Here are some simple steps to follow to form your own Limited Liability Company (LLC):

  • Choose and reserve a corporate name that does not violate another company’s trademarks. You may not use a corporate name that sounds or spells similar to the existing company. Check with your local Secretary of State or Department of Commerce or Corporation Commissioner for local and foreign registered corporations for names of similar or existing corporations that may infringe the trademark with your chosen corporate name.
  • Select the appropriate corporate type, such as unlimited “C” shareholders, limited “S” shareholders, or professional corporation (for licensed professionals).
  • Decide where your cooperation will be incorporated. You must meet the state residency requirement. Typically, individuals establish corporate headquarters in states such as Nevada and Delaware, where liberal corporate laws and benefits apply. Usually the state where you and other corporate members live.
  • Create a pre-incorporation agreement that includes shareholder names, incorporation status, corporate name, corporate purpose, number of shares to be issued, initial shareholder share plan, and tax status.
  • Create and file the Article of Incorporation with the state. The state corporate registration office has preprinted forms. In this, you must include the incorporate(s) or promoter(s) who is(are) the person(s) responsible for creating the corporation and is responsible for accepting any legal documents delivered to the corporation. corporation. This includes the number and type of shares that shareholders must own. Holders of preferred shares have guaranteed dividends before they are paid to holders of common shares. Small corporations typically compensate owners through salaries, bonuses, and fringe benefits.
  • Create corporate bylaws based on state rules of corporate life and allow owners to fill in rules at their discretion, such as the number of directors on the board, rules for shareholder meetings, and governing voting procedures. This is not required to file during the article of incorporation, but must be completed with the incorporation paperwork.
  • State law requires that minutes of your first organizational meeting of the board of directors be recorded. At this first recorded board meeting, the directors of the board must elect the salaried corporate officers for day-to-day business. Most state laws require corporate officers to include a president, secretary, and treasurer. However, most states allow the same person to fill all positions. In general, this is acceptable for small businesses.
  • With the state Department of Corporations, file a Notice of Stock Issue that issues stock certificates to shareholders.

Following these simple steps will help you easily set up your own small business corporation that you have been dreaming of owning for a long time.