How to form an S-corporation for Printing

Introduction

If you’re planning to start a business, you may want to consider forming an S corporation. An S corporation is similar to a regular corporation, but there are some important differences.

In this article, we’ll explain how to form an S-corporation for printing and provide links to help you get started.

Get an EIN

You can get an EIN online or by calling the IRS. If you are a sole proprietor, you don’t need to obtain an EIN for your business. However, if you’re ready to officially form your corporation and start taking on employees or other individuals as shareholders, then it’s time to file for one now.

Decide on a name for your corporation

Once you’ve decided on a name for your corporation, it’s time to make sure it’s not already in use. You’ll want to research the name thoroughly with state and federal trademark databases. This way, you can avoid any issues down the road when someone else files for a trademark or copyright on the exact same name that you’re using.

Choose a registered agent for your S corporation

A registered agent is a person or company that agrees to receive legal documents on behalf of the corporation. This can be an individual, such as yourself, or an entity like a law office or accountant—it’s up to you. However, keep in mind that some states require specific information from the registered agent such as name, address and phone number.

You can also use the same registered agent for other businesses you own so long as they’re all located in one state. If you have multiple businesses with separate locations across multiple states or countries then it’s best practice to have separate agents for each location so there are no issues when trying to serve legal papers on either entity.

Create Articles of incorporation

This document creates the corporation, which must include the name of the corporation, its address and a description of its business, along with the names and addresses of all incorporators. Each incorporator must sign these documents after it’s been filed with your Secretary of State’s office.

Obtain an employer identification number from the IRS

To apply for this number, use their website to fill out an application. You will need to provide your name and address and Social Security number (SSN), as well as a bank account number where the IRS can deposit your fees. You may also opt to apply over the phone or by mail if either of those options is more convenient for you.

Create corporate bylaws

These are like a set of guidelines for how things should be done, and they make sure everyone involved in the business knows what’s expected of them. You should always have corporate bylaws written out, even if you don’t intend to use them right away. As an S-corporation, you’re required to submit your corporate papers in order to be approved as an official business entity. The IRS will review your paperwork and require that all information is accurate before approving it; having good documentation makes it much easier for them to look at how things are running within your organization.

Create stock certificates and distribute shares of stock

Stock certificates are a legal document that grants the holder certain rights in exchange for their investment, one of them being ownership of the corporation. It’s not required for you to issue stock certificates, but it’s important to understand your options if you do decide to issue them.

First, you can choose from any number of forms for your stock certificate that meet state requirements:

• Printed form
• Handwritten form
• Preprinted form

Hold a board of directors meeting

The board of directors is a group of people who make decisions for the company, like setting goals and strategies.

The corporation’s bylaws should specify that your board must have at least three members. These members must be owners or officers  of the company; they do not have to be investors in the business if it is organized as an S-corporation. You can hold this meeting anywhere you want: over lunch, via email, by phone—whatever works best for all parties involved. Make sure everyone agrees on how often meetings will take place.

Adopt the required resolutions

Before you can form an S-corporation, you must take the following actions:

• Elect directors and officers.
• Authorize the issuance of stock.
• Authorize the issuance of stock options.
• Authorize corporate borrowing

Hire a professional to do it

If you choose to file on your own, we recommend hiring an attorney if you have other business matters to attend to. You should also consult with an attorney if you are not familiar with the process involved in forming an S-corporation.

Conclusion

If you want to form an S corporation, the process is relatively simple. You can do it yourself or hire a lawyer or other professional to help you with parts of the process. Start by getting a federal employer identification number from the IRS and filing articles of incorporation with your state’s Secretary of State office. Then create stock certificates and distribute them among shareholders before holding your board meeting where all directors must adopt resolutions authorizing its formation. Finally, file these documents with both agencies for approval!