The Secretary of State’s office cannot advise you on what type of business entity to form (LLC, Corporation, etc.). It is best to consult with an attorney who can properly advise you. You can visit IA Source Link for information on starting a business in Iowa. Upon determining the type of business entity you would like to form, our office can assist you with the filing process.
A corporation is required by Iowa law to adopt bylaws, which are written rules that govern how the corporation operates internally (how the Board of Directors will be elected, what votes are required for a particular action, etc.) Bylaws may contain any provision in them that is not prohibited by law. See Iowa Code Chapter 490 for more information on bylaws in Iowa. The Secretary of State does not have forms for bylaws and the Office cannot advise you concerning the content of bylaws.
If your business has been administratively dissolved, you will need to file an “Application for Reinstatement”. This form can be completed and submitted through the Fast Track Filing website. After signing up/logging in to your Fast Track account, click on “Business Filings” in the navigation menu. A drop-down menu will appear—click on “File A Document”. Under the “Existing Entities” column, select “Application for Reinstatement.” For a step-by-step guide on filling out the form, click here.
The next steps after forming a corporation will vary from business to business. Depending on many factors, you may need to acquire an EIN, establish bylaws, establish a conflict of interest policy, hold an initial organizational meeting, file for Iowa tax exemption, register for charitable fundraising and/or apply for certain licenses and permits.
IA Source Link is a government-affiliated website that can assist you in all aspects of starting, growing and managing your business.
The next steps after forming an LLC will vary from business to business. Depending on many factors, you may need to prepare an LLC Operating Agreement, obtain an EIN, elect how the entity will be taxed, open an LLC bank account and apply for certain licenses and permits.
IA Source Link is a government-affiliated website that can assist you in all aspects of starting, growing and managing your business.
A foreign business entity can be registered with the State by submitting a Certificate of Authority. You may submit this file through the Fast Track Filing website. The version submitted depends on the type of entity being registered (LLC, Profit, Nonprofit). . All foreign filing applications will look similar and will follow the same trend, though different chapters may have specific requirements as listed on the form. We have simplified the walkthrough by showing how to file for a foreign LLC, but the same general rules apply to all foreign filing forms.
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.
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.
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.
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.