how long does it take for attorney general to approve company incorporation

by Jaycee Gaylord 10 min read

In most states, the average turnaround time is roughly 10 days; however, it may take up to three or four weeks in some states. For this reason, many nonprofits choose to use expedited filing in order to start operating more quickly.

Full Answer

How long does it take to get articles of incorporation?

The length of the incorporation process varies widely depending on the state in which you choose to incorporate. In most states, the average turnaround time is roughly 10 days; however, it may take up to three or four weeks in some states. For this reason, many nonprofits choose to use expedited filing in order to start operating more quickly. With expedited filing it typically takes …

How long does it take to incorporate a business in Arizona?

Connecticut: 10 business days; 2 days with Same Day Filing if expedited. Delaware: 20 business days; 1 days with Expedited Filing if expedited. District of Columbia: 10 business days; 2 days with Expedited Filing if expedited. Florida: 20 business days; 9 days with Same Day Filing if …

How long does it take to set up a corporation?

Time to process your corporation or LLC formation varies by state with routine processing taking 4 - 6 weeks or even more in the slowest states. In states where it is available, Rush Processing will reduce the time to form your business to about 2 - 3 business days.

How long does the state take to process an application?

The filing office must verify you have provided the required information. Review and approval times vary by state; in Arizona, it is generally a month, though …

Articles of Incorporation

You will likely spend the most of your time getting the articles of incorporation, or corporation’s birth certificate, filed. You may download the form from your state’s business or corporations office, usually the secretary of state.

Adopting Bylaws

The directors will need to adopt bylaws, or the corporation's operating manual, at their initial meeting.

Selecting Officers

At the initial directors’ meeting, you select officers as well as adopt bylaws. State laws vary on what officers are required; in Arizona, you only need a secretary, or someone to record what happens at director and shareholder meetings and verify the corporation’s records.

Issuing Shares

The corporation sells shares to raise money and those who buy them become the business owners. The directors can issue them at the initial meeting; so long as the corporation still has shares left, it can issue more without the approval of existing shareholders.

What is a county land reutilization corporation?

This entity is an economic development corporation or a county land reutilization corporation, organized for the sole purpose of advancing, encouraging, and promoting the industrial, economic, commercial, and civic development of an area or community.

Do I need a certificate of continued existence for a community improvement corporation?

Yes, a community improvement corporation is required to submit a Certificate of Continued Existence within each five years after the date of incorporation or of the last corporate filing. Also, the entity must maintain a statutory agent and provide a current name and address to the secretary of state.

Is a non profit corporation tax exempt?

Not all nonprofit corporations on file in our office are necessarily tax-exempt. A nonprofit corporation must file for tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS often requires very specific language to be listed in the purpose clause of the Articles of Incorporation for a nonprofit corporation.

Can a not for profit corporation be formed for profit?

Not-for-profit corporations may not be formed for profit or financial gain. Additionally, no corporate assets, income or profit may be distributed to the corporation’s members, directors or officers unless permitted by the NPCL.

Does the Division of Corporations accept American Express?

The Division of Corporations accepts MasterCard, Visa and American Express for the payment of fees. To pay for a fee using your credit card or debit card, simply complete and sign the Credit Card/Debit Card Authorization Form and submit it to the Division of Corporations with your request for service.

Is a not for profit corporation a charitable corporation?

Overview. A not-for-profit corporation may be formed under the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law as a “charitable corporation” or a “ non-charitable corporation” unless it may be formed under any other corporate law of New York State (See Not-for-Profit Corporation Law section 201).

How long does a lease last for a areligious corporation?

The sale, mortgage or lease for a term exceeding five years of any real property of areligious corporation requires court approval pursuant to N-PCL § 511. (RCL § 12(1)).

Do you need court approval for an option contract?

Option contracts require court approval at the time the option is exercised . The CharitiesBureau discourages the use of option or other contingent contracts by not-for-profit and religiouscorporations, especially if they may be exercised over a long term.

What is the process of petitioning for approval of a transaction?

In preparing to petition for approval of a transaction, the corporation must determine that the proposed consideration is fair and reasonable. To do so, the corporation must secure an independent appraisal of the property that is the subject of the transaction. Although the statute does not explicitly require an appraisal, court decisions have established that fair market value can best be determined by means of an appraisal, and the court and the Attorney General will generally reject the petition if it is not supported by an appraisal. A licensed appraiser who is completely independent of both buyer and seller must do the appraisal. A real estate agent or broker involved in the sale of the property may not do the appraisal. A real estate agent or broker “fair market assessment” of a property is NOT the same as an appraisal.

How long does a religious corporation have to lease?

The N-PCL requires that religious corporations seeking to sell, mortgage, lease for a term of more than five years, exchange or otherwise dispose of its property must seek approval of the Attorney General or the Supreme Court.

What is a purchase money mortgage?

Purchase money mortgages (a mortgage taken out at the time of purchase and secured by the new property, as distinguished from mortgaging any property currently owned) are not subject to review by the Attorney General unless the mortgage encumbers other property already owned by the petitioner. Purchase money security agreements and real property acquired as a result of a mortgage foreclosure proceeding or by a deed in lieu of the foreclosure of a mortgage owned by a religious corporation are also not subject to the provisions of N-PCL §§ 510 or 511. RCL §§ 12(1) and § 12(10).

Do you need attorney general approval for an option contract?

Option contracts require Attorney General or court approval at the time the option is exercised. The Charities Bureau discourages the use of option or other contingent contracts by religious corporations, especially if they may be exercised over a long term.

What is non cash consideration?

Non-cash consideration may also include, but is not limited to, anticipated future payments based on a partnership or joint venture interest. The value of any future payments, including ground lease payments, should be analyzed showing the net present value using an appropriate discount rate. Please note that anticipated future payments resulting from a joint venture or partnership arrangement are considered speculative and should not form the basis of a seller’s fair and reasonable consideration analysis.

Can proceeds be used for personal benefit?

The use of the proceeds must be consistent with the corporation’s purposes. Proceeds cannot be used for the personal benefit of a director, officer, employee, member or other interested party. All debts, costs and expenses to be paid at closing must be disclosed in the petition with supporting documentation provided as an exhibit.

How long does it take to write an opinion?

It generally takes several months to write an opinion. For a variety of reasons, it is often not possible to accurately predict when a particular opinion will be published. The Attorney General’s Office is not in a position to expedite formal legal opinions at this time.

What does the Attorney General do?

The Attorney General interprets this as permitting opinions to be provided to state-level departments, agencies, boards, and commissions. This does not include local agencies, even when the local agency has been organized under state statutes.

What is the role of the California Attorney General?

As the chief law officer of the state, the California Attorney General provides legal opinions upon request to designated state and local public officials and government agencies on issues arising in the course of their duties. The formal legal opinions of the Attorney General have been accorded "great respect" and "great weight" by the courts.

What is quo warranto?

The statutes relating to quo warranto actions are in the California Code of Civil Procedure, starting at section 803. “Quo warranto” is Law Latin for “by what authority”—as in, by what authority does this person hold this office? The words “quo warranto” are not in the statutes, but the action is still known by the name it had when it existed as part of the common law.

What is a 12519 opinion?

Government Code section 12519 states that opinions will be provided on "questions of law." Requests that require factual investigations or that would require the resolution of a factual despite are declined. Requests for advice, or for policy determinations, are also declined.

General

  • What types of payments does the Secretary of State accept for the filing fee?
    When mailing a document to our office, please submit a check or money order made payable to “Ohio Secretary of State.” If you would like to pay in cash, please do so in person at the Client Service Center at 22 North Fourth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
  • How should I form my business entity?
    The Secretary of State’s office may not advise you on what type of business entity to form such as a corporation, limited liability company or partnership. It is best to consult with an attorney who can properly advise you. Upon determining the type of business entity you would like to form, ou…
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Naming

  • Do I need to file a Name Registration Form to protect my business name if I filed a business enti…
    No, if you registered your business with our office, for example a corporation or LLC, the name is automatically protected with that registration. You do not have to file a name registration form in addition to the business formation document to protect the name.
  • What can I do if a business already exists with the name that I want to use?
    If the name is already in use, you must obtain permission from business or person who is registered with that name. You must file Form 590(opens in a new window)Consent for Use of Similar Name. If you cannot obtain consent, you are required to change your name so that it is di…
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Nonprofit Entities

  • Are all Nonprofit Corporations tax-exempt?
    Not all nonprofit corporations on file in our office are necessarily tax-exempt. A nonprofit corporation must file for tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS often requires very specific language to be listed in the purpose clause of the Articles of Incorporatio…
  • Can a nonprofit organization register a trademark or service mark?
    Yes. If a nonprofit corporation uses words or symbols to identify the organization or its services, it may be able to register the words or symbols as a trademark or service mark. Please review our publication entitled "Guide to Registering Your Trademark or Service Mark in Ohio"(PDF) for mor…
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Business Searches

  • Can your office provide me with the names of a business’ owners and/or officers?
    The Secretary of State does not list of the owners or officers of registered entities. If you wish to contact the company, our office records the name and address of an entity’s Statutory Agent. In order to find this information, click here to search for a company by name or charter/registratio…
  • What is the difference between held, cancelled and dissolved status on the name availability dat…
    The status type refers to the availability of that business name. Active means the business registered entity that has that name has an exclusive right to use this name and you must obtain consent if you wish to use this business name. Held means a “hold” has been filed on this name …
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Changes to Registered Entities

  • How do I notify your office if my business information changes or I cease doing business?
    Depending on what information is changing, you can file one of the various amendment forms. Click here to access the various types of filing forms. A minor or single change is often done by an amendment. If the changes are more extensive, Amended and Restated Articles are usually filed…
  • What is the difference between filing an amendment to articles of incorporation and filing amen…
    An amendment changes selected terms of the original articles of incorporation. Amended or Restatedarticles of incorporation replaces and supersedes the existing articles.
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Agents

  • What is a statutory agent and who is required have one?
    All business entities are required to appoint and maintain a statutory agent. A statutory agent will be served all legal documents regarding your business entity and is responsible for sharing this information with you. As such, the agent should be chosen carefully.
  • Who can be a statutory agent?
    The statutory agent must be one of the following: (1) A natural person who is a resident of this state; or (2) A domestic or foreign corporation, nonprofit corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited partnership association, prof…
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Unique Entity Types

  • What is a Community Improvement Corporation?
    A Community Improvement Corporation is a type of nonprofit corporation formed under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1724. This entity is an economic development corporation or a county land reutilization corporation, organized for the sole purpose of advancing, encouraging, and promoti…
  • How is a Community Improvement Corporation formed?
    Pursuant to ORC section 1724.04, a county, meeting certain requirements, may organize a community improvement corporation. The county treasurer of the county for the benefit of which the corporation is being organized shall be the incorporator of the corporation. The form of the a…
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