Incorporating or Forming an LLC for the First Time?

Posted by American Ltd on Jul 17, 2019 9:28:48 AM

Answers to Your Questions

Incorporating or forming an LLC for the first time American Incorporators Questions Answers business formation

The incorporation process can seem confusing and scary to a first time entrepreneur. What to name your venture, where to incorporate, and whether to form an LLC or corporation are just a few of the many questions that arise before you even begin the process. However, incorporating does not have to be intimidating. 

In reality, assuming you have taken the time to consider and evaluate all of your options, it should be a relatively quick and painless process. On the other hand, putting off this process can have dire consequences; from making it hard to open a bank account, to leaving your personal assets open to a liability suit, to limiting your access to investors. So don’t delay – please continue reading to find out how easy and painless the process can be!

Choosing a Name:

There are numerous places to learn about naming your entity – with everything from name reservations to trademark searches.  Read more about the process: 5 Tips on Naming a Business

LLC or Corporation?:

Likewise there are numerous sites and articles devoted to explaining the differences between LLCs and Corporations: Comparing Entities 

If you have further questions about which entity type is best for your venture we encourage you to consult an attorney or accountant.

Where Do I Incorporate?:

Similarly there are many factors that go into determining if you should form your company in your home state or in one of the so called “special formation stated” like Delaware where pro-business courts and practices attract thousands of new businesses annually. For information on what makes Delaware distinctive please read: Where Do I Incorporate?

 

This article is designed to de-mystify the actual company formation process once all of the above decisions have been made. Once you know where you want to form, what you want to form, and what you want to call your company, you are ready to start the process. In order to do this you have three main options – enlist the help of a professional accountant or lawyer, use a company formation service company or file directly on your own. There are clear advantages and disadvantages to each approach, but we will focus on the advantages of using a formation service company like American Incorporators Ltd. As a service company with extensive relationships in all 50 states, American Incorporators is able to form your company quickly and inexpensively (using a lawyer or accountant will often cost a lot more money, while doing it yourself will tend to take a lot longer).

What You Need to Do:

All you will need to do is answer a few questions related to the nature of your business. Requirements vary slightly depending on the jurisdiction (state) where you are forming, but in general you will need to know the names of your members or directors, your business address and purpose, how many shares of stock you want to issue (only for corporations), and who you want to appoint as registered agents (this can almost always be provided by the person or company forming the company for you).

A corporate service provider like American Incorporators will prepare all of the necessary paperwork, file it with the relevant state authorities and follow up to make sure your business is properly recorded. Depending on the state (and the amount you are willing to spend for expediting in certain jurisdictions) this process can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. In most instances you will have your paperwork back and your company officially listed within a week. Once completed, you will receive a filed certificate of incorporation (or formation) that you can use to prove you are a legitimately established business. Other steps that should be taken at this stage include obtaining and Employer Identification Number (the business equivalent of a Social Security Number) and creating your operating agreement.

Your EIN allows you to hire and pay employees and is usually needed to open a bank account. The operating agreement sets the by-laws for how your entity will be run and helps you to begin the process of establishing the corporate veil that protects your assets. For more explanation on what that means please see: What is the Corporate Veil and How Can it be Protected?

Corporate service providers like American Incorporators regularly obtain EINs for their clients as part of the formation process – saving you valuable time and energy. They also can provide Corporate Kits which will include templates for Operating Agreements and many other important documents you may need in your business life.

incorporate answers first time business formation American Incorporators

Once you have all of these documents back you are ready to begin your official business life – working with clients and other businesses, reaching out to potential investors and realizing your entrepreneurial dreams! And in most cases it can be completed in a very short time for a very reasonable amount of money! So don’t hesitate to take this important step to get on your way, incorporate today

 

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

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Topics: incorporation process, how to start a business, forming a business, easy incorporation, create a corporation

American Incorporators Ltd. Launches Enhanced Web Experience

Posted by Cory Josephs on Mar 19, 2015 12:31:41 PM

Redesigned Website Provides Comprehensive Resources for New_Site_ScreenshotCompanies Seeking to Incorporate

Wilmington, DE (PRWEB) March 17, 2015

American Incorporators Ltd., a firm that has been helping businesses form sustainable corporations and limited liability companies for over 35 years, announced the launch of a restructured and redesigned website at http://www.ailcorp.com with the goal of providing its current and prospective customers quick and easy access to critical resources and services.

“We pride ourselves on delivering a friendly and helpful experience for the businesses that come to us for formation and the many services we provide. We’re excited that the new American Incorporators website reflects that,” said Ann Chilton, Chief Executive Officer. “Our goal is to not only help businesses get up and running as credible corporations, but to work with them from inception and as they continue to grow and change over time.”

Visitors to the new site have access to valuable up-to-date information on starting and maintaining a business. The support services and pricing American Incorporators offers are described in detail on the updated site and available for purchase online. Additionally, the site prominently displays the many service options available to customers and new visitors, including live chat, robust FAQs and access to social media channels. Other key features include:...

To view the full press release click here 

Topics: LLC Creation, Corporations, incorporation process, easy incorporation, starting a business, C Corporation

What is a C Corporation

Posted by Cory Josephs on Aug 14, 2014 11:43:00 AM

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What is a C Corporation?

A C Corp is legal structure that businesses establish that is a separate entity from the owners and the people that manage it. Corporations are owned by their shareholders, and provide owners limited liability. C Corporations are the most widely type of entity for businesses large and small that have shareholders. 

What's the difference between a C Corp and an S Corp?

All corporations both S and C are started as a C Corp. Once the C corp is formed the business has 75 days to to elect to become an S Corporation.  This election is done with the IRS. More information abour S Corporations can be found Here.

Some things to know if you're thinking about starting a C Corporation

  1. C Corporations may have an unlimited amount of shareholders
  2. Owners do not need to be citizens or residents of the United States
  3. C Corporations shares may be owned by another business
  4. C Corporations are required to have bylaws, hold annual meetings and keep accurate record of the meeting minutes. 
  5. Corporations can raise capital by through the sale of their stock.
If you want to incorporate your company don't worry, American Incorporators Ltd. provides fast and easy incorporation services for you so just give us a call at 800.421.2661 or Click Here for more details.
Form Your LLC Now 

Topics: Corporation Creation, Corporations, incorporation, easy incorporation, s corp, s corporation, starting a business, c corp, create a corporation, what is a c corporation, C Corporation

What is an S Corporation

Posted by Cory Josephs on Aug 6, 2014 11:11:00 AM

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What is an S Corporation?

An S Corporation also know as S Corp is a legal entity described by IRS.gov as "a corporation that decides to pass income, loss, deductions, and credits to their shareholders." S corporations avoid the double taxation inherent to general business corporations, in which profits and dividends are both taxed.

How do I turn my business into an S Corp? 

All corporations are started first as C Corporations. After your C Corporation is started your company must elect to become an S Corporation with the IRS by signing IRS form 2553. 

Some things you need to know if you're starting an S Corp are

  1. Limit of Shareholders- S Corporations are limited to 100 shareholders 
  2. Shareholder Definitions- A new law allows "members of a family" to qualify as one, and defines "members of a family" as the common ancestor, the lineal descendants of the common ancestor, and the spouses or former spouses of the lineal descendants or common ancestor  
  3. Stock Restrictions- S Corporations only have one class of stock
  4. IRS filing- To obtain S Corporation status, all shareholders must sign IRS form 2553 which must be filed within 75 days of starting business. 

If you want to incorporate your company don't worry, American Incorporators Ltd. provides fast and easy incorporation for you so just give us a call at 800.421.2661 or check our our website for more details.

Incorporate Your S Corp Now  

Topics: Corporations, incorporate now, incorporate today, incorporation, easy incorporation, s corp, s corporation, what is an s corporation, fast incorporation, create a corporation, starting an S corp, incorporate your company

Incorporation Process

Posted by Cory Josephs on Jul 25, 2014 9:09:00 AM

Untitled 1Incorporating your business can give you and the other owners of your business a number of benefits. For the benefits of incorporating you can look HERE. Incorporating your business can be an easy task with your friends at American Incorporators Ltd. to help you. It takes completing these simple tasks and we’ll be there to help you along the way

 

 

 

1)      To be a legal entity you must register your business name with the Secretary of State. If you have already thought of your name check it HERE to make sure it is available in your state.  If you do not already have a name, that’s okay think of a creative name for your business that will be attractive for customers.

2)      Decide what kind of entity you would like to incorporate. LLC, S Corp, C Corp and what state you would like to incorporate in. 

3)      Call Us- 800-421-2661

4)      Depending on your states regulations we could get your documentation and your business up and running in just a few days. 

 

If you want to download our "How To Incorporate a Business With American Incorporators Ltd" Guide click HERE

Topics: LLC Creation, Tips & Tricks, Start a Business From Home, Limited Liability Companies, incorporation process, incorporate now, incorporate today, how to start a business, incorporation, forming a business, easy incorporation

Why You Should Incorporate Companies

Posted by Cory Josephs on Jul 11, 2014 3:44:00 PM

There are 5 Different types of entities than can own a business.

  • C Corporation
  • S Corporation 
  • LLCs & LLPs 
  • General Partnerships
  • Sole Proprietorships
For more information on the different types of entities click here 
Incorporating your business into a Corporation or LLC has so many features
  1. Limit the Liability and Protect the Assets of Owners
  2. Increase Tax Savings 
  3. Raise Capital 
  4. Perpetual Existence
  5. Simple Estate and Family Planning
If you own a business as a Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership you have unlimited financial and legal liability. For example if your business gets sued your personal assets are not protected.
 Protecting Personal Assets

Topics: LLC Creation, Tips & Tricks, Corporation Creation, Limited Liability Companies, Corporations, incorporation process, incorporate now, incorporate today, incorporation, forming a business, easy incorporation, Asset Protection, s corp, business partnerships, s corporation, what is an s corporation, process