Incorporation Services

What does it mean to incorporate?

Incorporating a business means turning your sole proprietorship or general partnership into a company formally recognized by your state of incorporation. When a company incorporates, it becomes its own legal business structure set apart from the individuals who founded the business. Through incorporation, the company’s owner or owners create a separate legal entity to transact business. This new business entity corporation or limited liability company (LLC) transforms the way the business is seen through the eyes of the law and often has more credibility with potential customers, vendors and employees.

How does incorporation work?

Wondering how to incorporate a business as a C corporation or S corporation or how to form an LLC? Here are some of the steps included in the process. Southgate Financial Services is here to advise and assist you in all aspects of incorporation including:

• Determine where you want to incorporate.
• Decide which business type is best for your business and goals.
• Determine who the directors of the corporation or who the members/managers of the LLC will be.
• Select a registered agent. Your registered agent must be listed on your Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization. The registered agent is appointed by you to receive important legal and tax documents on behalf of your business and forward them to you.
• Prepare and file the Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization per instructions from the Secretary of State’s office.

Why is incorporating a business important?

The primary benefit to business incorporation is limited liability. When you own a small business, you will invest a lot of money into not only getting it launched, but in keeping it running smoothly as well. As the owner you are responsible for any debts and losses your business may accumulate along the way. However, when you incorporate, you are typically only held responsible for the amount of money you personally invest. Your personal assets typically cannot be used to satisfy the debts and liabilities of your business.

Business Structures

We can advise you in choosing the right fit for your business including:

• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• S-Corporation