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.
Washington State is consistently ranked as one of the best places to start a business. The state has more than 500,000 businesses registered, from one-person start-ups to some of the most familiar names in retailing, aircraft, software and outdoor recreation equipment.
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.
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.
(Title examples: owner, partner, president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, member, manager, director.) An additional form is required to make changes to officers, members, and managers with the Office of the Secretary of State. Go to sos.wa/corps or call 360-725-0377.
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.
How do I create Articles of Incorporation? Step 1: State where the corporation is incorporating. Step 2: Provide details about the person filing the Articles of Incorporation. Step 3: State the corporation's name, purpose and duration. Step 4: Include details about the registered agent and office.