Incorporations Library

State Requirements



The basic process for incorporating in any state is, for the most part, very similar. There are some state-by-state variations regarding state filing fees, bylaws, continuing obligations and formation requirements. Fortunately, when it comes to actually forming your corporation, StartupNation makes sure you're conforming to the specific and current business laws of the state you choose.

We have provided more information for the state in which you'd like to incorporate, including formation requirements, bylaws, taxes and fees, and continuing obligations. Of course, this provides just an overview of state incorporation information. Once you're incorporated, you'll always want to be up-to-date with your specific state's requirements on an annual, if not quarterly, basis.

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Mexico
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
District of Columbia


Specifically, the above state pages provide the following information:
  1. Corporate Names: Discusses registering and reserving a corporate name.
  2. Formation requirements: Explains the concepts of the Articles of Incorporation
  3. Bylaws: What they are and who can amend them
  4. Registered Agent: requirements and services
  5. Secretary of State information: Includes Other Considerations, Continuing Obligations, Dissolution and Taxes and Fees. (This section also includes information on S Corporations.)
Remember, you can almost always go to your Secretary of State website for all state business requirements. Here's an example: http://www.ss.ca.gov/