Starting a corporation provides a formal business structure that offers strong legal protection, enhances credibility with partners and establishes a clear path to attract outside investment. For entrepreneurs planning to scale, raise venture capital or issue stock, learning how to start a corporation is one of the most impactful steps you can take toward building a lasting enterprise in the United States.
Choose Your Corporate Structure
Before filing formation paperwork, select the specific corporate structure that aligns best with your financial goals and tax preferences:
- C Corporation: The standard corporate entity type. It allows for an unlimited number of shareholders and multiple classes of stock, making it the ideal structure for businesses seeking outside investors or planning to go public.
- S Corporation: A tax election available to eligible C corporations that allows profits and losses to pass through directly to shareholders’ personal tax returns, avoiding potential double taxation.
- Nonprofit Corporation: Formed for charitable, educational or civic purposes, structured to qualify for tax-exempt status under IRS regulations.
Select a Unique Corporate Name
Your corporation’s name must be distinguishable from any other entity registered in your state of incorporation.
- Perform a Name Search: Check your Secretary of State’s online business database to verify that your preferred corporate name is available.
- Include Corporate Designators: State law requires corporate legal names to include identifiers like “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Company,” or abbreviations such as “Corp.,” “Inc.,” or “Co.”
Appoint a Registered Agent
Every U.S. state requires corporations to maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state of incorporation (P.O. boxes are not permitted).
- Role of the Registered Agent: Your agent accepts official government correspondence, legal notices and service of process on behalf of your corporation during regular business hours.
- Maintain Address Privacy: Utilizing a professional registered agent service keeps your personal home or business address off the public state record.
File Articles of Incorporation
To officially register your corporation, submit your Articles of Incorporation (sometimes called a Certificate of Incorporation) to your state’s Division of Corporations or Secretary of State.
| Required Document Element | Details Provided |
| Corporate Name & Address | The full legal business name and primary U.S. street address. |
| Registered Agent Details | The physical street address and name of your designated agent. |
| Authorized Shares | Total number and value of stock shares authorized for issuance. |
| Incorporator Details | Name and contact information for the person authorizing the state filing. |
Hold an Organizational Meeting and Draft Bylaws
After the state approves your filing, the initial incorporator or directors hold an organizational meeting to establish corporate governance:
- Adopt Corporate Bylaws: Draft internal rules detailing voting procedures, board responsibilities and shareholder meeting standards.
- Issue Initial Stock & Elect Officers: Formally issue stock shares to founding members, elect company officers (such as President, Secretary and Treasurer) and record the official meeting minutes.
Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) acts as a federal tax ID assigned by the IRS. Obtaining an EIN is essential to open corporate bank accounts, hire employees and maintain federal tax compliance.
Conclusion
Forming a corporation lays the foundation for long-term growth, liability protection and investment opportunities. Managing state requirements and corporate governance takes careful attention to detail. Our filing experts ensure your documents are completed quickly and accurately, giving you complete confidence as you launch your corporation.