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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By Matthew Dochnal
January 27, 2025
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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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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By Matthew Dochnal
July 12, 2024
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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By Matthew Dochnal
July 8, 2024
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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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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By Matthew Dochnal
May 11, 2023
As an entrepreneur, you might be wondering how to open a business bank account for a Delaware-based company. The rules vary among banks in the United States, so it’s essential to check with your specific bank. We’ve put together a guide to help you understand the basic rules that all banks follow. Keep in mind, […]
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By Matthew Dochnal
May 4, 2023
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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By Matthew Dochnal
February 7, 2023
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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By Matthew Dochnal
January 18, 2023
If you want to do business using an LLC, you will need to open a business bank account. Having a separate bank account for your LLC is required to protect your personal assets from business liabilities. Savvy entrepreneurs know they should never mix personal funds and accounts with company assets, so it’s important to know […]
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By Matthew Dochnal
November 17, 2022
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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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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By Matthew Dochnal
November 3, 2022
Almost anyone can form an LLC in Delaware. Your company does not need to conduct business in Delaware to form as a Delaware LLC. As a result, companies located in most parts of the world benefit from Delaware’s #1 rated corporate laws and business protections. But this comes with a lot of questions, including details […]
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By Matthew Dochnal
October 24, 2022
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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By IncNow
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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By Matthew Dochnal
October 11, 2022
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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By Matthew Dochnal
September 20, 2022
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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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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By Matthew Dochnal
August 30, 2022
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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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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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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By IncNow
April 26, 2022
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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By IncNow
April 8, 2022
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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By IncNow
February 9, 2022
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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By IncNow
January 5, 2022
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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By IncNow
September 24, 2021
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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By IncNow
August 5, 2021
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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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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By IncNow
June 24, 2021
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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By IncNow
February 25, 2021
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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By IncNow
February 4, 2021
Law enforcement does not have access to tax returns showing income and salaries or wealth. This was a policy decision following President Nixon’s administration. It was to avoid the risk that political enemies would access your tax history to use against you. Nevertheless, it is about to become fair game for law enforcement to see […]
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By IncNow
August 26, 2020
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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By IncNow
August 11, 2020
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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By IncNow
May 21, 2020
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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By IncNow
April 21, 2020
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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By Matthew Dochnal
September 18, 2019
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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By IncNow
July 19, 2019
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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By IncNow
Sustainability is important to many corporations, and being publicly labeled as a sustainable company can attract a certain type of loyal employee and customers. You may be considering adopting a corporate or LLC public benefit company label to distinguish you from your competition, and develop customer loyalty to your brand. Here’s what you need to […]
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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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By IncNow
March 24, 2017
In order to explore what makes corporations and LLCs different, it is important to first note the one primary way in which they are similar: both have a barrier that prevents business debtors from collecting against the personal assets of an owner. This means the owners’ personal assets are not available for collection by a […]
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