Colorado Corporations
Corporations have existed since before the U.S. gained independence. This longevity and the resulting stability provide great appeal. The separation of economic and voting rights provides further flexibility for those needing it. These benefits are accompanied by increased complexity however. From meetings to additional filings, such as articles of incorporation, a corporation comes with its own set of rules. We also recommend that you draft corporate bylaws, which are not applicable to LLCs. You must also learn the difference between the default Colorado corporate Taxes and Colorado S-corp taxes. For many businesses, a corporation is not necessary and we recommend an LLC instead. To learn more about which structure is right for your situation, you can visit our article detailing the differences between Link Colorado LLC and Link Colorado S-corp.
Colorado Corporation Benefits
- Corporate Veil
- New Low Tax Rates
- Enhanced Professionalism
- Nominee Officers
- Perpetual Existence
- Multiple Share Classes
- Unlimited Share Count
Colorado S-Corp
An S-Corporation is a special tax election with the IRS. It allows the Corporation's profits to flow directly onto the owner's tax returns rather than the Corporation having the file its own return. This avoids the dreaded double taxation and simplifies filings at the year end. It's important to note an LLC can be taxed as an S-Corp.
By default, all Corporations are filed as C-Corps with the Secretary of State. To opt for the S-Corp tax election, then form 2553 must be filed with the IRS. The form is retroactive 75 days from when it's filed. For that reason, it's important to make the election as soon as possible after receiving your Articles of Incorporation. Here's our page to learn more about S Corporations in Colorado.
Corporate Documents
Allow us to handle the incorporation process and file your yearly reports. We will file all necessary paperwork the state and act as your registered agent In future years, we will file your periodic report and will keep you compliant.
- Articles of Incorporation
Your articles are the first thing to be filed with the Secretary. It brings your company into existence, provides the scope of business activities and defines the relationship between share holders. For example, a professional corporation must contain a clause limiting ownership to individuals holding the required license. The articles also list company name, principal and mailing address, registered agent, and incorporator. This information all goes into the Colorado Secretary of State's database. When you use our service to incorporate, though, we enter our information rather than yours. This protects your identity and keeps your assets from being easily found.
- Organizational Minutes
The first meeting held by the company ratifies the incorporation process, electors directors and handles other notable matters.
- Corporate Bylaws
Bylaws are the rules made by the Board of Directors. They govern the corporation, list the officers, detail shareholder meetings, record keeping procedures, stock classes, the responsibilities of owners and managers, etc. As the articles bring the company into existence, so do the bylaws govern that existence.
- Resolutions
One of the board's duties is to vote on and enact resolutions. These are essentially actions the board resolves to undertake. For example, our corporate package includes a resolution to open a bank account. As it sounds, it's a resolution which states the company has resolved to open a bank account.
- Legal Assistance
Our package is meant to provide everything you need to incorporate and open a bank account. If you require complex bylaws and articles then you should consult a corporate attorney. Seemingly simple clauses must be consistent with the whole document, along with State and Federal laws. We advise using our documents as templates to save time and money when approaching an attorney.
Corporate Records
Colorado Corporations are required to maintain extensive records. You may store the records digitally using our system. This ensures they are always accessible and you stay in compliance. The list includes, but is not limited to:
- Articles & Bylaws
- Minutes from Meetings (Last 3 Years)
- Communications to Share Holders
- Record of Director Actions in lieu of meeting
- Record of Board Actions in lieu of meeting
- Record of Share Holders
- List of Officers & Directors
- Copy of Annual Report
- Three Years of Financial Statements
Our Corporation Package Includes:
- All Fees
- We Do Everything
- List Our Names - Not Yours
- First Year Registered Agent
- Bylaws
- Organizational Minutes
- & More
Colorado Corporation FAQ
The corporate veil is the legal concept that a corporation is its own person under the eyes of the law. A corporation may do many of the same things a person can, including entering into contracts and guaranteeing debts. This separation limits the liability owners face to their initial contribution in. Business creditors cannot seize the personal assets of owners. This separation means some companies would do well to form multiple corporations. In this way risky assets and valuable contracts can be separated from each other.
The corporate veil is the legal concept that a corporation is its own person under the eyes of the law. A corporation may do many of the same things a person can, including entering into contracts and guaranteeing debts. This separation limits the liability owners face to their initial contribution in. Business creditors cannot seize the personal assets of owners. This separation means some companies would do well to form multiple corporations. In this way risky assets and valuable contracts can be separated from each other.
Colorado's Secretary of State only requires you to file a periodic (annual) report and maintain a registered agent. The annual report is simple to file, or you may have us do it to keep your name and signature out of public records.
If you are small enough to consider being a sole-prop, then forming a Colorado limited liability company is probably for you. They offer many of the same benefits a corporation does, but are easier to start and maintain. They also provide more flexible taxation among other benefits. Learn more about incorporating in Colorado here and our registered agent service.
Only sometimes will forming a corporation be a better choice. Their ability to issue preferred shares, which may have enhanced voting or economic rights, is one advantage. Rarely will small businesses find the increased cost and complexity worthwhile though. Many mistakenly choose a corporation solely for the sub-chapter s taxation election. In fact, limited liability companies may also be taxed as an s-corp in addition to a partnership, disregarded entity or c-corporation.
Why Incorporate in Colorado with Us?
We don't complicate things. When we form your corporation, we will take care of your articles of incorporation, draft your corporate bylaws, and, if requested, elect S-corp status. Everything is handled properly, the first time, so you don't have to worry. After incorporation, we only bug you when your periodic report comes due. Plus, we offer virtual offices for those needing extra services.
