California Corporation Formation

Steps To Take To Form a Corporation in California

California Corporation Formation falls under the jurisdiction of the California Secretary of State. All companies seeking to incorporate in the state of California should submit all forms and fees to the Secretary of State. If you're wondering how to fill out California articles of Incorporation, ClickandInc.com can take care of that part for you, streamlining the process for your business and saving you time.

The basic steps for forming a corporation in California are:

1. Choosing a name for your California corporation is the first step in the incorporation process. California has certain limitations on naming your business, and you should be aware of all California state laws regarding naming your corporation. Your company’s name should not be too similar to any existing California corporation nor resemble any name currently being reserved by another California corporation.  In general California does not require your company to have a corporate ending such as Incorporated or Company, but there are exceptions to this. To clear up any confusion regarding California corporate naming, ClickandInc.com can perform a California corporate name search for your company.

2. California approves corporation formation for any lawful business. The articles of incorporation contain a statement which, in summary states, that you form this California Corporation for any lawful business practice.

3. All California Corporations are generally required to have at least three directors, unless no shares in the company have yet to be issued. In that case, you may have one or two directors. If the corporation only has one shareholder, one director is permissible.  If the corporation has two shareholders, two directors are permissible.

4. California corporations are required to have a registered agent who is able to accept legal process on behalf of the corporation.  For more information, check out ClickandInc.com's California Registered Agent page.

5. California corporation formation requires the filing of California Articles of Incorporation.  Once the articles of incorporation and all accompanying fees are received by the California Secretary of State, your corporation is considered active and legal. For more information check out ClickandInc.com's California Articles of Incorporation page.

For more information on California Corporation formation, visit California’s Secretary of State’s website. Or, learn how ClickandInc.com can file California articles of incorporation for you. 

If you have questions, feel free to email us at customerservice@clickandinc.com or call toll-free 1-866-992-5425.