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How to Incorporate in Delaware

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Delaware is one of the most popular states for incorporation. This presentation instructs the business owner how to form a corporation (incorporate) in Delaware. This guide will help you file formation documents, get tax identification numbers, and set up your company records. It includes information on fees, forms, and processing times. If you are looking to incorporate in another state, or to form an LLC, stay tuned.

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Page 2: How to Incorporate in Delaware

Choose a corporate structure

• Incorporating means forming a corporation, a state legal entity

• C-Corp and S-Corp are tax classifications, not structures

• For a comparison of entities, click here

Page 3: How to Incorporate in Delaware

Check name availability• Do a name search with the Delaware Secretary

of State, Division of Corporations• Your name cannot conflict with an existing one• Licensing boards (e.g. doctors, lawyers) require

name pre-approval

Page 4: How to Incorporate in Delaware

Appoint a registered agent• You are required to maintain a registered

agent in Delaware• The agent receives notice of lawsuit and legal /

government notices• Can be an individual with an address in the

state (not P.O. Box) or a commercial agent.

Page 5: How to Incorporate in Delaware

File Articles of Incorporation• Form INCSTK09: Certificate of Incorporation for a

Stock Corporation• Fee: $89• Include a cover letter• Mail to Delaware Department of State• Turnaround: 3 weeks. Add $50 for 24 hour

expedite, $100 for same day, $500 for 2 hour,$1,000 for one hour

Page 6: How to Incorporate in Delaware

Bylaws and Records

• Keep your articles, affidavits, and other important documents

• Draft bylaws for the organization • Record kit & templates save time!

Page 7: How to Incorporate in Delaware

Appoint Initial Directors

• These directors serve on the board until the annual meeting of shareholders

• Appointed by incorporator• Documented in corporate records

Page 8: How to Incorporate in Delaware

Hold Organizational Meeting

• Consists of incorporators and/or initial directors• Keep minutes of this meeting• Appoint officers (e.g. President, Secretary)

Page 9: How to Incorporate in Delaware

Issue Stock Certificates

• Owners may be issued stock certificates as proof of ownership

• Secretary’s stock ledger records issued stock• Stock certificates included in Records Kit

Page 10: How to Incorporate in Delaware

Obtain EIN

• Federal Employer Identification Number• Required for corporations• File Form SS-4 with IRS by mail, fax, or online

Page 11: How to Incorporate in Delaware

DE Business License & Tax IDs

• Must obtain DE Business License• File:

Form CRA: Combined Registration Application for State of Delaware Business License and/or Withholding Agent

• Submit to Delaware Department of Revenue• Fee: $75 for first license + applicable license fees

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Consider S-Corp Election

• By default, the corporation is taxed as a C-Corp• Consider S-Corp for tax savings as a small

business• IRS Form 2553

Page 13: How to Incorporate in Delaware

Obtain Applicable Licenses

• To run your business legally, you may need a host of local, state, or federal licenses and permits

• Search your requirements on SBA.gov

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Ongoing Activities

• Annual report with Secretary of State• Board meetings• Annual shareholder meeting• Maintain a registered agent• Update the government with address change

Page 15: How to Incorporate in Delaware

For More Info:

• How to Incorporate in Delaware• Email: info [AT] HarborCompliance [DOT] com

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The information contained in this presentation is not legal, financial, or tax advice. Harbor Compliance is not a legal or accounting firm.

Copyright Harbor Business Compliance Corporation 2014