Business Compliance

Do LLCs Have Stock or Shareholders?

By IncNow January 27, 2025

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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What Is A Beneficial Ownership Information Report?

By Matthew Dochnal January 3, 2025
business regulations

Starting January 1st, 2024, owners of U.S. businesses will need to comply with new rules. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a federal law that requires business entities, like LLCs and corporations, to report information about their owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). These new reports are called “Beneficial Ownership Information Reports”. Honest business […]

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How to Comply With The Corporate Transparency Act: Tips for Small Businesses

By Matthew Dochnal

Business entities operating in the United States need to prepare for new compliance requirements taking effect on January 1, 2024. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires LLCs and corporations to submit BOI reports to FinCEN. These reports contain basic information about a company’s significant owners and important decision makers. Whether your business is a solo […]

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What Is A Certificate of Incumbency? And How To Get One.

By Matthew Dochnal May 15, 2024
corporate documents signed by an officer of the company.

If you own an LLC or corporation, you might have encountered the term “Certificate of Incumbency.” Maybe a bank or a lender requested this Certificate to secure a loan for your business. What exactly is a Certificate of Incumbency? This article delves into Certificates of Incumbency, explaining what they are, why they are used, and […]

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How To Get A Delaware Certificate Of Good Standing

By Matthew Dochnal April 4, 2024
good standing

  If you have a Delaware LLC or corporation, there will be times when you will need to check the company’s status and obtain a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing.  In this article, we’ll discuss some key details of Delaware Good Standing Certificates, including how to secure one for your Delaware company, the costs involved, […]

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What Does “Good Standing” In Delaware Mean?

By Matthew Dochnal April 3, 2024
good standing compliance

After forming a Delaware LLC or corporation, many business owners wonder, “What’s next?” One crucial part of running a business is maintaining your company’s good standing status. In this article, we delve into what good standing means and guide you on how to maintain your company’s good standing status in Delaware. We also discuss how […]

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Does My Delaware Company Need a Certificate of Incumbency?

By Matthew Dochnal November 9, 2023

If you have applied for a loan with your corporation as the borrower, you may have heard the term “Delaware Certificate of Incumbency”. What is a Delaware Certificate of Incumbency and when do you need one?   Navigating corporate documentation is crucial for business operations, especially when engaging in financial transactions or significant changes in […]

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What Startups Need to Know About the Corporate Transparency Act

By Matthew Dochnal October 3, 2023

In 2024, over 30 million businesses will need to meet new compliance requirements. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) takes effect on January 1st and mandates U.S. companies to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports with FinCEN. All types of businesses will be impacted by the CTA. However, startups may find BOI reporting requirements especially challenging. […]

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What is FinCEN and What are BOI Reports?

By Matthew Dochnal September 29, 2023

If you run a small business, you’ve probably never heard of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or “FinCEN”. However, starting in 2024, over 30 million businesses in the U.S. will need to get familiar with this government agency. With the Corporate Transparency Act going into effect, businesses of all sizes are preparing for new federal […]

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How Does the Corporate Transparency Act Impact Small Businesses?

By Matthew Dochnal August 24, 2023

  In a time where financial transparency is essential, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) brings new compliance requirements for U.S businesses. Understanding these new requirements is crucial for business owners, managers, and stakeholders to avoid significant penalties, including fines and jail time. Starting January 1st, 2024, U.S. businesses will need to disclose information about their […]

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What Is a Beneficial Ownership Information Report? New Rules for Business Owners

By Matthew Dochnal August 23, 2023
business regulations

Starting January 1st, 2024, owners of U.S. businesses will need to comply with new rules. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a federal law that requires business entities, like LLCs and corporations, to report information about their owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). These new reports are called “Beneficial Ownership Information Reports”. Honest […]

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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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What You Need to Know About Beneficial Ownership Reporting

By Matthew Dochnal October 3, 2022

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has issued a final rule for creating a beneficial ownership registry pursuant to the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The law requires corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and other entity types to disclose information about individuals connected to these companies. In particular, the ultimate beneficial owners, who are the human […]

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What Is a Delaware Certificate of Incumbency?

By IncNow July 22, 2022

If you have applied for a loan with your corporation as the borrower, you may have heard the term “Delaware Certificate of Incumbency”. What is a Delaware Certificate of Incumbency and when do you need one? What Is a Delaware Certificate of Incumbency? A Delaware Certificate of Incumbency is a document signed by an officer […]

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What is a Delaware Certificate of Good Standing?

By IncNow March 14, 2022
good standing

You may be asked for a certificate of good standing at some point in your company’s existence. It’s a good idea to know in advance what exactly this is. A Delaware Certificate of Good Standing is a one-page document. The Secretary of State issues it to prove a company’s ability to do business. The Secretary […]

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How does a Delaware Series LLC File Beneficial Ownership Information Under the Corporate Transparency Act?

By IncNow June 25, 2021
Corporate Transparency Act

In April 2021, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to solicit public comment on a wide range of questions related to the implementation of the beneficial ownership information reporting provisions of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). IncNow® provided four responses. The first response advocates why the protected series […]

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South Dakota Enacts Series LLC Legislation: What You Need to Know

By IncNow October 14, 2020
Mount Rushmore

Among a number of recent states to enact Series LLC legislation, South Dakota’s new Series LLC law becomes effective soon. The approach of South Dakota counters the larger Series LLC trend. Most states follow either the business-friendly Delaware model or the prescriptive Uniform Protected Series Act (“UPSA”). Here’s what you need to know. When Will […]

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Your Annual Delaware Corporate Stockholder Meeting is required and recommended

By IncNow April 1, 2020

Delaware corporations must hold stockholder meetings every year (even for family businesses and one-owner businesses). Failure to do so may call into question whether your corporation has been following necessary corporate governance formalities. Legalities aside, it is good to meet with stockholders and provide an update on the current activity and plans and listen to […]

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Does a Delaware LLC Have to Pay California Taxes?

By IncNow March 3, 2020
Delaware v California

Looking to form a California LLC? Learn more here. Why forming in Delaware instead of California is better for business. The only ship that doesn’t float is a partnership. Don’t put your personal assets at risk. What are Delaware LLC taxes? Will your Delaware LLC have to pay taxes to both California AND Delaware? What […]

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Does My Delaware Corporation Need New York Foreign Qualification?

By IncNow February 3, 2016

What does it mean to be a “foreign” corporation? How can I tell if I need Foreign Qualification for my corporation? Where can I open my business bank account? Dear IncNow, I am the only founder of a Delaware C-Corp startup that is still in development, living in New York. Do I have to register […]

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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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How a Delaware Corporate Certificate of Validation Could Have Saved a Google Stock Split Had Split Been Done In Error

By IncNow October 20, 2014

Google is a high-flying stock and darling of Wall Street, but a minor error in a recent stock split could have undermined confidence in this blue chip company. These errors are more common than you would like to believe. To fix such filing errors retroactively with corporations, Delaware has enacted a “Certificate of Validation” law […]

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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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