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.
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.
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.
501(c)(3) public charities must have at least 3 board members. Youth under the age of 18 may serve on a board. A board may have either 3 youth directors, or ⅓ of the total number directors on the board may be youth – whichever number is fewer. The default board term length is 1 year, unless bylaws state differently.
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.
Corporate bylaws are legally required in Washington State. Usually the board of directors will adopt initial bylaws at the first organizational meeting.
How to Start a Nonprofit in Washington D.C. Name Your Organization. Recruit Incorporators and Initial Directors. Appoint a Registered Agent. Prepare and File Articles of Incorporation. File Initial Report. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) ... Store Nonprofit Records.
To serve process on a Washington corporation, you have to provide a copy of the summons, personal injury complaint, and case setting schedule. In this respect, it is just like serving an individual defendant.