Incorporation Specialist Blog

Do LLCs Have Stock or Shareholders?

By IncNow April 3, 2025

We often get questions about LLC stockholders, bylaws, stock certificates, directors, minutes and sometimes a Limited Liability “Corporation.” It’s understandable to have questions about how LLCs are structured and operate. Here’s what you need to know. Are there shareholders in an LLC? Limited Liability Companies do not have stock or bylaws. In fact, LLCs have […]

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What Is a Certified B Corporation?

By Matthew Dochnal March 31, 2025

You may have seen the “Circle B” logo, but what does it mean? The logo can only be displayed by a Certified B Corporation. These are companies that have achieved a minimum score on an evaluation of their corporate governance, community, employee, and environmental benefits. Here’s what you need to know about this entity. What […]

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What is a DUNS Number and Do I Need One?

By Matthew Dochnal January 27, 2025
business credit report

If you have ever tried to rent an apartment or lease a vehicle, you are probably familiar with the personal credit system. Your Social Security Number is attached to credit reports generated by major credit bureaus. Potential lenders then use your credit score to assess your ability to borrow money. Much like how a Social […]

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Do LLCs Have Stock or Shareholders?

By IncNow

We often get questions about LLC stockholders, bylaws, stock certificates, directors, minutes and sometimes a Limited Liability “Corporation.” It’s understandable to have questions about how LLCs are structured and operate. Here’s what you need to know. Do LLCs have stock? Typically, “stock” is not the term used for LLC ownership shares. In most LLCs, the […]

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What Does the President of a Corporation Do?

By IncNow
question man

Whether you’re interested in forming a corporation or are just curious, it’s understandable to wonder, “What does the President of a Corporation do?” Traditionally the President of a Corporation is the highest executive officer. The Bylaws of the Corporation set forth the role of the President. Some businesses have also established higher offices, such as […]

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Tax ID vs. EIN: What’s the Difference?

By IncNow January 21, 2025

Incorporating your company is an exciting process, but the work isn’t done after you form an LLC or Corporation. After that, there are several more steps to take, like getting a tax ID number for your business. The process of getting a tax ID isn’t complicated, but there is often some confusion about what, exactly, […]

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What Is A Beneficial Ownership Information Report?

By Matthew Dochnal January 3, 2025
business regulations

Starting January 1st, 2024, owners of U.S. businesses will need to comply with new rules. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a federal law that requires business entities, like LLCs and corporations, to report information about their owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). These new reports are called “Beneficial Ownership Information Reports”. Honest business […]

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How to Comply With The Corporate Transparency Act: Tips for Small Businesses

By Matthew Dochnal

Business entities operating in the United States need to prepare for new compliance requirements taking effect on January 1, 2024. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires LLCs and corporations to submit BOI reports to FinCEN. These reports contain basic information about a company’s significant owners and important decision makers. Whether your business is a solo […]

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What Is Evidence In Business Formation?

By IncNow January 2, 2025

“Can I see your evidence of filing?” That is what the banker said when I went to open my business account. The banker then said can I see your “articles?” How about the “proof” your company was formed? These terms are all synonymous.  Banks need certain documents for “know your customer” law compliance under the […]

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Watch Out For This Vulnerability When Forming A Florida LLC

By John Williams August 9, 2024

Before doing business or owning assets through a single-member Florida LLC, you should consider either adding a nominal partner or using a Delaware single-member LLC instead. Florida is the most popular state for business formation. Florida has more active business entities than even the state of Delaware. More than 2.6 million entities are active in […]

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What Is An ITIN Number?

By Matthew Dochnal July 12, 2024
individual tax identification number

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses several different types of identification numbers for individuals and businesses. Most U.S. citizens are familiar with Social Security Numbers or Employer Identification Numbers, however, not everyone knows about the other types of federal tax ID numbers. In this article, we discuss Individual Tax Identification Numbers, or “ITINS”. We breakdown […]

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What Is A Subsidiary Company?

By Matthew Dochnal July 8, 2024
Google headquarters with statue in front

The term “subsidiary” is used often in business, however, you might not know exactly what it means. Subsidiaries are an important part of the legal structure of nearly every large company. In this article, we discuss what subsidiary companies are, how they are used, and the best way to structure them.    What Is A […]

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Why Solar Companies Should Form Delaware LLCs

By Matthew Dochnal May 28, 2024
solar energy

The solar energy industry has been experiencing remarkable growth, driven by increasing demand for renewable energy solutions. As solar companies expand and navigate the complexities of the market, selecting the right business structure becomes a crucial decision.  Forming a Delaware Limited Liability Company (LLC) offers many benefits for solar companies. This article explores why Delaware […]

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LLC Members and Managers: Who Are LLC Owners?

By Matthew Dochnal
two small business owners opening a cafe

Who owns and manages an LLC? If you’re thinking about setting up a Limited Liability Company (LLC), it’s helpful to understand the roles of LLC owners and how they’re involved in managing the business. LLCs offer the flexibility to create unique management structures, pick officer titles, distribute management responsibilities, and outline ownership interest. In this […]

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How Do Corporations Work?

By Matthew Dochnal
a board of directors gathered around a table holding an annual meeting

What is a corporation? Corporations  are a type of legal structure that play a significant role in the business world. Entrepreneurs use the legal structure of a corporation to protect themselves from risks and grow their businesses into large enterprises. You interact with businesses set up as corporations nearly every day, however, you may not […]

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What Is An LLC Holding Company?

By Matthew Dochnal May 17, 2024

As a business owner or entrepreneur, you may have come across the term “holding company.” Holding companies are a type of legal structure utilized by businesses across various industries. When set up correctly, a holding company can offer unique legal protections that a single business entity cannot achieve. Many well-known corporations use holding companies as […]

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Do Delaware LLCs Have To Pay Franchise Tax?

By Matthew Dochnal May 16, 2024
franchise tax

If you’ve formed a Delaware LLC but haven’t conducted business this year, you might be wondering if you still need to pay the Delaware Franchise Tax. Here’s what you need to know. What Is The Delaware Franchise Tax, Again? The Delaware Franchise Tax is an annual requirement that all companies registered in Delaware have to […]

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What Is A Certificate of Incumbency? And How To Get One.

By Matthew Dochnal May 15, 2024
corporate documents signed by an officer of the company.

If you own an LLC or corporation, you might have encountered the term “Certificate of Incumbency.” Maybe a bank or a lender requested this Certificate to secure a loan for your business. What exactly is a Certificate of Incumbency? This article delves into Certificates of Incumbency, explaining what they are, why they are used, and […]

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Can A Green Card Holder Set Up A Delaware LLC?

By Matthew Dochnal May 10, 2024
United States green card

Permanent residents of the United States, including US green card holders, can start businesses and form LLCs in Delaware. In fact, individuals from nearly any country worldwide (with the exception of restricted countries) are eligible to establish a Delaware LLC.  If you’re a permanent resident aspiring to achieve the American Dream, creating an LLC for […]

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How To File A Delaware Annual Report

By Matthew Dochnal April 30, 2024
franchise tax payment

Delaware corporations need to fulfill an important legal requirement: filing the Delaware Annual Report. The Delaware Annual Report is a set of business information that needs to be submitted to the Delaware Division of Corporations each year.  Filing the Annual Report is crucial for maintaining a Delaware corporation’s good standing in the state. Corporations are […]

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How Are LLCs Managed? Member-Managed vs. Manager-Managed

By Matthew Dochnal April 24, 2024
small business owner packing boxes

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are a popular entity choice for business owners because they’re easy to manage. But did you know that even within LLCs, there are different management structures to consider?  In this article, we dive deep into the two types of management structures for LLCs: Member-Managed LLCs and Manager-Managed LLCs.      What […]

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Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent In Delaware?

By Matthew Dochnal April 10, 2024
Man leaning on a question mark.

If you’re setting up a Delaware LLC or Delaware corporation and wondering if you can serve as your own Registered Agent, the short answer is yes. However, there are some significant drawbacks to acting as your own Registered Agent in Delaware. It’s important to weigh all your options, including the possibility of engaging a Registered […]

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How To Get A Delaware Certificate Of Good Standing

By Matthew Dochnal April 4, 2024
good standing

  If you have a Delaware LLC or corporation, there will be times when you will need to check the company’s status and obtain a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing.  In this article, we’ll discuss some key details of Delaware Good Standing Certificates, including how to secure one for your Delaware company, the costs involved, […]

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What Does “Good Standing” In Delaware Mean?

By Matthew Dochnal April 3, 2024
good standing compliance

After forming a Delaware LLC or corporation, many business owners wonder, “What’s next?” One crucial part of running a business is maintaining your company’s good standing status. In this article, we delve into what good standing means and guide you on how to maintain your company’s good standing status in Delaware. We also discuss how […]

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What Is A Registered Agent For An LLC?

By Matthew Dochnal March 29, 2024

Setting up a limited liability company (LLC) is a big first step towards starting or growing your business. But it takes more than just deciding on a company name to get your LLC off the ground. One essential legal requirement is appointing a Registered Agent for your company. In this article, what breakdown of the […]

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Do I Get a Business License or Delaware LLC First?

By IncNow February 17, 2024

Is the first step applying for a business license or forming a Delaware LLC? Unlike the chicken or the egg, this question has a definitive answer – the LLC formation comes before the business license. In order to begin doing business under a business license, you must first have formed the applicant. The LLC should […]

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What Does a Delaware Registered Agent Do, Exactly?

By Matthew Dochnal December 1, 2023
office building with multiple stories

Understanding the role of a Delaware Registered Agent is an important part of incorporating a business. Did you know that Delaware law requires every company registered in Delaware to have a Registered Agent? So, if you want to form a Delaware LLC or a Delaware corporation, you will need to know how to meet this […]

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Does My Delaware Company Need a Certificate of Incumbency?

By Matthew Dochnal November 9, 2023

If you have applied for a loan with your corporation as the borrower, you may have heard the term “Delaware Certificate of Incumbency”. What is a Delaware Certificate of Incumbency and when do you need one?   Navigating corporate documentation is crucial for business operations, especially when engaging in financial transactions or significant changes in […]

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Does My Company Need a Corporate Secretary?

By Matthew Dochnal November 7, 2023
a team of business professionals

A Corporate Secretary can be a valuable asset to a corporation as it grows. But what does a Corporate Secretary do, exactly? Are companies required to have one? We dive into the details of what a Corporate Secretary is and why they are important. What Is a Corporate Secretary? A Corporate Secretary is one of […]

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Can I Start More Than One LLC?

By Matthew Dochnal November 2, 2023
company organizational chart

Have you ever wondered if it’s a good idea to start more than one LLC? Well, you’re not alone. Many business owners consider setting up multiple limited liability companies, and there are plenty of reasons why. It’s like having different baskets for your eggs – it can keep them safe. But forming LLCs is not […]

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Does an LLC Need a President?

By Matthew Dochnal October 16, 2023

Limited liability companies, or LLCs are the most popular business entity type for entrepreneurs. Small business owners prefer LLCs due to their flexibility and simplicity. Unlike corporations, the structure of LLCs does not come with strict requirements. LLC owners are free to run their company the way that they see best. This flexibility however often […]

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What Startups Need to Know About the Corporate Transparency Act

By Matthew Dochnal October 3, 2023

In 2024, over 30 million businesses will need to meet new compliance requirements. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) takes effect on January 1st and mandates U.S. companies to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports with FinCEN. All types of businesses will be impacted by the CTA. However, startups may find BOI reporting requirements especially challenging. […]

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What is FinCEN and What are BOI Reports?

By Matthew Dochnal September 29, 2023

If you run a small business, you’ve probably never heard of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or “FinCEN”. However, starting in 2024, over 30 million businesses in the U.S. will need to get familiar with this government agency. With the Corporate Transparency Act going into effect, businesses of all sizes are preparing for new federal […]

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How Does the Corporate Transparency Act Impact Small Businesses?

By Matthew Dochnal August 24, 2023

  In a time where financial transparency is essential, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) brings new compliance requirements for U.S businesses. Understanding these new requirements is crucial for business owners, managers, and stakeholders to avoid significant penalties, including fines and jail time. Starting January 1st, 2024, U.S. businesses will need to disclose information about their […]

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What Is a Beneficial Ownership Information Report? New Rules for Business Owners

By Matthew Dochnal August 23, 2023
business regulations

Starting January 1st, 2024, owners of U.S. businesses will need to comply with new rules. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a federal law that requires business entities, like LLCs and corporations, to report information about their owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). These new reports are called “Beneficial Ownership Information Reports”. Honest […]

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What Is a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation?

By Matthew Dochnal August 11, 2023

Many business owners strive to balance running a profitable business with doing good for the planet. As businesses grow, enforcing standards and achieving sustainability goals becomes more challenging. One successful strategy that businesses use to pursue both profits and purpose is to incorporate as a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation, or a “PBC”.   But what […]

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Can a Delaware LLC Do Business in Texas? Texas Foreign Qualification, Explained

By Matthew Dochnal August 3, 2023

If you own a Delaware Limited Liability Company (LLC) and want to start doing business in Texas, you might have questions. Can a Delaware LLC do business in Texas? Absolutely, but there are some steps you need to follow first. This process is called foreign qualification. Foreign qualification may seem challenging, but in this comprehensive […]

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Should I Set Up an LLC Holding Company?

By Matthew Dochnal August 2, 2023

As a business owner or entrepreneur, you may have seen the term “holding company” before. Holding companies are a type of legal structure used by businesses across many different industries. If done right, a holding company can provide unique legal protections that cannot be achieved with just one business entity. Many well-known corporations use holding […]

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My Delaware Company Is ‘Void’: What Do I Do?

By Matthew Dochnal July 12, 2023

If you have a Delaware LLC or Delaware corporation, there are some annual requirements that you need to know about. If you haven’t kept up with these requirements, your company may have gone “void” or “inactive.”  But what does it mean if your Delaware company goes void and what should you do?     Letting […]

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