A corporation is a company or group of people authorized to act as a single entity (legally a person) and recognized as such in law.
This filing service is for the formation of a Florida Profit Corporation pursuant to s. 607.0202, Florida Statutes and provides the minimum requirements to form a profit corporation.
Carefully review the information your enter before submitting it for filing. Your application will be created from the INFORMATION YOU ENTER. If you make a mistake and fail to correct any error prior to placing your order, you will be required to file an amendment. Print the page containing your invoice number and save it for your corporate records.
Important: The service provided for articles of incorporation is basic and is the minimum requirements necessary to form a corporation. Each corporation is a separate entity and, as such, has specific goals, needs, and requirements. We recommend that all documents be reviewed by legal counsel. We are a filing office only and do not render any legal, accounting, or tax advice. The professional advice of an attorney to ascertain exact compliance with all statutory requirements is strongly recommended.
You must enter a valid email address. Your service information and any certification will be sent to the email you provide. If you enter your email address incorrectly, you will unable to receive important information regarding your service. If you're using a SPAM filter, messages may be placed inside a JUNK mail folder by the filter. If you order the Certificate of Status Service or the Certified Copy Service or both, you will receive attachments or links to secure pages in the email response. DO NOT delete those important emails by mistake, add them to your corporate records.
Every corporation is required to file an annual report each year to maintain "ACTIVE" status in the State of Florida. If the corporation fails to file its annual report, it will be administratively dissolved or its authority to transact business will be revoked. The first annual report is due January 1st of the calendar year following the year of formation. If a corporation is created late in the calendar year and it doesn't expect to commence business until after January 1st of the next calendar year, it can add an effective date.
If the effective date is in the next calendar year it will delay the requirement to file an annual report until the following year. As an example, if a corporation is formed on November 1, 2015 and enters an effective date in its articles of January 1, 2016, the first annual report will not be due until January 1, 2017. In the same example, if the effective date is not entered, the first annual report will be due January 1, 2016.
Bylaws of a corporation are not filed with the Florida Department of State.
It is the responsibility of the corporation to secure corporate seals, minute books and stock certificates once the corporation has been filed with the State of Florida.
Questions concerning S Corporations should be directed to the Internal Revenue Service by telephoning 1-800-829-1040. This is an IRS designation which is not determined by the State of Florida.
Preliminary name searches and name reservations are no longer available from the State of Florida. You are responsible for any name infringement that may result from your corporate name selection.
A name should not be used or assumed approved until confirmation is received from the State of Florida.
Florida Corporate Solutions Co.™
LEARN MORE
- What is a Corporation?
A corporation (sometimes referred to as a C corporation) is an independent legal entity owned by shareholders. This means that the corporation itself, not the shareholders that own it, is held legally liable for the actions and debts the business incurs.
Corporations are more complex than other business structures because they tend to have costly administrative fees and complex tax and legal requirements. Because of these issues, corporations are generally suggested for established, larger companies with multiple employees.
For businesses in that position, corporations offer the ability to sell ownership shares in the business through stock offerings. "Going public" through an initial public offering (IPO) is a major selling point in attracting investment capital and high quality employees.
Forming a Corporation
A corporation is formed under the laws of the state in which it is registered. To form a corporation you will need to establish your business name and register your legal name with your state government. If you choose to operate under a name different than the officially registered name, you will most likely have to file a fictitious name (also known as an assumed name, trade name, or DBA name, short for "doing business as"). State laws vary, but generally corporations must include a corporate designation (Corporation, Incorporated, Limited) at the end of the business name.
To register your business as a corporation, you need to file certain documents, typically articles of incorporation, with your state's Secretary of State office. Some states require corporations to establish directors and issue stock certificates to initial shareholders in the registration process.
Once your business is registered, you must obtain business licenses and permits. Regulations vary by industry, state and locality.
If you are hiring employees, read more about federal and state regulations for employers.
Corporation Taxes
Corporations are required to pay federal, state, and in some cases, local taxes. Most businesses must register with the IRS and state and local revenue agencies, and receive a tax ID number or permit.
When you form a corporation, you create a separate tax-paying entity. Regular corporations are called "C corporations" because Subchapter C of Chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code is where you find general tax rules affecting corporations and their shareholders.
Unlike sole proprietors and partnerships, corporations pay income tax on their profits. In some cases, corporations are taxed twice - first, when the company makes a profit, and again when dividends are paid to shareholders on their personal tax returns. Corporations use IRS Form 1120 or 1120-A, U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return to report revenue to the federal government.
Shareholders who are also employees pay income tax on their wages. The corporation and the employee each pay one half of the Social Security and Medicare taxes, but this is usually a deductible business expense.
Consult the IRS for more information about tax requirements for Corporations.
Advantages of a Corporation
- Limited Liability. When it comes to taking responsibility for business debts and actions of a corporation, shareholders' personal assets are protected. Shareholders can generally only be held accountable for their investment in stock of the company.
- Ability to Generate Capital. Corporations have an advantage when it comes to raising capital for their business - the ability to raise funds through the sale of stock.
- Corporate Tax Treatment. Corporations file taxes separately from their owners. Owners of a corporation only pay taxes on corporate profits paid to them in the form of salaries, bonuses, and dividends, while any additional profits are awarded a corporate tax rate, which is usually lower than a personal income tax rate.
- Attractive to Potential Employees. Corporations are generally able to attract and hire high-quality and motivated employees because they offer competitive benefits and the potential for partial ownership through stock options.
Disadvantages of a Corporation
- Time and Money. Corporations are costly and time-consuming ventures to start and operate. Incorporating requires start-up, operating and tax costs that most other structures do not require.
- Double Taxing. In some cases, corporations are taxed twice - first, when the company makes a profit, and again when dividends are paid to shareholders.
- Additional Paperwork. Because corporations are highly regulated by federal, state, and in some cases local agencies, there are increased paperwork and recordkeeping burdens associated with this entity.
In order to form a corporation in the State of Florida, simply fill out the form below, and Florida Corporate Solutions Co.™ will review, prepare and file your business' documents with the Florida Department of State (Sunbiz).
check additional services
Expedited Service
+ $ 50.00
Federal Tax ID
+ $ 50.00
S Status Election
+ $ 50.00
Registered Agent
+$125.00/year
Certified Copy
+ $ 55.00
Certif. of Status
+ $ 55.00
Total Cost:
$
After completing, reviewing and submitting the form below, you will be redirected to our secure payment page containing your invoice number. Please print that page for your records.
In case you choose any additional service(s) you may be redirected to another form, and then to our secure payment page and invoice number.
Please keep in mind that payment information must be provided and payment approved before your order is processed.
Expedited Service orders are usually completed in 1 to 5 business days, while regular services are usually completed in 5 to 10 business days, once all your materials are submitted to us and payment has been received.
Corporate Name
Fields in red must be entered.
First Choice
Second Choice
Third Choice
The name of the corporation must be distinguishable from all other entities or filings (except fictitious names) organized or registered and on file with the Department of State. The corporate name must include a corporate suffix such as "Corporation", "Company", "Incorporated", "Corp.", "Inc.", or "Co.". A Professional Association must contain the word "chartered", "professional association" or "P.A.".
Final name approval is determined by the Department of State. A name should not be used or assumed approved until acknowledgement is received from the Department of State.
Name reservations are no longer available from the State of Florida. You are responsible for any name infringement that may result from your name selection.
The State of Florida will register your articles if statutory filing requirements are met, therefore orders CAN NOT be cancelled or refunded.
Contact Information
Fields in red must be entered.
Contact Name
Contact Email
Your confirmation email, any certification requests, and all future notices will be sent to the email address above.
Contact Phone
Contact Fax
Preferred Method of Contact
Email
Phone
Fax
Business Address
Fields in red must be entered.
The principal place of business. Cannot be a P.O. box.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
Mailing Address
Fields in red must be entered.
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
Business Purpose
Fields in red must be entered.
check here if business purpose is "Any and all lawful business".
If you are filing a profit professional corporation (P.A.), uncheck/do not check the box above, you must list a specific purpose describing the function of the proposed corporation in text box below.
A professional corporation requires shareholders to be of the same licensed profession. Example: medical doctor, lawyer, certified public accountant, ophthalmologist, etc.
Maximum of 240 characters.
Effective Date
This field is optional.
An effective date can be entered, otherwise the date of receipt will be the file date.
An effective date can not be more than five (5) business days prior to the date of receipt (expedited orders only) or ninety (90) days after the date of filing.
Effective Date
Corporate Stock Shares
Fields in red must be entered.
Total number of authorized shares to be issued by the corporation.
Cannot be zero. Example: 1,000
Total No. of Authorized Corporate Stock Shares
Registered Agent
Fields in red must be entered.
A registered agent is an individual or business within a state who is designated to accept official and legal correspondence on behalf of a corporation.
The State of Florida requires that every corporation doing business in the state must have a registered agent, as the corporation CANNOT act as it's own registered agent.
The registered agent must be available during business hours and is responsible for making sure that official legal documents are received and forwarded to the corporation in a timely manner.
The registered agent address is the address used by lawyers and the goverment for official legal correspondence. The registered agent address must be a physical, in-state street address, and NO P.O. BOXES are acceptable.
check here if you would like to have us as your business' Registered Agent for only $125 per year service fee.
skip the fields below only if you choose us as your business' Registered Agent.
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
or Business Name to serve as Registered Agent
Do not enter the business name that you are attempting to file as the Registered Agent. A business entity CANNOT serve as its own Registered Agent.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Florida
Zip
Country
United States
Registered Agent Signature
The Registered Agent signature MUST be an individual name. If the Registered Agent is a business entity, an individual must sign on the entity's behalf. The new Registered Agent must 'sign' by typing his/her name in the 'Registered Agent Signature' block above accepting the designation as Registered Agent and indicating that he/she is familiar with and accepts the obligations of the position.
Director / Officer Information
Fields in red must be entered.
Listing directors and officers is optional, but we recommend that you enter the information, if known. Officers and directors may be required to open bank and merchant accounts, or to get workers' comp. exemption. Call your local bank or workers comp. office for their requirements.
Director/Officer Title
Director
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Director/Officer of Corporation
Individual director/officer names should be listed by first name, middle name or initial, and last name. The middle name is not required. The address must be provided for each director/officer. DO NOT enter names of individuals as directors and/or officers without their knowledge and consent.
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
OR Business Name
to serve as Officer (cannot be a director)
Leave the field below blank unless a different business entity is an officer of the corporation. An "officer" can be a person or business entity. A "director" cannot be a business entity.
Business Name
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Check here if same as Mailing Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
check here if you would like
to add more directors/officers.
Director / Officer Information
Fields in red must be entered.
Director/Officer Title
Director
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Director/Officer of Corporation
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
OR Business Name
to serve as Officer (cannot be a director)
Business Name
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Check here if same as Mailing Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
check here if you would like
to add more directors/officers.
Director / Officer Information
Fields in red must be entered.
Director/Officer Title
Director
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Director/Officer of Corporation
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
OR Business Name
to serve as Officer (cannot be a director)
Business Name
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Check here if same as Mailing Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
check here if you would like
to add more directors/officers.
Director / Officer Information
Fields in red must be entered.
Director/Officer Title
Director
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Director/Officer of Corporation
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
OR Business Name
to serve as Officer (cannot be a director)
Business Name
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Check here if same as Mailing Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
check here if you would like
to add more directors/officers.
Director / Officer Information
Fields in red must be entered.
Director/Officer Title
Director
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Director/Officer of Corporation
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
OR Business Name
to serve as Officer (cannot be a director)
Business Name
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Check here if same as Mailing Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
check here if you would like
to add more directors/officers.
Director / Officer Information
Fields in red must be entered.
Director/Officer Title
Director
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Director/Officer of Corporation
First Name
Middle
Last Name
Sr,Jr,etc
OR Business Name
to serve as Officer (cannot be a director)
Business Name
Check here if same as Business Address above.
Check here if same as Mailing Address above.
Address
Suite, Apt., etc.
City
State
Zip
Country
Additional Services
These fields are optional.
Expedited Service
+ $ 50.00
Check this option if you need your document to be filed in a rush. Expedited Service orders are usually completed in 1 to 5 business days, while regular services are usually completed in 5 to 10 business days, once all your materials are submitted to us and payment has been received.
Federal Tax ID Service (Also known as FEI, EIN, or TIN.)
+ $ 50.00
The Federal Tax ID (FEI/EIN/TIN) may be required when applying for a license, opening a bank account, etc.
Expedited Federal Tax ID Usually acquired on same day.
+ $ 50.00
S Status Election Service
+ $ 50.00
S corporations pass their income through to their shareholders. Check this option if you'll be filing to elect your corporation to an S status.
Florida Registered Agent Service
+ $ 125.00 / year*
As the registered agent for your business, we will receive and forward important correspondence and accept service of process on behalf of your business.
Certified Copy Service
+ $ 55.00
A certified copy is a copy of the registration certified by the Department of State as a true and correct copy of the registration as filed with the State.
If a certified copy is desired, check the "Certified Copy" box. There is an additional fee for the certified copy. Certified Copies will be sent to the email address shown on record.
Certificate of Status Service
+ $ 55.00
A certificate of status certifies the registration has been filed and is active with the Department of State.
If a certificate of status is desired, check the "Certificate of Status" box. There is an additional fee for the certificate. Certificates of Status will be sent to the email address shown on record.
Officer/Representative Signature
Fields in red must be entered.
Signature of an officer or an authorized representative of an officer.
An officer or an authorized representative of an officer must enter a typed signature in the "Officer Signature" field below. An individual's name must appear in this field. If an officer is a business entity, an individual must "sign" on their behalf. This can be an officer or director of the business entity. By completing the signature field, an officer is certifying that the information contained on the application is true and accurate. The signature shall have the same legal effect as if made under oath.
This signature must be that of the individual "signing" this document electronically or be made with the full knowledge and permission of the individual, otherwise it constitutes forgery under s.831.06, Florida Statutes. The individual "signing" this document affirms that the facts stated herein are true.
Officer Signature
I the undersigned, being an officer or an authorized representative of an officer in the above corporation, certify that the information indicated on this form is true and accurate. I understand that the electronic signature above shall have the same legal effect as if made under oath and I am aware that false information submitted in this application constitutes a third degree felony as provided for in s. 817.155, F.S.
Disclaimer
Terms of Use
By checking this box, I verify that I have read and accept the terms of this Disclaimer and Terms of Use.
Note: This is a form meeting requirements for filings pursuant to the Florida Statutes. If your business requires additional information, please contact us and we'll be pleased to fulfill your needs.
Please verify your information for accuracy before submitting this form. Once payment is made, order cannot be changed, removed, cancelled, or refunded, in whole or in part, and any amendment will require extra charge(s).
By clicking the "Submit Order and Make Payment" button, you affirm and certify that neither Florida Corporate Solutions Co.™ nor any of its employees, representatives, agents or licensees have provided you with any legal or tax advice, that the information listed in this form is exactly what you desire to be reflected for the filing, and that you have read, understood and agreed to our Disclaimers and Terms of Use.