certain rules of governance and Corporate Bylaws provide that for C-Corporations in Pennsylvania. It’s a document that lays down the internal rules for how your business will be governed and how decisions will be made.

Bylaws also define shareholders’ rights and responsibilities, and ownership details. Though you’re not legally required to create Corporate Bylaws, it’s a good practice to have these. This document will be useful in case of any future conflict.

C-Corps in Pennsylvania are required to appoint a board of directors who will be in charge of overseeing the business. Before you hold your first board meeting, you need to appoint initial directors who will oversee things till the meeting.

During the meeting, the shareholders will vote and elect the final board of directors, for the next term. These directors may not necessarily be shareholders of the company or Pennsylvania resident, but should be adults over 18 years of age.

The first board of any Corporation is extremely important as this is where the directors will make a lot of strategic decisions. They’ll appoint corporate officers who will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of the business.

At the first meeting, you’ll also need to adopt bylaws, issue shares, authorize stock certificates, set a fiscal year for your business, and make other important business decisions. Make sure you record the minutes of the meeting.

A C-Corp in Pennsylvania must issue stock to its shareholders, directly proportional to their contribution to the business. This need not necessarily be a financial contribution, but could also be in the form of real estate or services.

In the state of Pennsylvania, you do not need to mention the stock’s par value at the time of incorporation. This is the minimum rate at which the stock can be sold. Pennsylvania gives you the liberty to decide your stock’s par value later.

To run your C-Corp in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to do several things, such as open a business bank account and pay payroll taxes. You will need a federal EIN (Employer Identification Number) to perform many of these functions.

Just like a social security number identifies an individual, an EIN or Tax ID identifies a business. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses it to track the tax activities and compliance status of the various businesses in the country.

Even after you’ve officially registered your C-Corp in Pennsylvania, you can’t start operations right away. You need to acquire various types of licenses and permits to start operating your business in the state according to the rules.

The permits you may need vary depending on your industry, type of business, and business location. You may need something as generic as business licenses and environmental permits to something specific like a liquor license.

Every business must have an official website in this digital age, as not having one can put you at a disadvantage. After all, your website is the face of your business and the primary source of information about your business, products, & services.

You need to find a domain name that matches your official business name and secure it even before you start the incorporation process. Then, you should start the website building process as it can take several months to complete.

Lastly, you can start operations and run your business in Pennsylvania. Make sure you stay compliant with all ongoing compliance requirements for the state. To keep running your business, you need to remain in good standing with the state.

Some of the major requirements will be related to annual report filings and paying Pennsylvania corporate taxes. Stay up to date with the deadlines for various tasks and fulfil your obligations on time to avoid any penalties.

Here’s what you’ll get with the free plan:

• Business name check: An easy way to check whether your chosen company name is available for use or is already in use by some other business.

• 1-year registered agent services: A complimentary one-year registered agent service, which you can upgrade to a paid one after the term is complete.

• C-Corp formation: A streamlined process for filling out and filing your Articles of Incorporation with the Pennsylvania Department of State.

• Pennsylvania S-Corporation election: Free review, preparation, and filing of Form 2553 of the IRS to get your business the S-Corp status for tax purposes.

• Tax advisory: A quick tax consultation to help you assess your C-Corp’s tax requirements and ways in which you can save some business taxes.

• Digital document storage: The option to store all business documents online to easily organize, share, and access them anytime, anywhere.

• Business funding analysis: A quick consultation with an expert on your short-term funding needs, where they’ll also provide sources of funding.

Price: Free

Here are the additional services you’ll get with this plan:

• Corporate bylaws: Inc Authority not only provides you with templates for corporate bylaws but its team of experts will also help you draft a comprehensive one for your business.
• Corporate Stock certificates: C-Corps in Pennsylvania often issue stock certificates for shareholders denoting their ownership interest in a business. Inc Authority can help you with this.
• Employer Identification Number: With this plan, Inc Authority will help you get a Tax ID number for your C-Corp in Pennsylvania. This includes preparing, reviewing, and filing your application.
• Corporate forms and documents package: With this package, you get a comprehensive set of templates for drafting various kinds of business and legal documents that you may need.
• Annual compliance notifications: A Pennsylvania C-Corp has many annual compliance requirements and Inc Authority can help you by reminding you of these obligations and upcoming deadlines.
• Detailed tax consultation: While you get a brief consultation even with the free plan, with this plan you’ll get detailed guidance on how to plan your taxes and how to maximize your business tax savings. 
• Web domain + 5 business email addresses: Inc Authority will help you secure a web domain matching your business name. You can also get 5 business email addresses for your company.

Price: Custom

Here’s what you’ll get, over and above the services in the Starter plan:

• Customer success advisor: Inc Authority will assign you a dedicated advisor who will not only guide you through the business formation process but even after that. They’ll help you scale and grow your business and make it a success.

• Private banking specialist: Inc Authority will assign you a private banking specialist who will assist you in finding the best business banking solutions. They’ll help you find the right bank and types of accounts for your business.

• Personalized business advisory: Inc Authority doesn’t just help form businesses but also helps them scale and grow. A personal business advisor will help guide you on how to grow your business even after the formation process is over.

• Expedited preparation & filing: One of the most important benefits of going with this plan is that your application will move to the top of the list. Their team will prepare, review, and file your application within the same day.

If you’re looking for high-touch, premium services, then this is the best plan for you. If not, then the free plan covers all the essentials for business formation.