Incorporation is one of the key steps for business owners in the state of California looking to establish their brand and company. An experienced business lawyer in Los Angeles can not only help with the structure of your business, but also give you the tools and resources to protect your assets, employees, and meet legal obligations.

Whether you’re a start-up or an established business, understanding incorporation requirements, potential corporate structures, and financial compliance can help ensure that your company is set up for success. For executives looking for legal support from business lawyers, UpCounsel is the largest online legal services marketplace that connects you to experienced legal counsel on demand.

When it comes to business formation, there’s a lot to consider. In California, understanding tax laws, setting up the right business structure, and understanding the steps for incorporation, are key for business executives. Of course, these practices can be complicated and the help of a legal expert is essential both for filing the appropriate documents and ensuring that all legal and regulatory requirements are met.

From the initial filing and organization of a new company to more in-depth legal troubleshooting, UpCounsel provides business executives with a range of services that tackle their legal needs head on. To get a better understanding of the process and what to expect, the following offers an overview of the incorporation process in California, and what kind of support you can expect from a skilled business lawyer.

The Basics of Incorporation in Los Angeles

When a company is incorporated, it’s legally recognized as a business entity on its own, separate from its owner or owners. Additionally, depending on the type of corporation setup, the corporation can be liable for debts and actions associated with it, separate from its owner(s). Incorporation also benefits small business owners in terms of- tax advantages, potential for investments, and many other benefits.

Incorporating your business involves filing the right documents with the California Secretary of State’s office. Incorporation involves filing Articles of Incorporation, which serves as an official document that provides the government with the necessary information for registering a business. This includes personal information about the incorporator, the company address, and the type of business structure the corporation is assuming.

In California, corporations are divided into two categories; foreign and domestic. A foreign corporation is a business that’s incorporated in a state other than California, but does have operations in the state. Domestic corporations are businesses that are incorporated in the state of California, and have operations primarily within the state.

The Benefits of Incorporation in California

The most obvious benefit of incorporating a business in the state of California is the protection it provides to its owners. When a company is registered as a corporation, financial and legal liabilities are transferred from its owners to the entity itself.

Tax-wise, incorporated companies in California receive special treatment. Depending on the type of corporation, the company may be eligible for several tax deductions. Additionally, many corporations reap the benefit of having a higher degree of control over their operations, such as the ability to issue stock or shares, and the ability to borrow money.

Incorporation also provides a degree of permanency to a business, as it establishes the corporation as a viable entity. Long-term contracts are often easier for corporations to obtain, especially if the business has a good track record and history.

The Upsides of Hiring a Business Lawyer

The incorporation process can be complicated, and mistakes can carry with it a hefty price tag. That’s why it’s so important to have help from an experienced business lawyer in Los Angeles. OnUpCounsel connect you to an array of legal professionals, from one-time consults to full-fledged freelance legal departments. With UpCounsel’s network of attorneys, you gain access to high quality, cost-effective legal advice, tailored to your company’s needs.

The attorneys have an average of 14 years of experience, and come vetted from Fortune 1000 companies. Profiles of UpCounsel’s online attorneys offer client ratings and reviews of recent work, so you can be sure you’re connecting with the best (and not to mention, giving your company the best chance at success).

Whether you’re setting up a new corporation or growing your existing business, UpCounsel legal professionals can help handle the paperwork of incorporation, run through your options for corporate structure, and other essential legal operations.

Topics:

Incorporation in Los Angeles,

Business Lawyers,

UpCounsel.