-- Corporations F.A.Q.

What is a corporation? A corporation is business ownership structure authorized by state law that allows a business to organize as a separate legal entity from its owners. Like an individual, it can carry on business (or other activities), can sue or be sued, and (unless it is non-profit) can issue shares of stock to raise funds with which to start a business or increase its capital. A major benefit of a corporation is that it limits the personal liability of the owners for claims against the corporation, unless they commit fraud.

Do I need an attorney to incorporate a business? No, an attorney is not a legal requirement. Pacific Corporate Filings will prepare and file all the paperwork necessary to form your new corporation. Simply fill out our online order form and we take care of the rest. However, if you have any legal questions or are uncertain as to which entity is best for you, we urge you to consult with your attorney or accountant before making a final decision. If you have a California business and would like an attorney to help you decide which business type is best for you click here.

What is an S Corporation? An S Corporation is simply a C Corporation (also known as a standard business corporation) that files IRS form 2553 to elect a special tax status with the IRS. The same filing procedure is used for both types of businesses within the State. However, an S-Corporation must file an additional tax form that will give the S-corporation a special tax status with the IRS. This special tax status enables S-corporations to avoid paying corporate income tax. C-corporations must pay corporate income tax.

What is a registered agent? The state requires that a corporation appoint a Registered Agent in the state where the company is formed. The registered agent is responsible for acceptance of any legal service of process (notice of litigation) document, and also serves as a local contact for the Secretary of State. This Registered Office must be a physical address, and NOT be a post office box. For your privacy, we can provide this service for you.

What is a Corporate Kit? Our corporate kits help keep your corporation organized, and in compliance with the latest requirements. The corporate kit includes a personalized binder with organizational minutes, bylaws, customized steel corporate seal, stock certificates, and a stock ledger all organized with dividers.

What information do I need to provide to incorporate? To incorporate your business we need the name and address of the company, the name and address of the director/s and officers, and 10 minutes of your time to fill out our online form.

How long does the process take? Processing time vary from state to state. We process all corporate filings on an expedited basis so that you can benefit from the fastest service possible. For example, we can have your California or Nevada Corporation active in just 1 to 2 business days. Contact us to see how long your State will take.

How do I start the incorporation process? All you need to do is complete the online order form and Pacific Corporate Filings will prepare and file the necessary documents to incorporate your business. It takes just 10 minutes to start the process. We will send a confirmation email within one business day. Depending on the state of incorporation and services requested you may or may not have documents to sign. Just follow the simple instructions in the confirmation email. We will contact you upon completion and have your official documents delivered to you as soon as possible.

-- LLC F.A.Q.

What is an LLC? A Limited Liability Company is a relatively new and flexible business ownership structure. The LLC offers its owners the advantage of limited personal liability (like a corporation).

Do I need an attorney to form an LLC? No, an attorney is not a legal requirement. Pacific Corporate Filings will prepare and file all the paperwork necessary to form your new LLC. Simply fill out our online order form and we take care of the rest. However, if you have any legal questions or are uncertain as to which entity is best for you, we urge you to consult with your attorney or accountant before making a final decision. If you are a California based business and would like an attorney to help you decide which business type is best for you click here.

What is the difference between members and managers? The members of an LLC are its owners. The managers are appointed by the members of an LLC to manage the business. Members of an LLC can manage it and it that case the LLC is defined as “member managed”.

What is a registered agent? The state requires that a corporation appoint a Registered Agent in the state where the company is formed. The registered agent is responsible for acceptance of any legal service of process (notice of litigation) document, and also serves as a local contact for the Secretary of State. This Registered Office must be a physical address, and NOT be a post office box. For your privacy, we can provide this service for you.

What is an LLC Kit? Our LLC Kit will help keep your Limited Liability Company organized, and in compliance with the latest requirements. The LLC kit includes a personalized binder with organizational minutes, operating agreements, customized steel LLC seal, members certificates all organized with dividers.

What information do I need to provide to form an LLC? To form your LLC we need the name and address of the company, the name and address of the members, and 10 minutes of your time to fill out our online order form.

How long does the process take? Processing time vary from state to state. We process all LLCs filings on an expedited basis so that you benefit from the fastest service possible. We can have your Florida or Texas LLC active in 1 to 2 business days.

How do I start the LLC formation process? All you need to do is complete the online order form and Pacific Corporate Filings will prepare and file the necessary documents to form LLC. It takes just 10 minutes to start the process and submit your filing. We will send a confirmation email within one business day. Depending on the state of incorporation and services requested you may or may not have documents to sign. Just follow the simple instructions in the confirmation email. We will contact you upon completion and have your official documents delivered to you as soon as possible.