How do I go about hiring and managing employees?
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides a guide for hiring and managing new employees. To access the guide, visit https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/hire-manage-employees.
How do I know if my preferred entity name is distinguishable from others?
In accordance with Iowa Administrative Code Section 721-40.3, it is required that every LLC or corporation registered in the state has a unique business name, or is “distinguishable” from others. If you are interested in forming an LLC or corporation in Iowa, one of the first things you should do is double-check to see if the name you want is available.
How do I check the status of my Notary Filing?
After you have successfully submitted your document, you will receive an email from the Iowa Secretary of State that will let you know your filing has been approved. If you do not see an email, check your spam folder.
What filings can I complete on Fast Track Filing?
- File formation documents to create a business in Iowa
- File documents to obtain a Certificate of Authority to transact business in Iowa if your business was formed in another state (foreign entity)
- Renew your notary commission
- Reserve an entity name for future use
- Dissolve, terminate or reinstate your business
- File a Biennial Report
- File a UCC-1 or UCC-3
Is a name reservation required?
No. An approved Reservation of Name holds the entity name for 120 days, allowing time for formation paperwork and other business matters to be completed. If you feel your name is at risk of being selected by another entity, you may reserve the name on Fast Track before filing any formation documents. Otherwise, when you successfully register a business entity through Fast Track, the name is automatically protected with that registration.
How do I form a nonprofit in Iowa?
A nonprofit is formed by submitting an Articles of Incorporation document to the Secretary of State, pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 504. You may submit this file through the Fast Track Filing website. For a step-by-step guide, click here.
How do I reset my password?
If you would like to reset your password for Fast Track Filing, visit the password reset link that can be found here. You will be prompted to enter your email and answer a security question. You will receive an email from Fast Track Filing with instructions on how to reset your password. If you do not see a message in your inbox, please check your spam folder. It may be a good idea to “whitelist” Fast Track’s email address so that future correspondence gets to you at the speed of business.
How do I form a corporation?
A corporation is formed by submitting an Articles of Incorporation document to the Secretary of State, pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 490. You may submit this file through the Fast Track Filing website. The cost to form a profit corporation is $50. For a step-by-step guide, click here.
How often do I have to file reports with the Secretary of State?
Certain types of entities and registrations are required to file reports at different intervals. For the timing of each of these filings, consult the appropriate Iowa Code section for your entity. Currently, Biennial Reports and Notary renewals are the only interval reports available on the Fast Track Filing website.
How do I form a business entity in Iowa?
A business entity can be formed in Iowa by filing the applicable document or form with the Secretary of State:
- Corporation: Articles of Incorporation—Profit
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): Certificate of Organization—LLC
- Nonprofit: Articles of Incorporation—Nonprofit
- Foreign (out of state) LLC, Corporation, or Nonprofit: Certificate of Authority