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This list is intended as a learning tool and you should *definitely* consult with a lawyer if you have any questions or concerns. This is a work in progress, so suggestions and pull requests are welcome! \n\n[![PRs Welcome](https://img.shields.io/badge/PRs-welcome-brightgreen.svg?style=flat-square)](http://makeapullrequest.com)\n\n##### Intro\nOther than building a product people want, incorporating a new business is essential to raising money, opening a bank account, and creating a legal entity for contracts and other liabilities. For technical folks like me, it's the \"necessary evil\" of founding a company and just needs to get done. Having gone through this recently, I made a checklist in case I'd have to do it again in the near future. Why you should incorporate in DE is outside the scope of this article, but [other folks have written good answers](https://www.quora.com/Why-do-most-technology-startups-incorporate-in-Delaware).\n\nSome notes:\n- The full process will take several weeks to complete\n- Most steps are sequential and depend on an earlier step being complete\n- Many steps require the use of snail mail or a [fax machine](#tools)\n- For brevity, Delaware and California are shortened to *DE* and *CA*\n- Again, consult your lawyer. Some will defer fees for startups\n\n# The checklist\n#### Register with Delaware\n- [ ] Choose a name for your business and check that it's available. [DE Name Search](https://icis.corp.delaware.gov/Ecorp/EntitySearch/NameSearch.aspx) \u0026 [CA Name Search](https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business). In DE a name can be reserved without registering it, so check [DE Name Reservations](https://icis.corp.delaware.gov/Ecorp/NameReserv/NameReservation.aspx) as well.\n- [ ] Generate incorporation documents and sign them [[free document service]](#free-tool1)\n- [ ] Buy registered agent service in DE - **1 yr Free**\n- [ ] File incorporation docs with DE - **~$150 including fees for 1 week service**\n  - You can do this yourself, but it will probably take longer and not save you much money\n\n#### First steps with the IRS\n- [ ] Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) - **Free**\n  - [IRS info \u0026 form](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online)\n  - Expect the IRS to mail you a document containing your *EFTPS Pin*. This allows you to pay federal taxes electronically\n- [ ] *(for founders with stock vesting)* File 83b election within 30 days of stock grant\n  - reference: https://www.irs.gov/irb/2012-28_IRB/ar12.html\n  - example letter: http://accountalent.com/83b-elections-for-dummies/\n  - include 2 extra signed copies and self-addressed stamped return envelope\n- [ ] *(only for S-corp)* File IRS Form 2553 to convert C-corp to S-corp\n  - [IRS Form 2553](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2553.pdf)\n\n**NOTE:** Most of the following steps require a valid U.S. checking account and the steps above allow you to open an account. This is probably the best time to do so.\n\n#### Register with California\n**NOTE:** This section applies to companies that are doing business or have employees in CA - similar requirements apply for other states. Many steps require registration via the [CA Secretary of State bizfile system](https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/).\n\n- [ ] Order certified copy of *Certificate of Good Standing* from DE - **$50**\n  - **June 2022 note:** According to [a contributor's experience](https://github.com/leonar15/startup-checklist/issues/17), DE is experiencing a backlog on certificate requests \u0026 they suggest an upgrade to *\"Same Day\"* filing speed\n  - Use the [DE Document Upload Service](https://icis.corp.delaware.gov/ecorp2/) (only available on [weekdays](https://corp.delaware.gov/document-upload-service-information/)) to request a Certificate. [more info](https://corp.delaware.gov/directweb.shtml)\n  - Or, find [an agent with online access](https://corp.delaware.gov/remoteagts.shtml)\n- [ ] Sign up for Registered agent service in CA **1 yr free**\n- [ ] Sign up for an account with the CA bizfile system. [bizfile registration form](https://idm.sos.ca.gov/signin/register) **free**\n- [ ] Register your *foreign entity* with CA Secretary of State - **$100**\n  - Fill out and eFile [Registration - Out-of-State Corporation - Stock](https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/forms/business) [Form info](https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/forms/corporations-foreign-out-state-or-out-country) **Online-only** \n  - Make sure **NOT** to include mailing address for registered agent\n  - Include *DE Certificate of Good Standing* with form\n- [ ] *(optional for solo founders)* Exclude yourself from paying SDI taxes \n  - [CA form DE459](http://www.edd.ca.gov/pdf_pub_ctr/de459.pdf)\n- [ ] Within 90 days of CA registration, file Statement of Information (SI-550) - **$25**\n    - eFile [CA Form SI-550](https://bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov/corp/pdf/so/corp_so550_112021.pdf) via [CA Secretary of State website](https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business)\n    - *if multiple directors*, also attach [CA Form SI-550A](http://bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov/corp/pdf/so/si-550a.pdf) if sending by mail\n\n\n  \n#### Set up payroll tax payments with IRS and CA\n- [ ] Sign up to make IRS payroll tax payments electronically - **Free**\n  - Enroll via phone call to IRS 1-800-555-3453 \n    - have your EFTPS Pin and checking account info handy\n    - be prepared to write down *enrollment number*\n  - Set password via [EFTPS password form](https://www.eftps.gov/eftps/login/forgotPassword)\n  - Confirm enrollment via [EFTPS login form](https://www.eftps.gov/eftps/login/loginInitial)\n- [ ] Register with CA Employment Development Department (CA EDD) as an Employer - **Free**\n  - [CA EDD Enrollment](http://www.edd.ca.gov/Payroll_Taxes/e-Services_for_Business.htm)\n  - *Note*: Must login at least every 6 months or account is closed. If you cannot login with prior credentials just register a new account.\n- [ ] Sign up with Social Security Business Services - **Free**\n  - guide: https://support.waveapps.com/hc/en-us/articles/208623366-Social-security-business-services-online-SS-BSO-registration-guide\n  - form: https://www.ssa.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm\n\n## Recurring items\n\n- [ ] *varies* File and pay CA payroll taxes\n  - *quarterly* eFile [CA Form DE9](https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/regulation_detail/DE9rev1.pdf) \u0026 [CA Form DE9C](https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/regulation_detail/DE9C.pdf)\n  - File forms via [CA EDD website](https://eddservices.edd.ca.gov/tap/secure/eservices)\n- [ ] *varies* File and pay Federal payroll taxes\n  - Mail or eFile federal tax form (Medicare, Social Security, Federal Income Tax) [(reference)](https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc757.html) [(eFile tool)](#tool3)\n    - *quarterly* use [IRS Form 941](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f941.pdf) [(instructions)](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i941.pdf)\n    - *yearly* use [IRS Form 944](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f944.pdf) [(instructions)](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i944.pdf)\n  - Pay via [EFTPS website](https://www.eftps.gov/eftps/index.jsp)\n- [ ] *yearly* File federal tax return\n  - *(S-corp only)* File [IRS Form 1120S](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1120s.pdf) ([instructions](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1120s.pdf))\n  - *(C-corp only)* File [IRS Form 1120](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1120.pdf) ([instructions](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1120.pdf))\n  - *(LLC-only)* depends on ownership structure, but partnerships must distribute [IRS Schedule K-1](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1065sk1.pdf) to each owner\n- [ ] *yearly* File federal unemployment tax (FUTA) return \n  - File [IRS Form 940](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f940.pdf) ([instructions](https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i940))\n- [ ] *yearly* File DE annual report and pay franchise tax **\u003e= $450**\n  -  https://corp.delaware.gov/paytaxes/\n- [ ] *yearly* File CA statement of information **$25**\n  - File [CA Form SI-550](https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/forms/corporations-statement-information) via [CA Secretary of State website](https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business)\n- [ ] *yearly* File CA tax return **\u003e= $800**\n  - *Note:* First year loss might waive $800 minimum [[ref]](https://www.taxes.ca.gov/corps.html)\n  - *Note 2:* COVID-19 Relief Bill waives $800 minimum for companies formed between Jan 1, 2021 and Dec 31, 2023 for first taxable year [[ref]](https://www.nolo.com/legal-updates/california-extends-first-year-800-minimum-franchise-tax-exemption-to-llcs-lps-and-llps.html)\n  - File and pay via [CA Franchise Tax Board (FTB)](https://www.ftb.ca.gov/pay/payment-options.html)\n- [ ] *yearly* Send W2 to employees [(eFile tool)](#tool3)\n- [ ] *yearly* File W3 with IRS\n- [ ] *yearly* Send 1099 to contractors, lawyers, et. al. [(eFile tool)](#tool3)\n\n## Customer-facing documents\n- [ ] Generate a *Terms of Service* [(free document generator)](#free-tool6)\n- [ ] Generate a *Privacy Policy* [(free document generator)](#free-tool6)\n\n\n## \u003ca name=tools\u003e\u003c/a\u003eTools \u0026 References\n### Free or mostly-free tools\n1. \u003ca name=free-tool1\u003e\u003c/a\u003e[Founder's Workbench](https://www.foundersworkbench.com/toolbox/document-driver) - generate incorporation documents\n2. \u003ca name=free-tool2\u003e\u003c/a\u003e[FreeRegisteredAgent](http://www.freeregisteredagent.com/delaware/registered-agent-service/) - one year of free registered agent service in DE and/or CA\n3. \u003ca name=free-tool3\u003e\u003c/a\u003e[HelloFax](https://www.hellofax.com?ref=43d04ff4\u0026s=F) - send faxes without a fax machine\n4. \u003ca name=free-tool4\u003e\u003c/a\u003e[Wave](https://www.waveapps.com/) - free accounting software, with extra services for a $fee\n5. \u003ca name=free-tool5\u003e\u003c/a\u003e[Cooley GO Document Generators](https://www.cooleygo.com/documents/index-document-generators/) - free incorporation package, early-stage financing documents and other common documents needed by startups.\n6. \u003ca name=free-tool6\u003e\u003c/a\u003e [Termly](https://termly.7zqw8y.net/termly) - free [privacy policy](https://termly.7zqw8y.net/termly-privacy-policy-generator) and [terms of service](https://termly.7zqw8y.net/termly-terms-generator) generators\n\n### \u003ca name=nonfree-tools\u003e\u003c/a\u003eNon-free tools\n1. \u003ca name=tool2\u003e\u003c/a\u003e[Clerky](https://www.clerky.com/offerings#company-formation) - software to handle the complete set of company formation paperwork online (incorporation, appointing directors and officers, issuing stock, protecting IP, etc.)\n2. \u003ca name=tool4\u003e\u003c/a\u003e[Stripe Atlas](https://stripe.com/atlas) - like Clerky, handles most of the company formation paperwork, it will also automatically setup a bank account with SVB as well as a Stripe account\n3. \u003ca name=tool1\u003e\u003c/a\u003e[InCorp](http://www.freeregisteredagent.com/delaware/registered-agent-service/) - will file DE incorporation papers quickly on your behalf for ~$150, including state fees\n4. \u003ca name=tool3\u003e\u003c/a\u003e[Tax1099](https://www.tax1099.com) - e-file federal tax forms (e.g. tax return, 1099, W2, etc), small fee per form\n5. \u003ca name=tool5\u003e\u003c/a\u003e[Intuit 1099 service](https://iop.intuit.com/welcome/1099.jsp) - generate and e-file 1099 forms, small fee per form \n6. \u003ca name=tool6\u003e\u003c/a\u003e[VirtualPostMail](https://www.virtualpostmail.com/) - virtual mailbox for real mail. Good for nomadic workers and short-term offices. Also offers free registered agent in CA with paid plan\n\n### References\n* **Q:** Choosing between C-corp, S-corp, and LLC? [Answer](http://www.obliviousinvestor.com/llc-vs-s-corp-vs-c-corp/)\n* **Q:** Why incorporate in DE? [Answer](https://www.quora.com/Why-do-most-technology-startups-incorporate-in-Delaware)\n* **Q:** What should I look for in a startup lawyer? [Answer](https://www.cooleygo.com/choosing-a-lawyer-for-your-startup/)\n* **Q:** What is a public benefit corporation and is it right for my company? [Answer](https://www.cooleygo.com/delaware-public-benefit-corporation-is-it-right-for-you-a-five-part-test/)\n\n## Known unknowns\n- Sales taxes\n- Liability insurance\n- Start using bookkeeping software right away to track expenses, income, etc. Lots of free/affordable options\n\n","project_url":"https://awesome.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/projects/github.com%2Fleonar15%2Fstartup-checklist","html_url":"https://awesome.ecosyste.ms/projects/github.com%2Fleonar15%2Fstartup-checklist","lists_url":"https://awesome.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/projects/github.com%2Fleonar15%2Fstartup-checklist/lists"}