How to form a C-corporation for Medical Supplies

Introduction

One of the most challenging aspects of starting a new business is determining the best form of incorporation for your company.  A C Corporation provides owners with personal liability protection and other advantages, but it also comes with some disadvantages. In this article, we’ll help you decide whether or not a C Corporation is right for your medical supply business and explain how to properly form one if so.

A C Corporation, in the eyes of the IRS, is a distinct and separate legal entity from the owners of the business

A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners. In other words, the corporation is responsible for paying taxes and is not owned by its shareholders (owners). This can be a bit confusing for some people because corporations are so often referred to as “we” or “us.” However, this is only legally true in extremely rare cases where a business owner actually has his own name incorporated into his company name.

Select an appropriate company name

You should select a company name that is unique, easy to pronounce and spell, not misleading, and not too long.

For example:

• A single-word name will be easier to remember than a multi-word one.
• Avoid words that are hard to pronounce or spell, such as acronyms (unless you’re a big corporation such as IBM or Cisco). You don’t want customers or suppliers having difficulty saying your company’s name over the phone or in person. It’s also important that your company name not be deceptive: if the primary business activity of your company isn’t medical supplies but rather some other type of goods or services, then make sure this is clearly stated in its title so no one gets confused about what it does when calling up for help with their supply needs!

Prepare articles of incorporation

These are the legal documents that establish your corporation, and must include:

• The name of the company
• The registered agent (this is usually a person who represents your company to receive legal notices)
• A principal office address in California

Apply for an employer identification number (EIN)

This is a unique nine-digit number that identifies your business and applies to all of its activities, including creating an LLC or corporation. It’s not the same as your social security number, which is used to identify employees and suppliers during the hiring process.

The IRS generally issues an EIN within 24 hours once you submit your online application. The only requirement is that you have a physical address in the United States where mail can be sent if necessary (which makes sense for tax purposes). You’ll use this EIN throughout the registration process outlined below; it’s important not to lose track of this number since it’s used by most government agencies when dealing with businesses.

Register for state and local taxes

Typically, this can be done online through your state’s Department of Revenue website. You will need to supply the following information:

• Business name (the same as listed on your Articles of Incorporation)
• Your business address
• A valid EIN number

With these pieces of information, it’s possible that you’ll have to pay state and local taxes as well as federal taxes. If so, there are specific forms that can be filed online or mailed in paper form.

Obtain licenses and permits

• A business license. The state where you do business has jurisdiction over all entities that conduct business in the state, including out-of-state corporations. In order to register your company as a C-corporation, you’ll need to get a general business license from the state’s Secretary of State Office or a similar agency. You may also be required to pay taxes on your earnings and file other forms depending on what type of entity you form.
• Permits to operate as a business in certain industries (for example, a permit to operate as an air conditioner repair service).
• Sales tax licenses if applicable. If your medical supplies distribution is conducted across multiple states, some jurisdictions require sales tax licenses even though they’re not strictly required by federal law.

Open a business bank account

You’ll need to open a business checking account and a business savings account. If you don’t already have one, apply for these at your local bank or credit union. You should also get a business credit card and debit card in the name of your LLC.

You can incorporate yourself into the U.S.

If you already have an EIN for your business, it’s pretty easy to incorporate your medical supplies company. You just need to file a few documents with the IRS and submit some paperwork to them. If this sounds like something that could be useful for you and your needs, read on!

Conclusion

You can incorporate yourself in the U.S. pretty easily if you already have an EIN. Just make sure that your business name is available, then fill out some forms and file them with the state where you want to operate from.