How To Incorporate A Small Business In California

If you are seeking some general info about how to incorporate a small business in California below are a list of general steps you will need to take to complete the process of incorporating in California.

1. Check to see if the corporate name you are seeking to use in the state of California is available. There are a number ways to do this including visiting the California Secretary of State web site and following the search procedures they have set up. Or you could also use one of the many online or offline incorporation services available and they will conduct a limited name search as part of their services.

2. Choose the type of California Corporation or entity you want to form whether it be an LLC, C or S Corp, or some type of Partnership. It’s advisable that you may want to consult with your accountant or CPA about what type of corporate entity would best suite your individual needs before taking this step

3. Obtain and fill out the required incorporation forms. You can do this by visiting California Secretary Of State website and purchase the forms online there for a fee. Or if you are using an online incorporation service in most cases they will have a form template for you to simply fill out and submit as part of their incorporation service packages.

4. Obtain your completed Certificate of Incorporation from either the California Secretary of State or the service you used to complete the incorporation process.

5. File and submit your incorporation documents with the California Secretary of State. Or if you choose to use an incorporation service (online or other) they will in most cases file the documents for you as part of their services.