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.
The secretary of state does not maintain the bylaws or tax exempt filings of any nonprofit organization. Some organizations that have obtained tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service are required to make certain documents available to the public.
Corporations are legally required to adopt bylaws in Texas – Section 21.057 of the Texas Business Organizations Code states that the board of directors of a corporation shall adopt initial bylaws. So, if your company gets caught in a legal battle without bylaws, you could face some serious legal consequences.
By-laws Adoption. – Every corporation formed under this code, must, within one month after receipt of official notice of the issuance of its certificate of incorporation by the Securities and Exchange Commission, adopt a new code of by-laws for its government not inconsistent with this code.
The Delaware corporate code covers most of the topics normally addressed in the Bylaws. Therefore, if the Certificate of Incorporation sets forth the authorized number of directors there is no legal requirement that a corporation have bylaws.
Your bylaws should help you resolve internal conflict, and demonstrate your commitment to responsibly managing donations to both the IRS and the general public. Not all states require nonprofits to draft these governing documents, but Texas does.
To incorporate in Texas, here's everything you need to know. Choose a Corporate Name. Appoint a Registered Agent. File Certificate of Formation. Prepare Corporate Bylaws. Appoint Directors and Hold the First Meeting. Issue Stock. File a Texas Franchise Public Information Report. Obtain an EIN and Comply With Tax Requirements.
Creating by-laws When incorporating under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (NFP Act), you have to create by-laws. They set out the rules for governing and operating the corporation. They can be modified at a later date as the needs of the corporation change.
In the US, they're typically created during the incorporation process and detail how decisions get made, who has the authority to make them, and how the company operates. Bylaws give the corporation structure and direction and help avoid confusion or conflict in the future.
Bylaws cover a range of topics, including finances, voting, appointing officers and directors, and even what happens if the company needs to close. While you won't need to file your corporate bylaws with the Secretary of State—unlike the Texas Certificate of Formation—every Texas corporation is required to have bylaws.