Business Insights

What Is a Certified B Corporation?

By Matthew Dochnal March 31, 2025

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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What is a DUNS Number and Do I Need One?

By Matthew Dochnal January 27, 2025
business credit report

If you have ever tried to rent an apartment or lease a vehicle, you are probably familiar with the personal credit system. Your Social Security Number is attached to credit reports generated by major credit bureaus. Potential lenders then use your credit score to assess your ability to borrow money. Much like how a Social […]

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What Is Evidence In Business Formation?

By IncNow January 2, 2025

“Can I see your evidence of filing?” That is what the banker said when I went to open my business account. The banker then said can I see your “articles?” How about the “proof” your company was formed? These terms are all synonymous.  Banks need certain documents for “know your customer” law compliance under the […]

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What Is An ITIN Number?

By Matthew Dochnal July 12, 2024
individual tax identification number

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses several different types of identification numbers for individuals and businesses. Most U.S. citizens are familiar with Social Security Numbers or Employer Identification Numbers, however, not everyone knows about the other types of federal tax ID numbers. In this article, we discuss Individual Tax Identification Numbers, or “ITINS”. We breakdown […]

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What Is A Subsidiary Company?

By Matthew Dochnal July 8, 2024
Google headquarters with statue in front

The term “subsidiary” is used often in business, however, you might not know exactly what it means. Subsidiaries are an important part of the legal structure of nearly every large company. In this article, we discuss what subsidiary companies are, how they are used, and the best way to structure them.    What Is A […]

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Do I Get a Business License or Delaware LLC First?

By IncNow February 17, 2024

Is the first step applying for a business license or forming a Delaware LLC? Unlike the chicken or the egg, this question has a definitive answer – the LLC formation comes before the business license. In order to begin doing business under a business license, you must first have formed the applicant. The LLC should […]

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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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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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What Are Special Purpose Vehicles?

By Matthew Dochnal November 17, 2022
corporate asset protection

If you are looking to incorporate a business, you likely have sifted through tons of legal jargon. Corporations, LLCs, partnerships, sole proprietors, the list goes on. Here’s another one: Special Purpose Vehicles. People typically associate Special Purpose Vehicles, or “SPVs”, with major corporations; however, they can be useful for businesses of all sizes. Companies can […]

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How To Maximize Tax Savings for Single-Member LLCs

By Matthew Dochnal November 8, 2022

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20% of small businesses don’t make it past their first year. A contributing factor to this statistic is the fact that many business owners do not take advantage of easy tax deductions. If you set up your business as a single-member LLC, there’s a significant […]

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What Is A Delaware Public Benefit Corporation?

By Matthew Dochnal October 24, 2022
B Corp

Do you want to make money while also making a difference in the world? The Delaware Public Benefit Corporation (“PBC”) allows companies to do just that. A Public Benefit Corporation is a for-profit business with a stated “public benefit” purpose set out in its incorporation documents. Delaware PBCs benefit both stakeholders and shareholders, and many […]

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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 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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What Is a Subsidiary Company?

By Matthew Dochnal October 11, 2022
Google headquarters with statue in front

The term “subsidiary” is used often in business, however, you might not know exactly what it means. Subsidiaries are an important part of the legal structure of nearly every large company. In this article, we discuss what subsidiary companies are, how they are used, and the best way to structure them.      What Is […]

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What Is An LLC Membership Certificate?

By Matthew Dochnal September 20, 2022
llc membership certificate

The Delaware Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the preferred legal entity for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Compared to a corporation, an LLC offers much more flexibility and minimal red tape.  The company’s Operating Agreement sets forth an LLC’s ownership. This internal document governs the affairs of the company and is not filed in the […]

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Twitter v. Musk Trial Shines Spotlight on Delaware Business Court

By Matthew Dochnal September 12, 2022

On October 17th, 2022, a hive of high-profile corporate attorneys will swarm Wilmington, Delaware to appear in front of the Court of Chancery. The state’s business court was tasked with resolving a dispute between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Twitter, Inc. The lawsuit stems from Musk’s attempt to back-out of a deal he brokered in […]

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What Is an ITIN Number and Do I Need One?

By Matthew Dochnal August 30, 2022
individual tax identification number

The United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) utilizes several different types of identification numbers. You are probably most familiar with Social Security Numbers, which are issued to all US Citizens. You may be less familiar with Employer Identification Numbers and Individual Tax Identification Numbers. The IRS uses these different numbers to distinguish between individual US […]

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Do I Need to Change My Delaware Business Name with the IRS?

By IncNow July 11, 2022

Changed your Delaware business name? Updating your branding may require a business entity name change with the Delaware Secretary of State. Notifying the IRS of your corporate or LLC name change is an important second step. In most instances, a name change will not require a new EIN but a simple letter to provide notice […]

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Do I Need a Delaware Business License for My Delaware LLC?

By IncNow

Starting a new business comes with navigating new waters and that includes what licensing is required. Business licenses are often issued at the local government level and are required for you to conduct business. This license allows the governing agency to verify that you are following the rules set in place to protect the public […]

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Does My Delaware LLC Have To Pay Franchise Tax?

By IncNow April 26, 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 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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What Is a Subsidiary Company, Exactly?

By IncNow April 8, 2022
Google headquarters with statue in front

People throw around the term ‘subsidiary’ in business. Google, for example, recently made headlines when it was announced that its parent company, Alphabet Inc., is breaking into subsidiaries. It’s understandable that you might not be exactly clear on what it means. Subsidiaries are important but often fail to get the attention they deserve. Business and […]

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Why the Delaware C Corp Is a Good Option for Startups

By IncNow February 9, 2022
C Corp

Delaware C corps are a popular choice for some companies due to their ability to attract investors. Startups in particular can benefit from a C corp tax designation, but it’s understandable to have questions about how, exactly, this works. Here’s what you need to know. How the Delaware C Corp Can Help Startups While every […]

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What Is Shareholder Primacy, and Why Does It Matter Right Now?

By IncNow January 5, 2022
shareholder primacy

We’ve been living through a global pandemic for nearly two years, and some companies are still trying to balance how to benefit the public while attending to corporate obligations. In this COVID-19 crisis, is it within the discretion of the board of directors to change manufacturing lines to produce masks and other personal protection equipment […]

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Why Form a Public Benefit LLC?

By IncNow September 24, 2021
public benefit LLC

You may have heard of a Public Benefit Corporation, which is a for-profit corporation with a stated public benefit purpose in its Certificate of Incorporation. This allows corporate directors to balance stockholder profit with specific community benefits. Ordinarily, a traditional corporation cannot divert resources for public benefit unless doing so maximizes shareholder value. The Public […]

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INCNOW NAMED 2021 “BEST FOR THE WORLD” IN GOVERNANCE

By IncNow August 5, 2021
bfw2021

IncNow is proud to have been given the 2021 ‘Best for the World’™ award in governance from B Lab, a company that certifies businesses that have achieved the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility. The honor recognizes IncNow’s commitment to ethical business practices, accountability, transparency and overall mission.  The Best for the World list […]

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4 Benefits of Becoming a Sustainable Business

By IncNow July 14, 2021

In today’s corporate climate, sustainability has advanced past the point of simply being a trend. Most successful companies have adopted aspects of sustainability whether it be in their corporate governance structures, operations management procedures, or both. Data supporting the long-term business benefits associated with sustainable business practices has bolstered the growing popularity of sustainability amongst […]

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Delaware’s Secretary of State Shines During the Pandemic

By IncNow June 24, 2021
good standing

The Delaware Secretary of State runs the Division of Corporations with more than 1,000,000 active business entities registered in Delaware, including 66% of Fortune 500 companies.  Entrepreneurs know Delaware for having an efficient and business-friendly state government which promotes the seamless formation and maintenance of corporations and LLCs. This is due to the leadership of […]

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IncNow’s Interns Train Together for Half-Ironman Competition During Pandemic

By IncNow February 25, 2021
Matt on a bike

We have all braced the varying impacts that COVID-19 has had on our lives. Collegiate athletes are no exception, persevering through a unique struggle of their own. IncNow has offered internships to two student-athletes during the pandemic. In addition to learning about incorporation, these athletes are now training for a Half-Ironman competition. This training has […]

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Can an LLC Be a Non-Profit?

By IncNow August 26, 2020
rower

Traditionally, non-profit companies are corporations. However, there is a way to get the protection of an LLC while retaining the structure of a non-profit corporation. When expanding the operations of their non-profits, existing non-profit corporations may consider adding higher risk assets to subsidiary LLCs. These LLCs exist under the umbrella of the already qualified 501(c)(3) […]

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How to Become an LLC: 5 Steps

By IncNow August 11, 2020
5 steps

Becoming an LLC is an easy and inexpensive way to protect yourself from personal liability for business obligations. It’s definitely worth considering if you have your own business—even if that business is you.

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How to Form a Quarantine Business

By IncNow May 21, 2020
startup guy

It’s no secret that COVID-19 is changing the lives of many people. On the job front, some people are facing unemployment or job insecurity, and workplaces are starting to discover that the standard office model may not be efficient or even needed anymore. The pandemic has also delivered a blow to the economy, causing some […]

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The Series LLC Can Protect Your Business from an ‘Infection’

By IncNow April 21, 2020
scooter

Just as an infected person with a virus can infect nearby healthy people, an asset with a liability in a company can be a bad apple that unnecessarily exposes all the good apples to a liability. In this case, the “virus” is not a germ, but rather a judgment creditor who tries to collect against […]

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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 Delaware Dynasty Trust (And Do I Need One)?

By IncNow January 23, 2019

Families often want to save taxes and provide for future generations. With a Delaware irrevocable trust setup as a Dynasty Trust you can avoid the dissipation of assets by transfer taxes. This allows your family to accumulate substantial wealth free of transfer taxes. Plus if none of the beneficiaries are in Delaware, there is no […]

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