Forming a corporation begins with the filing of articles of incorporation with the secretary of state by an incorporator. The incorporator, the person who forms the corporation, signs the articles of incorporation and files them (usually through an attorney). In Florida, the filing fee for the articles and statement identifying the registered agent is $70.00.
Once the articles are filed, the corporation is technically formed. But, itslike building a house and forgetting to put up drywall. You’re sealed against the weather, but it isn’t a great place to live.
(This is where most “$99” incorporations fail. And, unfortunately, you only find out that you failed to properly form the corporation when you need it most: a creditor is calling or one of the shareholders is disgruntled. )
It is therefore, important to complete the formation by:
- having an initial meeting of the board of directors;
- transferring assets to the corporation;
- adopting bylaws;
- if appropriate, signing a shareholder agreement;
- issuing stock; and
- filing the appropriate tax forms with the IRS and Florida Department of Revenue.