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My Delaware Company Is ‘Void’: What Do I Do?

By Matthew Dochnal July 12, 2023

If you have a Delaware LLC or Delaware corporation, there are some annual requirements that you need to know about. If you haven’t kept up with these requirements, your company may have gone “void” or “inactive.”  But what does it mean if your Delaware company goes void and what should you do?     Letting […]

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I Formed a Delaware LLC. Now What?

By Matthew Dochnal July 11, 2023

Forming a Delaware LLC through an incorporation service, like IncNow, can be so simple that it leaves people with questions. Many LLC owners ask: What else do I need to do? What are the next steps? What annual fees do I pay? Delaware LLCs are easy to set-up and manage. However, there are some things […]

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9 Mistakes Delaware LLC Owners Make

By Matthew Dochnal June 27, 2023
Confused business woman asking questions.

  Delaware LLCs are popular with small business owners because they are easy to set up, understand and manage. However, there are some common Delaware LLC mistakes owners make. The results of these mistakes can range from just an inconvenience to something that hurts the business. Forming a Delaware LLC is a smart move for […]

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Can a Delaware LLC Do Business in New York?

By Matthew Dochnal June 1, 2023
new york city

If you’re planning to operate your Delaware LLC in New York, you may wonder about the necessary steps. Is your Delaware LLC allowed to do business in New York? The answer is yes, but first, you need to complete a foreign qualification. While it might sound complicated, we’re going to break down how to qualify […]

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Why Real Estate Investors Should Form a Delaware LLC.

By Matthew Dochnal May 4, 2023
real estate investing

Forming a Delaware Limited Liability Company(LLC) is a wise choice for real estate investors seeking asset protection and business growth. Real estate investing remains an attractive method for generating income, building wealth, and diversifying portfolios. As with any business venture, it’s essential for investors to carefully evaluate their businesses’ structures to maximize personal asset protection. […]

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Why Online Businesses Should Form Delaware LLCs

By Matthew Dochnal April 28, 2023
ecommerce business

The world of e-commerce and online businesses has grown exponentially in recent years, with digital nomads and internet entrepreneurs seizing opportunities to make a living online. One crucial decision these entrepreneurs face is selecting the right business structure. A Delaware Limited Liability Company (LLC) offers numerous benefits for online businesses. This article explores the benefits […]

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Why Freelancers Should Form a Delaware LLC

By Matthew Dochnal February 16, 2023
freelancer working at a desk

In recent years, a growing number of people have turned to freelancing as a way to earn a living. Starting a freelancing business can be a great opportunity with many benefits, including flexibility and independence. One important decision that freelancers have to make is how to structure their business. More specifically, whether they should operate […]

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How to Wind Up and Close a Delaware LLC

By Matthew Dochnal February 7, 2023
"Going out of business" sign in store window

Most entrepreneurs are optimistic when starting a new business venture. However, many understand that commerce is inherently risky. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20% of new businesses fail within two years, and only 50% make it to their fifth year. It’s ok if you decide to close your business. However, you need […]

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Can a Green Card Holder Set Up a Delaware LLC?

By Matthew Dochnal December 19, 2022
United States green card

Permanent residents of the United States are able to start businesses and form LLCs in Delaware. This includes US green card holders. In fact, individuals from almost any country in the world (except restricted countries) can form a Delaware LLC. If you are a permanent resident looking for your piece of the American Dream, forming […]

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How Do I Add a Member to a Delaware LLC?

By Matthew Dochnal December 15, 2022
business partners shaking hands

Owners of a Delaware LLC can add or change members at any time simply by amending the LLC Operating Agreement. Delaware does not require owners to make any additional public filings to add members to their LLC. However, existing members should take certain steps to avoid conflict when transferring membership. We cover exactly how to […]

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Do I Need a Lawyer to Set Up a Delaware LLC?

By Matthew Dochnal November 17, 2022
lawyer sitting with a client

If you are a business owner looking to form an LLC, you’ve likely researched some of the legal requirements. Setting up a Delaware LLC on your own can be complicated, and stressing over the details of your legal structure can take focus away from your business plan. You may be asking yourself whether you need […]

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Does My Delaware LLC Have To Pay Franchise Tax?

By IncNow October 24, 2022
franchise tax

If you’ve formed an LLC but haven’t done business this year, you may be wondering if you need to pay the Delaware franchise tax. Here’s what you need to know. What Happens If I Don’t Pay the Delaware Franchise Tax? If a company fails to pay franchise tax, it will eventually lose its good standing […]

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How to Become an LLC: 5 Easy Steps

By IncNow August 31, 2022
5 steps

If you have your own business, you may benefit by forming an LLC. An LLC keeps an owner’s personal assets separate from any business assets. LLCs can protect owners from liability in the event of a legal dispute with a creditor, or even a business partner. This is true even if your business does not […]

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What Is a Certified B Corporation?

By Matthew Dochnal July 11, 2022

You may have seen the “Circle B” logo, but what does it mean? The logo can only be displayed by a Certified B Corporation. These are companies that have achieved a minimum score on an evaluation of their corporate governance, community, employee, and environmental benefits. Here’s what you need to know about this entity. What […]

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The Difference Between the Delaware LLC and Corporation

By IncNow April 26, 2022
LLC vs Inc

The Delaware Limited Liability Company Compares Favorably to the Delaware Corporation When starting a business, you probably have a lot of questions, including “Is an LLC a corporation?” and “Where should I incorporate?”. You do not have to incorporate in your home state if the laws there are unfavorable to protecting you. Instead, you can […]

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Does My Delaware LLC Have To Pay Franchise Tax?

By IncNow
franchise tax

If you’ve formed an LLC but haven’t done business this year, you may be wondering if you need to pay the Delaware franchise tax. Here’s what you need to know. What Is the Delaware Franchise Tax, Again? Franchise “Tax” is often misinterpreted to mean that the fee will be calculated based on profits or capitalization, […]

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How to Verify Business Ownership for Your LLC

By IncNow April 8, 2022
LLC ownership

At some point, you may be asked to show proof of ownership, also known as proof of entity, for your LLC. The request often happens when you open a business bank account. If you’ve never needed to prove that you own your LLC, it’s understandable that you might be unsure of what to do next. […]

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Do You Need an Incorporation Lawyer?

By IncNow November 2, 2021
incorporation lawyer

An incorporation lawyer specifically focuses on the laws surrounding the business of forming and maintaining corporations and LLCs. An incorporation lawyer can help ensure that your company is properly formed and in good legal shape. But not everyone needs to hire a lawyer to help form their company.

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Should I Set Up an LLC Holding Company?

By IncNow May 7, 2021
holding company

How you can protect your businesses from the liabilities of your other businesses Does a D.B.A. offer you any legal protection? Are there alternatives to setting up a separate LLC for each business or property? If you have multiple LLCs, it’s only natural to wonder if you should set up an LLC holding company. In order to determine […]

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Do LLCs Have Stock or Shareholders?

By IncNow February 25, 2021

We often get questions about LLC stockholders, bylaws, stock certificates, directors, minutes and sometimes a Limited Liability “Corporation.” It’s understandable to have questions about how LLCs are structured and operate. Here’s what you need to know. Do LLCs have stock? Typically, “stock” is not the term used for LLC ownership shares. In most LLCs, the […]

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Does My LLC Need an EIN?

By IncNow December 21, 2020

Why your business should have an EIN, even if it’s an LLC. Is the information you submit to the IRS about your business accessible to the public? Confused by some of the questions on the SS-4 form? We provide you guidance. If you have an LLC, you might wonder whether you need an EIN. An EIN, […]

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What Is a Loan Out Company, Exactly?

By IncNow August 17, 2020
actor pointing out at sea

An increasing number of people are finding themselves either self-employed or engaging in short-term employment arrangements. These individuals are typically actors, content creators, gig economy workers or consultants. These employment arrangements can come with many benefits, however, they may also pose a tricky tax situation.  An effective strategy for self employed individuals to reduce their […]

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How Much Does It Cost To Incorporate a Small Business?

By IncNow August 5, 2020
piggy bank

We often hear these questions from small business owners: What is the cheapest option for incorporating my company? How much does it cost to incorporate? Should I form an LLC? What incorporation fees can I expect? Across all fifty states, Delaware is near the median for incorporation costs. Among the top-tier states such as Florida […]

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What Are the Benefits of a Delaware LLC?

By IncNow July 29, 2020
good standing

When it comes to incorporation and LLC formation, there is Delaware and then there is the rest of the world. By dedicating itself to the needs of businesses, the state of Delaware has distinguished itself as the leader in desirable corporate and LLC legislation. Combining reasonable filing and maintenance fees, responsive administrators and an exemplary […]

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How to Name Your Delaware LLC

By IncNow January 13, 2020
business names

Prior to filing a corporation or LLC in the State of Delaware, you may want to check if the corporate name is available on the Delaware Secretary of State’s website. Below are a few guidelines on how to name your LLC or corporation. 1. When checking the name on the Division of Corporation’s website, the […]

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How Is an LLC Taxed?

By Matthew Dochnal September 18, 2019
taxes

The Delaware LLC is the most popular type of legal entity amongst small businesses. A Delaware LLC provides bullet proof liability protection for business owners’ personal assets while avoiding the red tape involved with maintaining a corporation. Entrepreneurs prefer LLCs because they are flexible, cost effective, and easy to set up. Forming an LLC is […]

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How to Save on Single Member LLC Taxes

By IncNow July 19, 2019
single member llc tax

Most businesses end up cutting into profits simply by not taking advantage of the rules the IRS has laid out for them. The most susceptible to this common downfall is the sole proprietor or single-member LLC. It’s possible to save on single member LLC taxes—you just need to know the right steps to take. What is […]

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What is a Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement?

By IncNow June 6, 2019
LLC Agreement

One person can form an LLC in Delaware. These LLCs are known as “single-member LLCs”. You can use a single-member LLC for everything from financing real estate transactions to solo consultant practices. Why Create a Single Member LLC Operating Agreement? Despite having only one member, it is still wise for single-member LLCs to have a […]

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What does it mean for a company to “go void”?

By IncNow February 8, 2019
full mailbox

If you have a Delaware LLC or corporation and have neglected to pay your agent or state fee, you may have been told by your registered agent that the company is in danger of “going void.” What does void mean? In the context of Delaware LLCs and corporations, it means that the registered agent “resigned” […]

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Why Form an LLC in Delaware?

By IncNow October 19, 2018
good standing

To have access to the gold standard of business laws, you should form an LLC in Delaware. Delaware offers an abundance of protection for business owners who choose to form a Delaware LLC no matter where you live and work. The shield of Delaware protects business managers from litigation risks and compares favorably to businesses […]

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What Happens to My LLC Membership Interest When I Die? Buy Sell Tips

By IncNow October 12, 2018
Death and LLC interests

In both single-member and multi-member LLCs, the owners need to have a plan for what happens in the event that a member dies. Should the LLC continue or should it automatically trigger cancellation? Who has the right to buy the deceased member’s interests? Do family members obtain voting rights or just assignment of distributions? These […]

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How to Plan for Exiting an LLC

By IncNow September 25, 2018
llc member exit strategy

The issue of when interests in an LLC can be transferred or bought, and by whom, and with what restrictions, is an issue that must be covered in an Operating Agreement. It is natural for business owners to be optimistic and overlook the possibility that the company may fail to live up to their initial […]

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IncNow President Provides Contribution to American Bar Association Article on LLC Operating Agreements

By IncNow October 20, 2016
ABA Operating Agreement

The American Bar Association tackles Delaware LLC operating agreements and general business practices in a new article featuring IncNow President, John Williams. Williams serves as a key contributor in “Operating Agreements Today: The Foundation to Avoid Controversy Tomorrow,” found in the ABA’s Probate & Property magazine. The passage outlines common oversights when forming an LLC, […]

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What is the difference between an LLC and a Corporation from an organizational perspective (non-tax)?

By IncNow August 1, 2016
asset protection

Unlike a Delaware corporation, a Delaware limited liability company (“LLC”), is characterized by the following “built in” attributes often not found in the documents, older rules and stricter formalities that apply to corporations. Of utmost importance to the Delaware LLC’s desirability is the freedom of contract for its members in arranging the organizational structure of […]

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How to add or remove members from a Delaware LLC

By John Williams May 5, 2016
how to add members to an llc

How is the change in membership documented? Typically, the names of LLC members are not filed with the State of Delaware, therefore there is no amendment that needs to be filed with the Delaware Division of Corporations or your Registered Agent to add or remove members from a Delaware LLC. The names of the members […]

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Wyoming Supreme Court Makes Piercing Single Member LLC Veil More Difficult

By IncNow March 31, 2016

UPDATE: In the aftermath of the Green Hunter Energy case, Wyoming legislature recently added two new subsections to its LLC Act that will make “piercing the veil” of a Wyoming LLC more difficult. The law has been amended to address the limited liability of Wyoming LLC Members, which was weakened by the Green Hunter decision: […]

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Using LLCs in sophisticated real estate financing

By IncNow March 23, 2016

For acquisitions or refinancings over $5 Million, the borrower may be able to obtain more competitive interest rates though Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities (“CMBS”) loans instead of traditional bank financing. CMBS loans meet special requirements allowing them to be bundled and sold in blocks on capital markets. Usually income properties with tenants are the most […]

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Can an LLC be formed on a specific day?

By IncNow March 18, 2016

Can you specify a future filing date for a business? Must a business be formed on a weekday? Can you “back date” a business filing? Dear IncNow, I would like to form an LLC on a date that happens to be on a Saturday this year. Can the LLC’s formation papers still have this date, […]

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Should my Registered Agent sign the LLC Agreement?

By IncNow February 10, 2016

If the Certificate of Formation does not list owners, what document proves I am an owner? My bank won’t accept the LLC Agreement. Do I have another option? Is it necessary to amend my Certificate of Formation to list the owners? Dear IncNow, My bank is telling me that I need my registered agent to […]

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Why does Delaware have such business-friendly corporation laws?

By IncNow October 27, 2015

“Why does Delaware have such business-friendly corporation laws?” Dear Customer, Delaware has the most pro-business laws of any US state and has a “goldilocks” balance of being stable and slowly evolving. When teaching corporate law, professors across the country teach Delaware corporate law. The United States Chamber of Commerce has recognized Delaware’s business dispute and […]

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Do I need to register my Delaware LLC where I’m doing business?

By IncNow October 23, 2015

If I form a Delaware LLC, will I need to register it in my home state where I do business?” Dear Customer, A Delaware company can be operated from any state within the United States. The question is whether you will need to file with the other state(s) where you are doing business. The answer is […]

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New Delaware Corporate Information System (“DCIS”) launched on September 8, 2015

By IncNow October 15, 2015

Over Labor Day weekend, after over a decade of development efforts, the Delaware Division of Corporations (the “Division”) successfully launched a new web-based system to administer its business entity and UCC filing systems.  Fortunately, Delaware state administrators and the agent community had a long period to train, test and update the system to make sure […]

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Delaware LLC Operating Agreement Pre-Flight Checklist

By IncNow June 25, 2015

Delaware Courts will enforce your Delaware LLC Operating Agreement as written. It’s important to document the essential business understanding from the outset. Anyone starting an LLC in Delaware should have a written Delaware LLC Operating Agreement detailing the management and ownership structure. An LLC Agreement is required in Delaware and although the verbal agreement is legal, […]

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Delaware Helps Federal Investigators by Requiring Delaware LLC’s “Communications Contact” Have Access to a Record of Each Member and Manager

By IncNow January 14, 2015

A few years ago, pressure from U.S. Treasury and International countries prompted Delaware to require a “communications contact” for each LLC formed in Delaware. A 2014 Amendment clarified what is required of this communications contact, including access to ownership and management contact information. What is a Communications Contact for a Delaware LLC? Before these 2014 […]

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Why Do Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities Loans require that the Borrower be a Delaware LLC?

By IncNow October 13, 2014

When financing real estate projects over $3,000,000 from across the country, often the best rates are available when Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (CMBS) loans are used instead of traditional bank financing. We have seen these requests made for a variety of business properties such as storage facilities, student housing, multi-family housing, retail centers and commercial office […]

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Moms Who Blog Should Use a Delaware LLC

By IncNow October 6, 2014

Mommy Blogs have exploded in popularity in the last few years. Now anyone with a computer or smartphone is able to express her opinion to potentially millions of female household decision-makers on easy-to-use and often free or inexpensive platforms such as Tumblr and WordPress blogs. Due to the perceived informal nature of a blog, mommy […]

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Delaware “Just Says No” To Marijuana Inc.

By IncNow September 29, 2014

Delaware may be known for being “business friendly”, but Delaware can be a buzzkill when it comes to blatant “marijuana” business names. The Delaware Secretary of State rejects certain names it administratively determines are not engaged in a “lawful business, purpose or activity.” Delaware does not mind if you want to export entity products, but do […]

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How Can Canadian Businesses Benefit from an LLC?

By IncNow June 11, 2014
maple leaf

If you want the benefit of an LLC in Canada, you will need to form an LLC in the United States. Most people from Canada who want an LLC will form it in Delaware. Surprisingly, Canada has no equivalent to the LLC under national or provincial laws. The process of forming a Delaware LLC and […]

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Should I Incorporate My Business in Delaware?

By IncNow May 20, 2014

Anyone who can incorporate in another state can decide instead to incorporate in Delaware. U.S. constitutional law allows you to incorporate in Delaware with the same rights and privileges as a business incorporated in your home state. The difference is that Delaware law will govern the internal affairs of your business. People from all over […]

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When Forming a Delaware LLC, Choose a Registered Agent with Direct Access to the Delaware Corporation Imaging System.

By IncNow May 19, 2014

A limited number of commercial registered agents have access to a dedicated online connection to the State of Delaware. This online filing system is not web based. It is a MS-DOS based terminal where the user has direct access to the Delaware Secretary of State Division of Corporations mainframe. DCIS stands for Delaware Corporation Information […]

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Is an Office Address Required to Incorporate in Delaware?

By IncNow March 3, 2014

One of the most commonly asked questions is whether a business address or physical address is a requirement to incorporate in the state of Delaware.  Both domestic and international customers ask this question.  Since most of the businesses filed in Delaware are located outside Delaware; this is a common concern. Do not let this concern […]

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Delaware LLC Charging Order is Not Just Exclusive Remedy, Also “Sole” Remedy

By John Williams August 5, 2013

A new Delaware law confirms that the charging order is the sole and exclusive remedy for judgment creditors. This means that other remedies, such as attaching, garnishing, and foreclosing on the interest are not permitted under Delaware law. Charging orders mean that a debtor’s interest can only be assigned to a judgment creditor, giving only […]

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Why Attorneys SHOULD use the Series LLC – Upcoming ABA Conference Call

By John Williams September 28, 2012

John Williams will be presenting a “hot topics” conference call with the American Bar Association’s Real Property Trusts and Estates Section’s subcommittee on Partnerships and LLCs to discuss why attorneys SHOULD use series LLCs in real estate transactions. This call is tentatively scheduled for mid January, 2013. Items to be discussed will include common applications […]

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How are Minutes and Bylaws like the “spork”?

By John Williams February 11, 2012

Bob is deciding between a limited liability company (“LLC”) and a Corporation (“Inc.”) and he first “does his homework” to see what documents are included with the package. Bob notices the “complete LLC” includes a certificate of formation on file with the Division of Corporations and an internal LLC operating agreement. He may realize that […]

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Taking the mystery out of forming a Delaware LLC…the nuts and bolts from order to formation.

By John Williams November 16, 2011

I thought it would be helpful to explain the Delaware Limited Liability Company (“LLC” or “company”) formation process after Agents and Corporations, Inc. (“we” or “our”) receive an order through www.incnow.com.  Our office upon receiving your order will first log into the State of Delaware Secretary of State Division of Corporations (the “State”) computer system […]

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Top 10 LLC Misconceptions

By John Williams September 23, 2011

1. LLC’s have stock. No. LLC members’ ownership derives from the agreement with the company and its other members, not from the possession of a certificate. While an LLC can issue membership certificates, it is not recommended and such membership certificates are misleading. The ownership interest is derived from the contract, not possession of a […]

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