Naming rules for LLCs are state-dependent. Some words may be prohibited and some words may be required. Required company indicators include the LLC, L.L.C. or Limited Liability Company or variations thereof listed in the LLC Designator dropdown menu.

Of the states that require a business address, only a few states require the business address to be within the state. Launch by LegalShield audits each order for business address requirements prior to filing documents. If your entry does not satisfy your

It is a mandatory “agent” of the corporation or LLC who is officially designated at the time that incorporation or registration documents are filed in accordance with state requirements. A Registered Agent is designated to be responsible for receiving and

No, the Registered Agent does not need to be a member of the LLC, but must be an adult individual (or qualified commercial registered agent service), not the LLC itself, with a physical address in the state of filing.

A Registered Agent is responsible for receiving any legal papers on behalf of the LLC, and often legal documents must be hand delivered to a physical address and accepted by an individual. Therefore, almost all states require that the agent’s address be a

No, the registered agent must have a physical address in the state in which you are filing.

A member of an LLC is listed in the company’s Articles of Organization and/or in an internal Operating Agreement. Members may include individuals, corporations, other LLCs and foreign entities. Most states also permit “single member” LLCs, those having on

LLC members can be added or removed later by a decision of the current members, usually by vote. This should be outlined in the LLC Operating Agreement (the internal governing document). When the business adds or removes members, the business must reflect

Most states have no limit on the number of members an LLC can have. Members may include individuals, corporations, other LLCs and foreign entities. Most states also permit “single member” LLCs or those having only one owner.

These are state-dependent required government filing fees that Launch by LegalShield passes directly to the appropriate government agency.

A Multimember LLC is when there are multiple partners forming an LLC. For detailed information Click here to learn more about what constitutes a Multimember LLC.

Naming rules for corporations and other business entities are state-dependent. Some words may be prohibited and some words may be required. For General For Profit Corporations, required company indicators generally include Inc., Corp., Incorporated, or va

Of the states that require a business address, only a few states require the business address to be within the state. Launch by LegalShield audits each order for business address requirements prior to filing documents. If your entry does not satisfy your

It is a mandatory “agent” of the corporation or Corporation who is officially designated at the time that incorporation or registration documents are filed in accordance with state requirements. A Registered Agent is designated to be responsible for recei

No, the Registered Agent does not need to be a principal or owner, but must be an adult individual (or qualified commercial registered agent service), not the corporation itself, with a physical address in the state of filing.

A Registered Agent is responsible for receiving any legal papers on behalf of the Corporation, and often legal documents must be hand delivered to a physical address and accepted by an individual. Therefore, almost all states require that the agent’s addr

No, the registered agent must have a physical address in the state in which you are filing.

Corporations may have multiple directors. However, generally, states require corporations to have at least one director. Launch by LegalShield performs a preliminary order audit to ensure that specific state requirements are met.

The incorporator is the person who signs the company’s Articles of Incorporation and brings the company into existence. For General For Profit Corporations, in most states Launch by LegalShield acts as the incorporator. For Professional Corporations, Laun

Launch by LegalShield is able to act as incorporator in most states for General For Profit Corporation filings. However, in a few states − and in all states with regards to Professional Corporations — you must designate an individual to be the incorporato

An S-Corp is the same as a C-Corp, except for the way it is taxed. An S-Corp is taxed similar to the way a Corporation is taxed, i.e., income taxes are reported and paid by the owners rather than the company itself. There are pros and cons to the S-Corp t

These are state-dependent required government filing fees that Launch by LegalShield passes directly to the appropriate government agency.

Legally, one is required to identify a business with one of two numbers: either a Social Security Number or an EIN (Employer Identification Number). If you are a sole proprietor, your Social Security Number can be used on all of your government forms and

DBA stands for “doing business as” and is an official and public registration of a business name. DBAs are also known as Fictitious Names, Fictitious Business Names, Assumed Names, and Trade Names. Essentially, a DBA is the name of a business other than t

DBA registration may be necessary if your company conducts any business under a name other than your own name (for sole proprietors) or its legal name (for state-level entities such as corporations and LLCs). “Conducting business” can include marketing, a

DBAs can be filed at the state level and sometimes at the county level depending on the state. Generally, one should file a DBA in the state and/or county in which they are conducting business under the name. In addition, certain jurisdictions require pub

For example, if Jane Brown and had a business called “Donuts Unlimited", she would register the business as “Jane Brown". doing business as "Donuts Unlimited". If a corporation was named “ABC ,Inc.,” and wanted to conduct business under the name “Express

DBAs do not offer liability protection. Typically, companies looking to get limited liability protection form either a corporation or LLC.

Generally, the only requirement to maintain an active DBA filing is to renew the filing when the expiration date approaches (usually five years, although durations vary by jurisdiction).

Generally speaking, filing a DBA grants little, if any, exclusivity to use of the name. In many jurisdictions, more than one applicant can file the exact same DBA. The only way to legally ensure exclusive rights to the use of a name is to register a trade

Generally, some states allow more than one DBA for the same business name, in which case a name check is not required. However, other states will not file the same DBA for two separate owners – in those states, Launch by LegalShield will perform a name ch

If you ask Launch by LegalShield to PREPARE your EIN form, we will prepare the IRS form and include the completed form in your final package. Upon receipt, the person designated as the IRS contact must call the IRS to obtain the EIN. If you ask Launch by

An EIN is a federal tax ID number issued by the IRS to identify a business entity (similar to a social security number).

An EIN can be referred to by many names including EIN, Tax ID, Employer ID, and Federal ID number. They are just different terms for the same number.

An EIN is generally required when a company has employees, business operates as a corporation or a partnership. A business files any of these tax returns Employment, Excise or Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. A business withholds taxes on income, other than

The IRS requires a social security number or a TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) in order to obtain an EIN.

Generally, if a business incorporates then it will need a new EIN. In general, a sole proprietorship will also need a new one if it takes on partners or if a sole proprietor purchases or inherits an existing business.

Launch by LegalShield does not obtain an EIN until after the corporation or LLC is formed at the state.

Waiting until a corporation or LLC is formed ensures that an EIN is not obtained for a business name that may not be available prior to filing.

In order to obtain an EIN, the IRS requires that the name provided matches the name for the social security number exactly.

Generally, it takes about 3-5 business days to obtain an EIN. Our rush service can obtain an EIN in about 1-2 business days.
In addition, all shipments are via priority shipping, for tracking purposes.

It is a mandatory “agent” of the corporation or LLC who is officially designated at the time that incorporation or registration documents are filed in accordance with state requirements. A Registered Agent is designated to be responsible for receiving and

Most businesses choose an independent third party to serve in this important capacity and with good reason. Business matters frequently take essential personnel out of the office. In the absence of a responsible employee, an organization might be at great

A Registered Agent will act as the representative for accepting Service of Process served upon the company within the jurisdiction of any state where the company conducts business, and will also forward any other official legal and tax correspondence from

Failing to register and designate a registered agent may foreclose or hinder the company’s ability to legally enter into contracts and gain access to the state courts. Moreover, it may subject the company to monetary, civil, and possibly criminal sanction

If your entity is already in existence with another registered agent on file, in most states a “change-of-agent” filing must be submitted for you to change to another agent.

When requesting registered agent services for an existing entity, the state will require a filing that notifies them of this change.

It is an annual service, renewing automatically in the month when service was first initiated. Failure to renew Registered Agent Service may result in an Agent Resignation filing and will ultimately effect good standing with the state(s) where registered

For your convenience, Launch by LegalShield will automatically renew your Registered Agent Service annually. Eliminate the worry about remembering to renew your Registered Agent each year. Failure to renew may affect good standing with the state where reg

In the event you wish to cancel your Registered Agent Service, you must notify Launch by LegalShield in writing 30 days prior to the beginning of the next renewal term and provide Launch by LegalShield proof of resignation of registered agent.

To qualify as an S Corporation in the present tax year, a “calendar year” corporation must timely file IRS Form 2553 with the IRS. If a corporation was in existence prior to the present tax year, then this filing must be submitted to the IRS on or before:

An S Corporation begins its existence the same way that a C Corporation begins its existence, as a general, for-profit corporation upon filing the Articles of Incorporation at the state level. However, after the corporation has been formed, it may elect S

The corporation must: Be filed as a U.S. corporation. Maintain only one class of stock. Maintain a maximum of 100 shareholders. Be comprised SOLELY of shareholders who are individuals, estates or certain qualified trusts, who consent in writing to the S C

Owners who want the limited liability of a corporation and the “pass-through” tax-treatment of a partnership will often make the S Corporation election. In most cases, corporations that would benefit from S Corporation status are those who plan on distrib

An S Corporation follows the same state formalities as does a C corporation (i.e. filing Articles of Incorporation and paying state fees). However, an S Corporation must make a special tax election under sub-chapter S of the Internal Revenue Code by filin

The legal representative is the person that will be the official contact person for the IRS. This will be the person the IRS will contact if they need more information or have questions concerning your filing.

Having contact information that is complete is very helpful to the IRS and will help make sure that there are no problems in filing your documents.

The IRS requires the social security numbers of all shareholders in order to file the necessary forms to establish an S-Corporation.

You must list all of the shareholders of the corporation. In order to qualify as an S-Corporation there can be no more than 100 shareholders.

This is to establish whether you and your spouse, if you are both shareholders, must be listed separately as shareholders or whether you can be listed together. This is required by the IRS.

Many states require that your corporation comply with the formality of stamping all official documents with your corporate seal.

Your corporate embosser will display your company’s name, state of incorporation, and year of formation.

Launch by LegalShield provides you with a customized, hand-held, steel, corporate embosser.

Some states require that entities comply with the formality of stamping all official documents with your corporate seal.

Your LLC embosser will display your company’s name, state of incorporation, and year of formation.

Launch by LegalShield provides you with a customized, hand-held, steel, LLC embosser.

Any special instructions regarding your order can be put in the comments section.

A corporation or LLC is considered to be domestic only in the state in which it was incorporated. This is considered the entities “home” state.

In all states other than the home state, a company is regarded as a foreign corporation or foreign LLC. Please indicate for which state you want to operate your corporation or LLC as a foreign entity.

Generally, the entity filing number and the filing date can be found on original articles of incorporation/organization. If you are unable to locate your formation documents, we will research the state database to obtain the number on your behalf.

Failing to register and designate a registered agent may foreclose or hinder the company’s ability to legally enter into contracts and gain access to the state courts. Moreover, it may subject the company to monetary, civil, and possibly criminal sanction

Launch by LegalShield will receive and forward official state and federal correspondence as well as state franchise, tax returns or annual reports when received on your behalf.

In order to file for foreign qualification for an LLC, some states require the names, titles and addresses of the current members (or managers for manager-managed LLCs) on the documents.

These are state-dependent government filing fees that Launch by LegalShield passes directly to the appropriate government agency.

This is the quickest way to get your documents. With Launch by LegalShield’s Rush Service, your order will be placed in priority processing.

Several shipments are required throughout the process, to obtain signatures and to forward and return signed and filed documents. In addition, all shipments are via priority shipping, for tracking purposes.

To end the existence of a corporation or LLC, an entity must file Articles of Dissolution or other form of dissolution or cancellation documents with the Secretary of State. Requirements vary by jurisdiction. In some states, a simple certificate must be f

Generally, the entity filing number and the filing date can be found on original articles of incorporation/organization. If you are unable to locate your formation documents, we will research the state database to obtain the number on your behalf.

Some states require a statement on the dissolution documents declaring whether or not a company has debts and/or liabilities and, if so, if provisions have been made to satisfy such debts/liabilities. In cases where a company does have debts/liabilities,

Some states require a statement on the dissolution documents declaring whether or not a company has assets and, if so, a statement that such assets have been distributed to the interested parties.

Where a Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC) has previously filed as a foreign entity in a certain state and is no longer conducting business activities within that state, the entity must file an Application for Certificate of Withdrawal to ensu

Filing a withdrawal will terminate the corporate existence in that state. It is important to note, however, that in most jurisdictions, the application for withdrawal is not considered complete until all required fees, penalties, and costs have been paid.

Generally, the secretary of state requires listing the current registered agent information on the paperwork for the withdrawal.

Depending on the state, the Secretary of State may require an address where official correspondence can be forwarded after the withdrawal.

In the event that your corporation or LLC falls out of good standing or is involuntarily dissolved, most states will require that the entity file a Reinstatement to restore to active status and good standing. To ensure that your corporation or LLC is in f

Generally, information such as filing date and filing number can be found on the original articles of incorporation/organization. If you are unable to locate your formation documents, we will research the state database to obtain the number on your behalf

Failing to register and designate a registered agent may foreclose or hinder the company’s ability to legally enter into contracts and gain access to the state courts. Moreover, it may subject the company to monetary, civil, and possibly criminal sanction

The only way to change the legal name of a state-level entity such as a corporation or LLC is to file an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation/Organization.

In most states, the only way to change authorized share information is to file an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation.

In addition to changing company name or authorized shares, the filing of Articles of Amendment can change the following information if desired: The name and address of the registered agent The principal office address The names and addresses of directors

Generally, the entity filing number and the filing date can be found our original articles of incorporation/organization. If you are unable to locate your formation documents, we will research the state database to obtain the number on your behalf.

To make sure that your choice is available, Launch by LegalShield will conduct a preliminary, non-binding, name availability check before submitting your documents to the state office. It is important to note that the name you request is not final until y

In order to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the state, we need information such as the type of business entity, the state and date of formation and business name.

Generally, the date of formation and Corporate or LLC Charter number can be found on your original Articles of Incorporation.
If you are unable to locate your formation documents, we will research the state database to obtain the number on your behalf.

These are state-dependent government filing fees that Launch by LegalShield passes directly to the appropriate government agency.

This is the quickest way to get your documents.

With Launch by LegalShield’s Rush Service, your order will be placed in priority processing.

Several shipments are required throughout the process, to obtain signatures and to forward and return signed and filed documents. 
In addition, all shipments are via priority shipping, for tracking purposes.

Any special instructions regarding your order can be put in the comments section.

Many states require that annual reports be filed on each anniversary of the corporation or LLC or by some other specific date each year (such as April 15). The applicable filing period for annual reports is typically the calendar month during which the en

Information required on annual reports generally includes the following: The name and address of the current agent for service of process (i.e., the “Registered Agent” or “Resident Agent”); The corporation’s principal business address The names and addres

Actually, corporations and LLCs are required to file these annual reports even if they are not actively engaged in business at the time a report is due.

Foreign Corporations and LLCs usually have the same annual obligations to the state as domestic entities. Therefore, a corporation or LLC will generally be required to file an Annual Report with any state in which it is registered as a foreign entity, in

Generally, the entity filing number and the filing date can be found our original articles of incorporation/organization. If you are unable to locate your formation documents, we will research the state database to obtain the number on your behalf.

For your convenience and to avoid any interruption of service, we will automatically renew your Annual Reports Service annually.
By Providing payment information, you agree and consent to the automatic renewal of your Annual Reports Service each year. You

For your convenience and to avoid any interruption of service, we will automatically renew your Annual Reports Service annually.
By Providing payment information, you agree and consent to the automatic renewal of your Annual Reports Service each year. You

In the event, you wish to cancel your Annual Report Service, you must notify Launch by LegalShield in writing 30 days prior to the beginning of the next renewal term.

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LegalShield has arranged for you to have access an accomplished law firm available to handle your legal needs. Law firms have been screened, are monitored daily, and are ready to handle your legal matters with the care and concern you deserve.
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You may continue to use your Provider Attorney for legal situations that extend beyond plan coverage. The additional services are at least 25% off the law firm's standard hourly rates. Your Provider Attorney will let you know when the discount applies, an

LegalShield has been providing legal service plans to North American families for over 40 years. Our customers can access legal counsel and advice from qualified lawyers simply by calling a toll-free number. Many other benefits are included, but even at t

Launch by LegalShield has a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. For details click Here.

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