How to Incorporate a Business in Delaware

Posted by American Ltd on Apr 29, 2024 8:00:00 AM

When it comes to incorporating your business, choosing the right state can make a significant difference.

Delaware stands out as a preferred destination for business incorporation, offering a range of advantages that attract entrepreneurs from across the globe.

Let's explore why Delaware is a top choice and the steps involved in incorporating your business in the First State.

Top Reasons for Incorporating in Delaware:

General Corporation Law: Delaware's General Corporation Law is considered the gold standard for corporate law. Its clarity, flexibility, and business-friendly provisions make it the preferred choice for corporations.

Business-Oriented Legislature: Delaware's legislature is renowned for its expertise in corporate law. The state regularly updates its statutes to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses, ensuring a favorable regulatory environment.

Court System: Delaware boasts a specialized Chancery Court dedicated to handling corporate matters. With expert judges and a streamlined process, the court provides efficient resolution of corporate disputes, enhancing business confidence.

Case Law: Delaware's extensive body of corporate case law provides valuable precedents for corporate officials and legal counsel. The state's rich legal history offers clarity and guidance on a wide range of corporate issues.

Division of Corporations: Delaware's Division of Corporations is known for its efficiency and responsiveness. With expedited filing options and a commitment to customer service, the division facilitates smooth incorporation processes.

 

Steps to Take When Incorporating Your Business in Delaware:

Choose a Name: Select a unique and memorable name for your business that complies with Delaware's naming requirements.

Appoint Directors/Managers: Determine the individuals who will serve as directors or managers of your corporation or LLC.

Obtain a Registered Agent: Designate a registered agent with a physical address in Delaware to receive legal notifications on behalf of your business.

File Incorporation Paperwork: Prepare and file the necessary documents, such as the Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Formation, with the Delaware Department of State.

Review Annual Report and Franchise Tax Requirements: Understand the ongoing reporting and tax obligations for corporations and LLCs in Delaware.

Obtain Required Licenses and Permits: Ensure compliance with state and local licensing requirements for your business activities.

Complete Other Regulatory Obligations: Address additional regulatory requirements, such as obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and opening a business bank account.

Consider Additional Start-Up Considerations: Depending on your business's structure and operations, address additional considerations such as real estate requirements, vendor contracts, and professional licensing.

Incorporate with American Incorporators:

Let American Incorporators help your business get up and running as a viable corporation or limited liability company (LLC). All of our services are available in all 50 states + DC. We are here to help your business from its inception and as it continues to grow and change over time.

American Incorporators Offers:

What else do we offer?

Our time, our commitment, and most of all, a level of personal concern for your incorporation order – or any other service you buy from us. We'll make sure everything is delivered in a professional and timely fashion. (If it isn't, we want to hear about it so we can rectify the situation.)

Call us at 800.441.5940 or chat online if you have any questions. We're here to help.

Topics: Tips & Tricks, Delaware, Entrepreneur

Top 5 Reasons to Incorporate in Delaware

Posted by American Ltd on Aug 18, 2015 8:30:00 AM


State of Delaware Offers a Unique Climate for Business Formation

reasons to incorporate in Delaware questions about incorporating answers

More than a million business entities have been formed in Delaware, and over 50% of publicly traded companies make their legal home in Delaware (including nearly 65% of the current Fortune 500 companies). But why is Delaware so popular? Most business experts point to Delaware’s long-standing pro-business climate.

 

 


Why  Delaware?

  1. The state formation fees are reasonable ($89 for corporations and $90 for LLCs) and companies are formed within 24 hrs (in most cases) without paying additional expediting fees when you use American Incorporators Ltd to prepare and file your document.
  1. Delaware corporate law is well established (enacted in 1899) and reviewed annually so that the most current, advanced ideas in corporate law can be added.
  1. The Delaware Court of Chancery, a special business-only court of expert judges, hears and decides cases quickly and fairly, referencing a case law history over 100 years old. 
  1. The Delaware formation documents require only a general purpose (specific business activity description is not needed); one person can hold all offices (corporation) or can be the sole member (LLC) and does not need to be named on the document.
  1. Financial benefits - no state income tax and no business license required if not located in Delaware; no inheritance tax on stock held by non-residents. Many venture capitalists and angel investors prefer investing in Delaware-based corporations.

  Are you thinking of forming a business? 

Find the answers to all of your major incorporation questions in our new eBook

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Topics: Delaware, c corp, Reasons to Incorporate in Delaware

Delaware Corporation Annual Franchise Tax Update

Posted by Samantha Miller on Feb 26, 2014 2:21:00 PM

describe the imageThe Annual Franchise Tax for Delaware Corporations is due Saturday, March 1, 2014. Any payments received after Saturday, March 1 will be subject to a late fee, as assesed by the State of Delaware. 

In order to help you file your Annual Report on time, American Incorporators Ltd. will be staying open until 6 PM EST through February 28. 

The State of Delaware will be open on Saturday, March 1, 2014 from 8 AM - 4:30 PM. To contact them directly, you can call 302-739-3077. You can pay your Annual Franchise Tax to the State of Delaware online at www.corp.delaware.gov through the end of the day on March 1.

If you need to pay both your Registered Agent fee and your Annual Franchise Tax, you can pay here until 11 PM EST on Saturday, March 1, 2014. Only use this link if you need to pay both fees.

We will not be available by online chat during any time between 5:30 PM February 28 and 8:30 AM March 3, 2014. Please do not leave any messages regarding your tax in the chat, as we will not be able to answer them until after the tax is due. 

Topics: Business Maintenance, Delaware

Reminder : Delaware Corporation Annual Tax Due March 1

Posted by Samantha Miller on Feb 19, 2014 2:38:00 PM

describe the imageThis reminder is for Delaware Corporations only.

 Your Annual Franchise Tax fee of $150 is due to the State of Delaware on or before March 1, 2014. The fee may be higher depending on your company’s number of shares. This fee is paid in arrears for the preceding year, meaning that in 2014, you are paying your tax for the year of 2013. The fee is required to be paid by all Delaware Corporations regardless of company income.  If your fee is not paid on or before March 1, 2014, a late fee along with a 1.5% monthly interest will be assessed by the State of Delaware and your company may fall out of Good Standing.

If you use American Incorporators as your Registered Agent in the State of Delaware, you will be receiving additional reminders including instructions via e-mail and postal mail. American Incorporators also offers a filing service. If you have any questions about how to pay your tax, would like to use our filing service, or are interested in checking the status of your company, please call 800.421.2661. 

* Ask About Our New Compliance Package Services! *

Topics: Reminders, Delaware

Reminder : Delaware LLC Annual Tax Due June 1

Posted by Samantha Miller on May 8, 2013 2:51:00 PM

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This reminder is for Delaware Limited Liability Companies only.

 Your Annual Franchise Tax fee of $250 is due to the State of Delaware on or before June 1, 2013. This fee is paid in arrears for the preceding year, meaning that in 2013, you are paying your tax for the year of 2012. The $250 is a flat fee required to be paid by all limited liability companies regardless of company income.  If your fee is not paid on or before June 1, 2013, a late fee along with a 1.5% monthly interest will be assessed by the State of Delaware.

 If you use American Incorporators as your Registered Agent in the State of Delaware, you will be receiving additional reminders including instructions via e-mail and postal mail. If you have any questions about how to pay your tax, or are interested in checking the status of your company, please call 800.421.2661. 

Topics: Limited Liability Companies, Reminders, Delaware