How to Form a C Corporation in Kansas

Introduction

You’ve got an idea for a new business, and you want to make sure it’s protected. You’ve heard that forming a corporation is the best way to do this. Congratulations! You’re on your way to starting an exciting new company. The next step is forming your corporation in Kansas. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

Choose a Name for Your Corporation

Choosing a name for your corporation is one of the first things you’ll do before you officially incorporate. A company’s name must include the word “corporation,” “incorporated,” “company” or an abbreviation of one of those words. The name cannot be the same as another corporation in Kansas or a similar business entity, such as a limited liability company (LLC). You can check with the Secretary of State to ensure that your desired name doesn’t conflict with another business’ registered in-state. If it does, they may not allow you to use it anyway because they might feel it could cause confusion between businesses—or at least make it difficult for customers and clients who don’t know better to differentiate between them!

Conduct a Name Search

• Conduct a Name Search

In order to prevent name conflicts with other businesses and individuals, it is important to conduct a name search prior to filing for your LLC. This process can be completed through the Secretary of State’s website or by contacting them directly at (785) 296-4561. It costs $5 for this service and is also known as a name availability search. The Kansas Secretary of State has an online tool that you can use to perform your own free initial check right here: [Kansas Name Availability Search](https://www.sosksra.org/ksbiz).

File a Name Reservation Request

• Visit the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.
• Go to the “Corporations” section, and click on “Filing a Name Reservation Request.”
• Fill out the form and submit it. You can reserve a name for up to 120 days.

Prepare and File the Articles of Incorporation

• Prepare and File the Articles of Incorporation

The articles of incorporation are the first step in setting up a corporation. They consist of basic information about your company, including its name, address, and purpose. The secretary of state will review these documents to make sure they’re in order before filing them with his office.

• Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

You must apply for an EIN online or by phone at 1-800-829-4933 if you don’t already have one; this is also called a federal tax identification number (TIN). You’ll need it to open bank accounts and pay employees—as well as when you report taxes on your earnings from the business via Schedule C or Schedule F on your personal income tax return (you can still use this form even if you incorporate).

Appoint Directors

• Appoint Directors. The next step is to appoint directors for your C corporation. This can be done in any manner you see fit, but we recommend holding an organizational meeting where you elect the directors and have them sign a certificate of incorporation.
• Hold Your Organizational Meeting. If you do not hold an organizational meeting within six months of incorporating, then the Secretary of State will automatically dissolve your corporation and send out notices to all shareholders informing them of this fact.

Create Share Certificates and Hold an Organizational Meeting

To complete the formation of your corporation, you must create share certificates and hold an organizational meeting. Shareholders must attend the organizational meeting to elect directors, approve the articles of incorporation and adopt bylaws. At this meeting, you will need to provide each shareholder with a copy of your bylaws and any other documents that were approved by shareholders in writing or electronically.

Once your corporation has been formed and you have held an organizational meeting, it’s time for tax filing! You can get started now by visiting Kansas Secretary of State’s website or calling 785-296-4564 (TTY: 711) for more information on how to set up a C Corporation in Kansas.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the above requirements, you will need to complete and file the following forms:

• State tax form: The state of Kansas requires corporations to file a corporation franchise or income tax form with their Department of Revenue. This form is available online at https://www.ksrevenue.org/taxes/forms/.
• Federal tax form: C corporations are required to pay federal taxes and file Form 1120 annually with the IRS. If your business has employees, it may be subject to additional filing requirements such as Forms W-2 and 941 (or 943). The IRS website provides comprehensive guidance on all filing requirements as well as instructions for individual business owners who may use Form 1040 rather than other forms mentioned heretofore.[11]

Takeaway:

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Conclusion

Congratulations! You have just formed a C corporation in Kansas. Now all you need to do is set up your bank account and begin filing taxes. Contact us if you have any questions or would like more information on how to form a C corporation in Kansas.