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How do you obtain competitive pricing information? We monitor the package
content and pricing information of our competitors several times each day. When
changes are identified, we update the provider's package descriptions and prices
on our website.
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Why is a competitor I'm considering not listed on your site? We monitor leading,
nationwide online incorporation service providers. Companies that don't meet our
criteria, aren't included on our site. There are (literally) hundreds of online
incorporation service providers serving Delaware. Most lack a significant history,
appropriate experience, or a national presence. We strive to provide the best overall
value to customers by comparing the packages of experienced, nationwide leaders.
Based on their offerings, The Delaware Company then provides enhanced versions of
their packages that provide significant savings.
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What do you mean by "our enhanced version of their package"? Although it's
not always possible to provide exactly what a competitor does, we can typically
provide you with a product or service of equal or greater value.
When you select one of our enhanced packages, our team prepares and files formation
documents as specified in the package. We also provide alternative, but similar,
package items. For example, corporate kits, LLC kits, seals, and document templates
are popular package items, because they make complying with company requirements
easier. Our versions of these items aren't always identical to the items provided
by competitors, but they serve the same purpose.
We note instances where we upgrade components of a competitor's package and instances
when a competitor's package includes items we do not offer.
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Why are package details for certain competitors not displayed? Certain competitors
do not allow any content of their website, even though it is publicly accessible,
to be reproduced. Therefore, we cannot display the exact contents of their packages
in our Quote and Compare tool. In these cases, The Delaware Company still offers
enhanced versions of the competitor's package(s) at an optimized price.
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Which entity is best for me? Review the following to help make your decision:
- Delaware corporation is usually appropriate if:
- There is any chance the owners might want to become an S corporation.
- Several individuals or entities will be owners.
- Owners plan to be profitable in the first several years of operation and plan to
reinvest profits for growth.
- Owners live in a state with an income tax.
- Delaware S corporation is usually appropriate if:
- The company will experience start-up losses during the initial years of operation
and the owner has ordinary income against which these losses can be deducted.
- The company is a single-owner entity.
- The owner wants to extract most of the profits instead of reinvesting for growth.
The company does not expect to issue multiple classes of stock or have more than
100 shareholders.
- Shareholders are not non-resident aliens.
- Delaware LLC (limited liability company) is usually appropriate if:
- The business is a partnership, or several different entities own the business.
- The company is used primarily to hold real estate or other income-generating assets
such as stocks.
- The company has foreign investors.
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What are state fees? State fees are the filing fees imposed by the State
of Delaware for forming an LLC or corporation in Delaware. The state's fee for forming
an LLC is $90. The fee for forming a corporation is $89.
The Delaware Company acts as an intermediary by collecting the state fees owed for
the formation of your business and submitting them to Delaware on your behalf during
the formation process.
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How much stock do I need? As the owner of a Delaware corporation, you determine
the appropriate number of shares for your company. The numbers of shares you select
will influence your cost of maintenance. Unless specified in a package description,
The Delaware Company forms corporations with 1,500 shares at a zero par value. This
amount qualifies you for the minimum annual state fees of $75 per year. If you wish
to increase the number of shares or par value later in the corporation's life, you
can do so by filing an amendment with the state.
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Where do I get stock/membership certificates? The Delaware Company's LLC
or corporate kit contains 10 custom numbered membership or stock certificates for
your company. Packages that include a kit include certificates.
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Do I need a federal tax ID (EIN) number? The IRS requires LLCs or corporations
that intend on having employees or opening a bank account to obtain an EIN. To obtain
an EIN, you must provide a valid US Social Security Number (SSN) or individual taxpayer
identification number (ITIN).
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How do I open my company bank account? If you plan to open a bank account
yourself, it is typically best to contact the bank(s) with which you would consider
opening an account to ask them what type of information they require. Most banks
require a certified copy of the certificate of formation (or incorporation) which
is available for purchase as an add-on item from The Delaware Company. Some banks
will require a certificate of good standing and a tax ID (EIN) number, both of which
can be purchased as add-on items when ordering your company or at a later date.
Most non-US clients who wish to open a bank account in their home country will require
a certificate of formation or certificate of incorporation with apostille, which
is also available as an add-on item.
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When do I pay franchise taxes? The franchise tax imposed by the State of
Delaware is a tax LLCs and corporations are charged merely for existing in that
state. For LLCs, the tax is due to the State of Delaware by June 1 the calendar
year after your LLC is formed and annually thereafter. For corporations, the franchise
tax is due to the State of Delaware by March 1 the calendar year following your
company's formation and annually thereafter. You will receive notification and instructions
for paying your franchise taxes from your registered agent service provider prior
to these dates.
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Do I need to be registered to "transact business" in my home state? Your
Delaware company is a domestic company in the State of Delaware. It is a foreign
company in every other state or country. If you plan to staff offices in a state
other than Delaware, with employees who conduct business directly with the public,
it may be wise to register in this state. Registering in additional states is generally
not necessary if you are a consultant; a one- or two-person or home-based business;
or sell through independent distributors, manufacturer's representatives, wholesalers,
retailers, or through mail order or the Internet. More information on what constitutes
"transacting business" can usually be found at the Secretary of State's office in
each state. If you decide to register with your home state, be advised that most
states will require a certificate of good standing from the State of Delaware. A
certificate of good standing can be purchased as an add-on item with your formation
package, or separately later, if you find that you need it.
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Do I need mail forwarding? Business owners who are not physically located
in Delaware often are in need of an address in the State of Delaware to list as
their business address. With the mail forwarding service, you are provided a physical
street address (not a P.O. Box) in Newark, Delaware. The mail received for your
company is then forwarded to you at the address you designate.
Mail forwarding service is available to customers located in and outside of the
United States. You select how often you would like your mail forwarded (for example,
weekly, monthly or as mail is received). You pay an annual fee of $300 for this
service, and also must pay the cost of each forward.
The Delaware Company partners with Delaware Mailboxes for fulfillment of the mail
forwarding service. When you add mail forwarding to your formation order and after
payment has been applied to your order, you will receive an email from us with instructions
for initiating your mail forwarding service with Delaware Mailboxes.
Keep in mind, the United States Postal Service (USPS) requires that all mail forwarding
customers complete USPS Form 1583 and provide two valid forms of identification,
one of which must include a photograph. Mail forwarding customers must provide these
directly to Delaware Mailboxes.
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