How to Start a Corporation in Maryland Name Your Corporation. Designate a Registered Agent. Submit Articles of Incorporation. Get an EIN. File the Beneficial Ownership Information Report. Write Corporate Bylaws. Hold an Organizational Meeting. Open a Corporate Bank Account.
Corporate bylaws are legally required in Maryland.
In order to amend the bylaws, a member must make a motion and present the amendment during a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board. The motion to amend the bylaws must be approved by a supermajority vote of the full Board at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board.
Every corporation must have three officers: President, Treasurer/CFO, Secretary (or clerk). One person may generally serve in all three capacities, although the person's responsibility and authority necessarily changes through the different offices the person assumes. In most states, only one director is required.
There are sources and tools that may be helpful for finding information about officers and directors, and to a limited degree those lower on the corporate hierarchy. Company Web Pages. This should be the first stop for anyone researching the executives and directors. SEC Filings. LinkedIn. The Internet. Articles.
A corporation must have at least three officers (President, Secretary, and Treasurer), at least one Director, and is owned by shareholders, which may be individuals or other business entities.
The hands-on, day-to-day work is carried out by the officers of a corporation, usually including a president, secretary and treasurer. Some corporations may use titles such as chief executive officer and chief financial officer for these roles, and round out the executive team with other officers as needed.
Officers are appointed by the board of directors during incorporation. The company documents the officers' positions and responsibilities in the corporation's articles, bylaws, or resolutions. It is possible for one employee to fill all positions, providing a range of services to the organization.
Corporate bylaws are a company's foundational governing document. They lay out how things should run day-to-day and the processes for making important decisions. They serve as a legal contract between the corporation and its shareholders, directors, and officers and set the protocol for how the organization operates.