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Why Incorporate in Delaware?

Businesses choose Delaware because we provide a complete package of incorporation services including modern and flexible corporate laws, our highly respected Court of Chancery, a business-friendly State Government, and the customer service oriented Staff of the Delaware Division of Corporations. One of the best reasons for incorporating, or forming a limited liability company, is to separate your personal assets from your company's assets. If you conduct business without using a corporation, or limited liability company, you place your assets at risk. Separating your personal property from your business property, and using a legal form such as a corporation, can help protect your personal property.

Whether your corporation is physically located in Delaware or not, as a corporation, your purchases in Delaware are not subject to sales tax. There is no state corporate income tax in Delaware on goods or services provided by Delaware corporations operating outside of Delaware. There is no state corporate tax on interest or other investment income in Delaware, when earned by a Delaware holding company. Delaware has no ad-value or value-added tax (VAT). There is no State of Delaware inheritance tax on stock of Delaware corporations operating outside of Delaware held by non-residents of Delaware. If you have an idea for a business, we can also assist you in start-up your new business directly in the USA from the ground up. In the USA, you must register your business, which we can do for you. Let us know how we can help.

Choose one of the following packages (or choose the appropriate link on the left-side of the page) that will best serve you:

To incorporate in Delaware this package price includes (most popular for USA residents):

Search name availability for Corporation in Delaware

Includes one-time filing fee for Delaware and our one-time service fee

Preparation and Filing of the Certificate of Incorporation

Formation within 24 hours of Receipt of Order with Payment

A Recorded Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation within 5-7 Business Days of Filing

The following documents will be posted to you (Note: these documents are sent to you through TNT Express Mail Service):

Original Certificate of Incorporation

The following documents will be e-mailed, which you need to print and sign:

A 20 page Corporation Bylaws ready for signature (MS Word)

Minutes of Consent Documentation of Organizational Meeting (MS Word)

Federal Tax ID Number and Subcharter S Election Forms (PDF)

Basic Package
£ 99.00No Renewal fees
Click here to see all packages
(click here for other packages)

Company Formation Home Page  >>  Incorporating a Company in Delaware >>  Why Incorporate In Delaware?

INCORPORATE IN DELAWARE ONLINE! REGISTERING DELAWARE CORPORATIONS, FORMING LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES. WHY INCORPORATE IN DELAWARE? WHY CHOOSE DELAWARE AS YOUR CORPORATE HOME? SUMMARY OF OUR SERVICES.

Looking for information & guidance regarding Delaware LLC registration, forming a corporation in Delaware, starting a Delaware business enterprise or holding company and small business start-up advice? Need a Delaware business formations specialist with the prompt service and expert advice? Do you want to register your business in Delaware, California, New York, Florida or Washington? Have an idea for a business and want to start now? Are you looking to set-up a business in the United States of America? Why should you bother with registering a Delaware company? Do you want to incorporate a new Delaware corporation using YOUR OWN Directors, Secretary and Shareholder? What is a Delaware resident agent and is one required? Why incorporate? Why is Delaware such a popular state for incorporating? We hope that the site will be a valuable resource for clients and prospective clients who require up to date legal information in a quickly changing world. The decision of which you choose to represent you is an important one. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. At Coddan we are always on the lookout for services that will enhance your Delaware corporation or LLC.

The major reason why individuals choose to incorporate their business is to protect their personal assets, such as a home, car or family savings. In the event of a lawsuit or if your business should fail, your personal assets can not generally be touched. This limited liability feature of corporations is not available in a sole proprietorship or partnership, where the individual or partners are personally liable for all business debts. The costs to incorporate in Delaware are some of the cheapest in the country. Currently, only eight states have cheaper incorporation fees than Delaware and even that is a rather recent development. In attempts to attract more business filings, many states have made their filing fees more competitive with Delaware. Even still, Delaware remains one of the cheapest states in the country to incorporate a business in.
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There is no minimum capital investment required to form a corporation or LLC in Delaware. One individual can hold all the corporate offices, including president, treasurer and secretary, in a Delaware corporation. Other states may require different individuals for these offices. The corporate headquarters and the records of Delaware corporations can be located in any state or country as long as you maintain a registered agent to represent you in Delaware. There is no Delaware inheritance tax on shares of stock held by non-residents. Delaware corporations and LLCs do not need to maintain a Delaware bank account or Delaware business address as long as you are represented by a Registered Agent. There are no nationality requirements, no notarisations required and no waiting for approvals or permits. Don't know which type of Entity to form? Call one of our specialists for a FREE CONSULTATION today! Call 0-207-637-3802 or you can chat with one of our reps live online.
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When incorporating a business in Delaware, you don't have to worry about any residency requirement, as it's not required for you to be a Delaware resident. This applies to shareholders, officers, and directors. If your business doesn't conduct business in Delaware, you're not obligated to pay Delaware corporate taxes. However, it will be required to pay a franchise tax each year. This is actually a big benefit because many states require that you name separate people as officers and directors. If your business is relatively small and you're the only person who runs it, this is a big advantage. This was one of the big draws for Coddan to form an LLC in Delaware. Delaware has a separate court system for corporate law that doesn't involve juries. The advantage of this is that companies don't have to worry about juries deciding corporate cases. Instead, a judge who is familiar with corporate law overseas the case.
Registration by Coddan: Incorporating Plans at Affordable Prices in all USA, UK and EU Delaware Corporations and LLCs Registration Packages & Costs | 

The same corporation may conduct different kinds of businesses. If the corporate documents filed with Delaware have the broadest type "purpose clause", any legal business activity of any kind may be conducted. More than one type of business can be conducted by the same corporation without any changes in the documents filed with the state. Delaware corporations have a special "Director Shield" that permits corporations to shelter their directors from personal liability in connection with their actions as board members. Delaware statutes also help limit hostile or abusive takeover tactics. The corporate headquarters and the records of a Delaware corporation may be located in any state in America or in any country in the world as long as the corporation maintains a registered agent to represent you in Delaware. Most of the owners of Delaware corporations have never set foot in Delaware. A Delaware corporation does do not need to maintain a Delaware business address except for its registered agent address which is required by law for service of process in case of legal action against your company.

We recognize that registering a partnership, or forming a limited liability company (LLC) can be a maze of paperwork and documentation. Let us help you in compiling and organising all the necessary documentation, and even assist you in deciding which business form would work best for you. The form of business entity selected for the conduct of a business greatly impacts the daily operations of the business and the income tax consequences to both the business and its owners. Our services extend from the initial document preparation and filing with appropriate authorities, including post-formation activities such as preparation and adoption of By-laws and director/shareholder resolutions.

Our lawyers have vast experience in dealing with many types of business entities, from start-up ventures to large corporations. Our lawyers assist start-up businesses in the choice of entity, whether a corporation, limited liability company, general partnership, limited partnership, or limited liability partnership. Each of these entity choices offers its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. The key to setting up a successful business is properly defining the relationship among the owners. Our lawyers have experience in setting up these agreements, whether employment agreements, shareholder agreements, partnership agreements, or operating agreements.

Live Help » Live Help is a real time "chat" feature which enables you to interact with a customer service representative without a phone call. Get answers to your questions while using our website. Clicking the "Live Help" button will start an on-line session with one of our representatives. Live Help is currently available during normal business hours. Outside of the above opening hours our business center will be closed. When you click on the button you will see an e-mail form that will allow you to send us a mail with your questions. Live Help is absolutely free! There are no hidden fees. We offer the service as a courtesy to our website visitors. Besides English, we have several customer service representatives who speak Spanish, German, Franch, Polish and Russian. Dear visitors, while having a chat session with a customer, we are frequently requested to give a piece of advice on tax planning or business structuring. We would like to inform you that it is against our principles to provide online advice pertaining to these issues. The points that may be covered during a session include service description, package or service price, navigation at our website, ways of making an order, methods of payment etc. Yet, if you wish us to provide you with advice on tax or business structuring, you should be aware that this service is chargeable. If you have any questions please E-Mail or call us: 033 0808-0089 or +44 (0) 207.935.5171, fax: +44 207.504.3531.
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We deliver a fast and reliable service as well as the lowest fees provided in Delaware, with no hidden charges. Incorporating is one of the best ways a business owner can protect his or her personal assets. Most people choose to incorporate solely for this reason, but there are other advantages as well. For example, the corporate business structure allows you to save money in taxes, provides greater business flexibility and lets you more easily raise capital.
Visit Our Fees & Costs Page for a Complete Price List Concerning Our Services | 

Why incorporate in Delaware? More than half a million business entities have their legal home in Delaware including more than 50% of all U.S. publicly-traded companies and 58% of the Fortune 500. Businesses choose Delaware because we provide a complete package of incorporation services including modern and flexible corporate laws, our highly-respected Court of Chancery, a business-friendly State Government, and the customer service oriented Staff of the Delaware Division of Corporations. One of the best reasons for incorporating, or forming a limited liability company, is to separate your personal assets from your company's assets. If you conduct business without using a corporation, or limited liability company, you place your assets at risk. Separating your personal property from your business property, and using a legal form such as a corporation, can help protect your personal property. Want to incorporate in Delaware? One of the earliest choices a new company has to make is where it should incorporate itself. One of the most popular places for both U.S. and Non-U.S. entities is Delaware:

Incorporate Delaware Delaware Advantages UK Incorporator

1. Delaware is considered the most attractive state in the nation for organizing.
2. Delaware courts have a reputation of reaching reasonable and fair conclusions when construing the corporation laws.
3. Only one incorporator is required. A corporation may be the incorporator.
4. There is no minimum capital requirement.
5. The franchise tax compares favorably with that of other states.
6. For companies doing business outside of Delaware, there is no corporation income tax.
7. Delaware has no sales tax, personal property tax or intangible property tax on corporations.
8. No taxation upon shares of stock held by non-residents and no inheritance tax upon non-resident holders.
9. A corporation may keep all of its books and records outside of Delaware.
10. You may have a principal place of business/address outside of the State of Delaware as well.


Low cost incorporation fees;
No state corporation income tax for Delaware corporations not operating in Delaware;
No name or address disclosure requirement for the initial board of directors;
One person may hold all corporate offices;
The corporation must have a registered agent in Delaware, but not a business office; and
You can form a Delaware corporation, limited liability company, or business entity without coming to Delaware;
Claims relating to the corporation will be heard by the Delaware Court of Chancery;
There is no Delaware income tax for Delaware corporations or limited liability companies that do not do business in Delaware.
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The following is a detailed description of the entire incorporation process: complete our online questionnaire. We will prepare your Certificate of Incorporation, review it for completeness and file it with the Secretary of State. In some states, we may not be able to sign the Certificate of Incorporation on your behalf and will need to deliver it to you for signature. Once your materials are submitted, the processing time required would vary depending on the state in which you file. We will then prepare your By-laws (Operating Agreement) and organizational minutes. Your corporation will become active when the Certificate of Incorporation has been accepted for filing with the Secretary of State. Once we receive the filed Certificate of Incorporation, we will deliver it to you, along with your complete corporations package. The directors of the corporation will need to sign the organizational minutes.

Please Note: If you incorporate in one state and end up conducting most of your business in a different state, you will have to qualify to do business in that other state, which will involve more fees and costs, more filing requirements, and more paperwork. A corporation doing business in a state other than its state of incorporation is considered a foreign corporation.

One single individual may simultaneously hold all of the executive offices and titles of a corporation, including: chairman of the board, president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. Unlike states that require as many as three different individuals to hold the posts of officers and/or directors, Delaware permits you to be a one-person corporation. A Delaware director shield law permits corporations to shelter their directors, liberally, from personal liability in connection with their actions as board members. Your corporation may be based, headquartered and/or operated in any state or territory of the United States - or in any city in any country in the world - providing that you retain the services of a Delaware registered agent such as Coddan CPM. Delaware has a highly specialized and expert corporate bar that is very familiar with Delaware corporate law and which appears regularly before judges of the Court of Chancery.

There is no sales tax in Delaware. Whether your corporation is physically located in Delaware or not, as a corporation, your purchases in Delaware are not subject to sales tax. There is no state corporate income tax in Delaware on goods or services provided by Delaware corporations operating outside of Delaware. There is no state corporate tax on interest or other investment income in Delaware, when earned by a Delaware holding company. Delaware has no ad-valorem or value-added taxes (VATs). There is no State of Delaware inheritance tax on stock of Delaware corporations operating outside of Delaware held by non-residents of Delaware.

The liability of a shareholder of a Delaware corporation is limited by the amount of his investment in the corporation plus the corporate tax liability - provided that the corporation has conducted its business according to all applicable state and federal laws. Your Delaware corporation may own - without limitations as to amount or value - stocks, bonds or securities of other corporations located in Delaware or outside of Delaware as well as real and personal property. This means that your new corporation can be set up as, or later become, a corporate holding company or real estate holding company. Your Delaware corporation can be set up to be an all-purpose corporation - to conduct multiple types of business, to manufacture and/or market any products, to offer all kinds of services, simultaneously or sequentially.

Incorporate in UK Why Incorporate in Delaware State of Delaware Advantages

Delaware Corporation with Resident Agent and Registered Address from only £174.00! All our Delaware corporations are general trading companies which include search name availability for your Delaware Corporation. Preparation and filing of Certificate of Incorporation with state office. Our incorporation service and State filing fees. Certified Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation. Registered Address in the State of Delaware for 12 months.
Delivery Certified Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation is delivered as hard copy by post.
The following documents will be delivered via E-Mail: a professionally-prepared 20 page Delaware Corporation By-laws ready-for-signature (Word. format). Minutes or Consents Documentation of Organizational Meeting.
It will take just 5 minutes to complete the online incorporation form and you might get the company set up within 24-48 hours.

THE FOLLOWING UPGRADES CAN BE ADDED TO THE ABOVE PACKAGE:

1. Nominee Director service for 12 months - £140.00
2. Nominee Shareholder service for 12 months - £94.00
3. Non-Standard Certificate of Incorporation (4-5 pages) - £60.00
4. Employer Identification Number (EIN) - £40.00
5. Domain Name Registration (.com or .us) for two years - £30.00
6. 888, 877, or 866 toll-free telephone numbers - £50.00
7. Apostilled Certificate of Good Standing - £125.00
8. Apostilled Certificate of Incorporation - £110.00
9. Corporate Kit (seal is included) - £38.00


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Forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) in Delaware. The Limited Liability Company or LLC is not a partnership or a corporation. An LLC is a distinct type of business that offers an alternative to partnerships and corporations, by combining the corporate advantages of limited liability with the partnership advantage of pass-through taxation. Limited liability companies, or LLCs, are becoming more and more popular, and it's easy to see why. They combine the personal liability protection of a corporation with the tax benefits and simplicity of a partnership. Similar to the corporation, an LLC is recognized as a separate legal entity from its "members." Thus, an LLC can own property, commit itself to contractual obligations, and even commit crimes. In addition, they're more flexible and require less on-going paperwork than corporations. The management of an LLC can be by members, in which case the management is much like that of a partnership. If the management of an LLC is by managers, then the management structure closely resembles a corporation. We can help you quickly and easily set up a new LLC, or convert an existing business into an LLC. Filling out the Questionnaire is free. There is no time limit. At the end, you may decide whether or not you wish to purchase.
Delaware Incorporating Options Click Here to Check our Filing New Business Service Fees | 

Some states impose an annual fee or tax on LLCs, in addition to individual income tax that owners pay on the LLC profits allocated to them each year. Because an LLC is taxed as a partnership, it files standard partnership tax returns (IRS Form 1065 and Schedules K) with the IRS and state, and the LLC owners pay taxes on their share of LLC profits on their individual income tax returns. (Each owner gets a Schedule K-1 from the LLC, which shows the owner's share of LLC profits and deductions. The owner attaches the K-1 to her individual income tax return.) A sole-owned LLC is treated as a sole proprietorship for tax purposes. The owner includes profits or losses from LLC operations, as well as deductions and credits allowable to the business, on a Schedule C included with the owners' individual income tax returns. (In essence, for a sole LLC owner, the Schedule C works much like the K-1 schedule filed by the owners of a co-owned LLC.) If a sole-owner or multi-owner LLC elects corporate tax treatment, the LLC is treated and taxed as a corporation, not as a sole proprietorship or partnership. The LLC files corporate income tax returns, reporting and paying corporate income tax on any profits retained in the LLC. The LLC members report and pay individual income tax only on salaries paid to them or distributions of LLC profits or losses. However, as is true for partnerships, LLCs that may benefit from electing corporate tax treatment normally decide to go ahead and incorporate. By doing so, they get corporate tax treatment plus the other advantages the corporation provides, such as access to capital, capital sharing with employees, tax-deductible employee fringe benefits and built-in management formalities.

LLCs are normally managed by all the owners (also called members) - this is known as "member-management LLC". But state law also allows for management by one or more specially appointed managers, who may be members or non-members. Not surprisingly (but somewhat awkwardly), this arrangement is known as "manager-management LLC". In other words, an LLC can appoint one or more of its members, or one of its CEOs or even a person contracted from outside the LLC, to manage its affairs. This manager setup is somewhat atypical and normally only makes sense if one person wishes to assume full-time control of the LLC, with the other owners acting as passive investors in the enterprise.

Formation Requirements. Like a corporation, an LLC requires paperwork to get going. You must file Articles of Organization with the state business filing office. And if the LLC is to maintain a business presence in another state, such as a branch office, you must also file registration or qualification papers with the other state’s business filing office. LLC formation fees vary, but most are comparable to the fee each state charges for incorporation. Like a partnership, an LLC should prepare an operating agreement to spell out how the LLC will be owned, how profits and losses will be divided, how departing or deceased members will be bought out, and other essential ownership details. If you don't prepare an operating agreement, the default provisions of the state’s LLC Act will apply to the operation of your LLC. Since LLC owners will want to control exactly how profits and losses are apportioned among the members as well as other essential LLC operating rules, the preparation of an LLC operating agreement is a necessity.
Learn About Forming an LLC Paperwork for Forming an LLC | Limited Liability Company Benefits | 

Let Coddan help you with your LLC formation and any other legal procedures you may need. We make the process of incorporating as simple as possible so that you can take care of more important matters. Have more questions? Ready to get started? Please call: 1- 877-557-5939, or +44-207-637-3802 (UK) so that we may help you. Referrals and repeat customers generate most of our business. We are more than just a filing service; we develop relationships with clients to help make them successful and keep them returning.

All you have to do is include a broad "statement of purpose" in your Delaware Certificate of Incorporation (Corporate Charter) and other corporate documents such as: "The purpose of this corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of Delaware." This permits your Delaware corporation, for example, to start out as a real estate holding company, add your spouse's retail business to its activities and later become a manufacturer of packaged goods - all without having to alter your original documentation or file new corporate documents.

If you want to become familiar with the description and the contents of online Delaware companies formation packages, offered by Coddan and to find above, what kind of service is included in this or that company incorporation package, to get an idea about the price of annual fees, and about the general legal requirements, please, select the package you need from the list, situated below the banner. The information in the banner will be renewed according to the package you've chosen. Register your business online in minutes at lawyer-free prices. Coddan was developed by expert attorneys with experience at the most prestigious law firms in the country. We've helped over 50,000 satisfied customers, and our know-how allows us to prepare legal documents quickly and efficiently. Our documents contain advanced provisions that are not found in simple "do-it-yourself" kits or manuals. Coddan lets you take care of common legal procedures without ever leaving your home or office. We're open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our research area contains plenty of helpful guidance. Simply answer an easy-to-understand questionnaire, and Coddan takes care of the rest - no need to download, no need to print. You will receive the completed legal documents printed on quality acid-free paper.

Live Help » Live Help is a real time "chat" feature which enables you to interact with a customer service representative without a phone call. Get answers to your questions while using our website. Clicking the "Live Help" button will start an on-line session with one of our representatives. Live Help is currently available during normal business hours. Outside of the above opening hours our business center will be closed. When you click on the button you will see an e-mail form that will allow you to send us a mail with your questions. Live Help is absolutely free! There are no hidden fees. We offer the service as a courtesy to our website visitors. Dear visitors, while having a chat session with a customer, we are frequently requested to give a piece of advice on tax planning or business structuring. We would like to inform you that it is against our principles to provide online advice pertaining to these issues. The points that may be covered during a session include service description, package or service price, navigation at our website, ways of making an order, methods of payment etc. Yet, if you wish us to provide you with advice on tax or business structuring, you should be aware that this service is chargeable.

WANT TO INCORPORATE IN DELAWARE? WHY DO SO MANY COMPANIES INCORPORATE IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE?

The reason is not just one but several. They include the Delaware General Corporation Law that is one of the most advanced and flexible corporation statutes in the nation. Secondly, Delaware courts and, in particular, the Court of Chancery, have over 200 years of legal precedent as a maker of corporation law. Thirdly, the state legislature seriously takes its role in keeping the corporation statute and other business laws current. Lastly, the office of the Secretary of State operates much like a business rather than a government bureaucracy with its modern imaging system and customer service oriented staff.

Known as the Diamond State, Delaware is the home to more than half of the Fortune 500 corporations, and many small business owners around the globe have also incorporated in Delaware for a number of reasons. Delaware is also know as the First State because it was the first state to ratify the Constitution of the United States; Delaware's business laws, its Chancery Court with nationally recognized expertise and governmental services make Delaware a corporate haven.

DELAWARE'S BUSINESS ENTITY LAWS ARE AMONG THE MOST ADVANCED AND FLEXIBLE IN THE UNITED STATES

State of Delaware Advantages: Advantages of Delaware Corporation Law. There is no state corporate income tax in Delaware on goods or services provided by corporations (or limited liability companies) operating outside of Delaware. There is no sales tax in Delaware. Whether your corporation (or limited liability company) is physically located in Delaware or not, as a Delaware corporation, your purchases in Delaware are not subject to sales tax. There is no state corporate tax on interest or other investment income in Delaware, when earned by a Delaware holding company.

Delaware has no personal property tax. There are no State real property taxes, and the local real property taxes are very low. Delaware has no value-added taxes (VAT). Delaware has no taxes on business transactions (TBTs), which are essentially VATs that exempt retailers. Delaware has no use tax, inventory or unitary tax. There is no State of Delaware inheritance tax on stock of Delaware corporations operating outside of Delaware held by non-residents of Delaware. There is no Delaware capital shares or stock transfer taxes.

Broad corporate powers permit conduct of several legal businesses by one corporation. One person can be the only officer, director, and shareholder. Officers and directors can be indemnified, limiting their personal liability. Corporate books and records may be kept anywhere in the world. No minimum amount of capital is required. Non-resident shareholders pay no Delaware tax on shares. Shareholders are protected by takeover statue, which limits abusive hostile takeover tactics. Directors need not be shareholders. Service from the State of Delaware is fast and efficient. Incorporation costs are low. Most Delaware corporations can be formed within minutes and documents are available within 24 to 48 hours.

Delaware corporation law has well-established legal precedent. Delaware courts are respected nationwide for their expertise in corporate matters. Voting provisions requiring greater-than-majority approval may be enacted. Liberal choice of corporate name provisions and ease of reserving corporate name. Corporation may pay dividends from profits and surplus. Shareholders, directors and/or committee members may act by unanimous written consent in place of formal meetings. Directors may be given the power to make and alter Bylaws. The director(s) of a Delaware corporation are permitted to set the sales price on any stock the corporation issues and plans to sell. The director(s) of a Delaware corporation may determine what percentage of the consideration received from the issue of their stock is to be considered capital. This is important because it gives the directors greater flexibility regarding the use of funds obtained in a public offering, so that large amounts are not tied up in the capital account.

Corporation may own - without limitations as to amount or value - stocks, bonds or securities of other corporations located in Delaware or outside of Delaware as well as real estate personal property. This means that your corporation can be set up as, or later become, a holding company. Different kinds of business may be carried on in combination. Corporation may fix quorum of board of directors - not less than one-third of the whole board; two if only two shareholders; one if only one shareholder. Voting trusts and voting agreements may be created. Delaware law includes close corporation provisions. Personal financial liability of owners no greater than the shareholders' or members' investment; owners are insured from personal liability for negligent acts of the entities and its debts. Separate legal identity - a corporation or LLC has a distinct identification completely apart from its owners, directors and officers.

Ease of transferability of ownership - shares of stock in a corporation or interest in an LLC may be sold or distributed without impairing organization or operation. Uninterrupted legal existence - both corporations and LLC's have a perpetual life even upon death of primary owners or officers. Subchapter "S" election or LLC partnership treatment - permits tax savings by flowing through deductions and losses to personal tax returns. Bank accounts not required being in Delaware. Capital requirements have no minimum. By-laws may be made and altered by directors or by agreement of members. No par value required for stock.

ASSET PROTECTION

One of the best reasons for incorporating, or forming a limited liability company, is to separate your personal assets from your company's assets. If you conduct business without using a corporation, or limited liability company, you place your assets at risk. Separating your personal property from your business property, and using a legal form such as a corporation, can help protect your personal property. Incorporation or formation of a limited liability company also allows you to take advantage of the statutory and judicial laws of Delaware, to help you plan how your business runs.

An example: Delaware Law allows for a version of the limited liability company often called a Serial LLC. An LLC is normally very simple to create. The major difference between an LLC and a sole proprietorship or a partnership is the limitation of liability an LLC brings to you. But say that you wanted to conduct more than one type of business, and you didn't want to create a separate corporation or limited liability company for each. The "Serial" LLC allows different lines of business to be treated separately from each other from a liability standpoint. So, for example, an LLC that owns several apartment buildings may insulate the LLC from liability for each individual building, if the operating agreement allows for it, and the operating agreement is followed. For more information take a look at the Limited Liability Company Act of the Delaware Code (especially, Title 6, Section 18-215; Series of members, managers or limited liability company interests).

A Delaware Corporation which is properly formed and operated as a corporation assumes a separate legal and tax life distinct from its shareholders. A corporation pays taxes at its own corporate income tax rates and files its own corporate tax forms each year (IRS Form 1120). As a separate entity, it can buy real estate, enter into contracts, sue and be sued completely separate from its owners. Also, money can be raised easier via the sale of stock; its ownership can be transferred via the transfer of stock; the duration of the corporation is perpetual (the business can continue regardless of ownership); and the tax advantages can be considerable (i.e. you are able to deduct many business expenses, healthcare programs, etc.). Income is reported completely separate via a tax return for the corporation. Normally, a corporation's management and control is vested in the board of directors who are elected by the shareholders of the corporation. Directors generally make policy and major decisions regarding the corporation but do not individually represent the corporation in dealing with third persons. Rather, dealings with third persons are conducted through officers and employees of the corporation to whom authority is delegated by the directors of the corporation.

To retain the corporate existence and thus the benefits of limited liability and special tax treatment, those who run the corporation must observe corporate formalities. Thus, even a one-person corporation must wear different hats depending on the occasion. For example, one person may be responsible for being the sole shareholder, director, and officer of the corporation; however, depending on the action taken, that person must observe certain formalities: Annual meetings must be held, corporate minutes of the meetings must be taken, officers must be appointed, and shares must be issued to shareholders. Most importantly, however, the corporation should issue stock to its shareholders and keep adequate capitalization on hand to cover any "foreseeable" business debts.

The corporation is the most enduring form of business entity. Originally created hundreds of years ago as a way to protect the shareholders in risky overseas ventures, corporations today are now formed by filing the necessary documents and fees with the Secretary of State. This creates a separate legal entity that is separate from the shareholders. It's akin to creating a new "person" with its own name and social security number (called the EIN or Tax ID Number: we can prepare this for you). The rules for operating your corporation are set in what are called corporate Bylaws. This document sets the rules for operating the company and can be modified as the business grows and changes.

Operating a corporation involves at the minimum holding a yearly directors and shareholders meeting (the location is determined by you and the expenses are deductible), keeping written minutes of major company decisions and maintaining general corporate compliance as dictated by the corporate Bylaws.

LIFE AFTER INCORPORATING

Many business owners delay incorporating or registering a Limited Liability Company (LLC) because they are apprehensive about the documentation required to keep their company in compliance. Incorporating or forming an LLC helps protect personal assets and provides tax-deductible benefits for employees and owners. It's unwise to forgo these benefits simply due to a healthy fear of paperwork. While state-by-state requirements vary, here are three important tips to help you keep your company in compliance and protect your personal assets in the event of legal action against your company: avoid co-mingling your personal funds and identity with that of your company. Document your corporate/LLC activities. Be on time when paying your state franchise taxes and submitting your company's annual report. Keeping your personal identity separate from your company includes signing business documents not only with your name but also with your business title and the name of your company.

Other tips: avoid using personal checks or funds for business expenses and visa versa; avoid using personal stationary for business communications and company letterhead for personal matters. Equally important is documentation of company activities. This includes keeping company records such as articles of incorporation, annual meeting minutes, sales of company shares, bylaws and business contracts in an organized format like a corporate binder or kit. As changes occur in your company structure, it is important to also keep amendments in your company files.

Finally, to protect your corporate status, you must remember to pay your annual state franchise taxes and file your annual report with the state. Failure to do so will result in the state voiding your company and treating it as an inactive entity. Fear not, resources are available to help your company stay in compliance. Apply for your Federal Tax ID and take care of any special IRS elections such as S Corporation status. Write your company bylaws and any operating agreements you may need. Open your company bank account. If a corporation, then hold your first corporate annual meeting with written meeting minutes. If you formed a corporation, file an annual report with your state. Select an accountant/tax preparer and an attorney for your company. Coddan can assist you in forming or qualifying your company in any state you choose and can assist you in keeping track of your state qualifications. In addition to filing corporations and limited liability companies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Coddan offers a wide range of products and services to help businesses preserve and protect their corporate status. We provide resident agent services, and mail forwarding services, corporate kits, Certificates of Good Standing, Apostille legalisation and qualifications to do business in any state. Our commitment to the success of small businesses does not end there.
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Limited company formation and small business start-up advice - we are offering companies registrations in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, USA and offshore jurisdictions. Our simple and cost-effective business starting-up service has various packages available to suit all needs. Expert advice and cost efficient business registration services to assist companies with their statutory obligations, including business administration, bookkeeping, accounting and annual accounting and annual return preparation. We can also help you to introduce and arrange a business bank account in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Gibraltar and in many other offshore countries.

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Due to the introduction of the Anti Money Laundering Regulations 2007 it is now a legal requirement that all trusts and company service providers are MLR registered. Coddan CPM Limited has been granted an MLR Registration Number 12298927. This means that we have passed the fit and proper test and successfully applied for and received confirmation from HM Customs and Excise. Please be aware that any formation agent operating without being MLR registered is not complying with the Law. We would strongly advise you to ask for an MLR number prior to processing a formation through any agent.

In the event of Companies House rejecting an application or submission you will have three days to re-submit the application with appropriate corrections at no extra charge. We reserve the right to cancel the contract between us if one or more of the goods or services that you ordered were listed at an incorrect price due to a typographical error or an error in the pricing information received by us from our supplier. If we do cancel your order for this reason, we will notify you by email and will credit your account with any sum deducted by us from your credit card as soon as possible but in any event within 30 days of your order. We will not be obliged to offer any additional compensation for disappointment suffered. Products are delivered using Royal Mail recorded delivery post, or e-mail (as appropriate), unless otherwise stated. Where you request an alternative method of delivery, you must meet those costs. Services are provided using reasonable skill and care. Products and services will be provided in accordance with the timescales set out in the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 unless otherwise agreed with you. Website Last Updated: 2/7/2012