Incorporate a Business in Idaho
CorpNet makes it fast and easy to incorporate a business in Idaho. You can register your business online or have one of our experienced filing experts assist you.
Save time, enjoy personalized service, and get peace of mind by working with our filing experts who have experience helping entrepreneurs in all 50 states, including Idaho. We stand by our services with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
The authority for incorporating in Idaho is the Corporations Division of the Idaho Secretary of State. This is the government agency responsible for all forms, filings, and record keeping. It acts under State Authority granted by the Idaho Business Corporation Act.
The Corporations Division also maintains all corporate filings of record. The types of business structures available are For-Profit and Not-For-Profit Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Limited Partnerships, and Registered Limited Liability Partnerships.
5 Steps to Incorporate in Idaho
Choose a Name for the Corporation
Search to make sure your company name is available. You can use the free CorpNet company name search. Your corporate name in Idaho will have to include one of the suffixes, Corporation (or Corp.); Incorporated (or Inc.) and for limited liability companies, LLC. Idaho has reserved the words: Bank, Trust, and Engineer/Engineering – these can be used in your name if you have the appropriate certificates and licensing, but otherwise are prohibited. Your corporate name cannot imply a service or business which conflicts with the purpose stated when you register.
Register Your Corporation
Register your corporation (or LLC) with the Secretary of State. CorpNet offers filings of the Articles of Incorporation (for corporate structures) and for LLCs, Articles of Organization.
Hold an Official Meeting
Hold the first official meeting for the corporation or LLC and adopt the Bylaws (corporations) or Operating Agreement (LLCs). This is a legal meeting and must be recorded as such. (See section below about officers and documentation.)
Apply for an EIN
Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) under the corporate name. In Idaho, this will also serve as your State Tax Identification Number. You will also have to arrange for a bank account under this number for accounting purposes. Your financial institution will want a copy of the EIN as well as a certificate of registration from the Secretary of State.
Obtain Licenses and Permits
Obtain any specific licenses and permits required, either statewide or for the county in which you will do business. Some examples would be: Electrician’s license, trucking licenses and permits, Liquor license, etc.
Foreign and Domestic Corporations
A foreign corporation is a corporation registered in another State that does business in Idaho. Foreign corporations are required to register in Idaho and obtain a Certificate of Authority to Transact Business in Idaho.
Domestic corporations are those formed in Idaho itself. While there is no residency requirement for directors or officers of Idaho corporations, a registered agent (who can also be a corporate officer) must have a physical address in Idaho along with regular business hours. They have to be available to take phone calls and respond to legal matters. Hiring a Registered Agent will protect your privacy and meet the requirements of incorporation in Idaho.
Officers and Documents
Corporations in Idaho must have one or more directors whose names and addresses will appear in the articles of incorporation. All must be at least 19 years old.
Corporate officers do not have to appear in filings, but information about officers, stockholders, minutes of required meetings, and annual reports have to be maintained at the corporate offices. Other records required at the principal place of business include a copy of the articles of incorporation along with any amendments.
Common Form
- Domestic Business Corporation Application – This is the articles of incorporation filed with the Secretary of State. For foreign corporations, the filing is called: Application for Certificate of Authority.
- Application for Name Reservation – This form can be filed online. It searches for name availability and reserves a business name for up to 120 days.
- Notice of Change for Officers, Directors, Shareholders – This is one of a couple of different forms that are used to alter or change information concerning the corporation. Others include the Certificate of Correction, Articles of Amendment, and Restated Articles of Incorporation.
- Registered Agent or Registered Agent Address Statement of Change – Because the registered agent is the contact person between the corporate body and the State of Idaho, any changes must be documented with the Secretary of State.
- Certificate of Election to Dissolve – The form used to dissolve a corporation. Other forms exist for mergers and consolidation.
Forming a Corporation Online
Incorporation in Idaho can be conducted through our services in order to make things easier and less overwhelming. Although some filings are not available online (such as the Corporate Name Reservation) they can be faxed or mailed.
We offer complete packages that let you to establish your corporation or LLC without missing important steps or documents. Our professionals will help you through the process and unlimited customer support is included in our services. This allows you to concentrate on managing your business rather than getting stuck in state-mandated paperwork.
