Online Incorporation MaxBlog

If you’re incorporating your business, chances are you’ve heard you will need “articles of incorporation”. Though it may sound like a complicated set of documents, it is actually the initial document that sets forth the information about a corporation that is required by the laws of the state in which you are forming your corporation.

Articles of incorporation are sometimes also called the certificate of incorporation or charter - in fact, these 3 terms are often used interchangeably. Bear in mind that some of that information will be included in the public record.

So, if you are forming a corporation in California for example, you’ll need to submit the information required for California articles of incorporation. Here you can learn more about the specifics for incorporating in California, including articles of incorporation.

Deciding on the entity type for your newly formed business is a time-consuming task. Researching the pros and cons of each business entity can involve hours of Internet searches and consulting with attorneys and accountants. To find a simple comparison of common business entities available, check out this simple chart found at the online incorporation Knowledge Center at MaxFilings.

The entity comparison chart provides side-by-side comparisons of sole proprietorships, limited partnerships, C corporations, S Corporations, and Limited Liability Companies. Each of these entities is compared and contrasted according to different situations, such as transfer of ownership, management decisions, and the raising of capital. In addition, the Knowledge Center at MaxFilings provides more detailed information on each type of business entity to aid in your decision.

The business entity comparison chart is only an informational resource. You should always consult with a professional before making any final decisions. Once an entity type has been decided, incorporate your business online at your convenience at MaxFilings online incorporation service.

Articles of Incorporation

Also known as “Charter” or “Certificate of Incorporation” in some states. The Article of Incorporation is the legal document that is filed with The Secretary of State (state agency) to start the corporation.

Shareholder

Person who owns shares of a company’s stock. In small corporations, shareholders are officers and directors of the corporations.

Board of Directors

The board of directors oversees major corporate decisions and elects the officers.

Officers

Elected by the board of directors. Officers include president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.

Registered Agent

Also known as “resident agent” in some states; person or incorporation company that is designated by the corporation to receive tax and legal documents on behalf of the corporation. Failure to maintain a Registered Agent in the jurisdiction where the corporation is registered may result in the forfeiture of the corporate status.

Bylaws

Rules and regulations that govern the structure and operation of the corporation.

Pondering a corporate name change? Don’t modify those articles of incorporation just yet. There’s another way to change the name of your business without a corporate name change. This alternative is often overlooked and is as simple as modifying or renewing your business license.

Depending on the rules of your state incorporation office and those of the licensing city or county, changing the operational name of your business may be as simple as using a DBA, alternative business name. Take a look at your business license application or business license. If you see a line for DBA or Doing Business As following the line for Business Name, you may be able to place your DBA under your corporate veil. Contact your local business licensing office to find out if you can use a DBA and about other documentation that may be required. MaxFilings can also help you save time and money by filing your DBA for you.

Dont forget to visit the MaxFilings Knowledge Center for more incorporation information online.

Are you considering changing the name of your business? Be sure to the check the corporate name change rules and regulations in your state. In many states, a corporate name change requires the submission of new/revised articles of incorporation, a copy of meeting minutes and the board vote and additional fees.

Additionally, you may be required to publish notification of your corporate name change in your countys legal organ (newspaper). State corporate name change requirements may dictate that the notification run in the newspapers legal section from two weeks to a month. Your county newspaper also may require a modest fee for publishing your notification of corporate name change.

You can learn more about the rules and regulations of operating a corporation in the MaxFilings Incorporation Knowledge Center.