Corporate bylaws are legally required in Washington State. Usually the board of directors will adopt initial bylaws at the first organizational meeting.
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.
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.
This governing document is not filed with the state, but it is a requirement for Washington corporations. Bylaws generally cover areas of internal management, including the roles of directors and officers and the holding of shareholders' and directors' meetings.
How to Form a Corporation in Washington Choose a Corporate Name. Choose Directors to serve on the Board of Directors. Prepare and file the Articles of Incorporation. Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) Write Corporate Bylaws. Create a Shareholder Agreement. Elect S Corporation status if desired.
How to Start an S-Corp in Washington Step 1 – Choose a Name. Step 2 – Appoint a registered agent. Step 3 – File a Washington Certificate of Formation. Step 4 – Create an operating agreement. Step 5 – Apply for an EIN. Step 6 – Apply for S Corp status with IRS Form 2553.
To form a corporation, you must file with the Washington Secretary of State and you must create a governance document—which, in this case, would be bylaws. Corporations also have other requirements, such as issuing stock certificates, holding annual meetings and keeping minutes, electing directors, etc.
How to Start an S-Corp in Washington Step 1 – Choose a Name. Step 2 – Appoint a registered agent. Step 3 – File a Washington Certificate of Formation. Step 4 – Create an operating agreement. Step 5 – Apply for an EIN. Step 6 – Apply for S Corp status with IRS Form 2553.
In Washington, an S corporation is treated as a regular C corporation for state tax purposes because the state does not recognize the federal S corporation election.