Formalities of The California Corporation

Understanding the California Corporation

A California corporation is considered the default model for businesses. A corporation protects the assets of owners, like a California LLC. However, differences exist between these models regarding taxation, management, and ownership. Educating yourself on the details of your options and working with an experienced California incorporation lawyer is essential to making the right choice

Corporations were first established over a century in the past. As a result, firm guidelines exist regarding taxation, ownership, management, and other formalities for California corporations. While such rigidity can restrict the options of entrepreneurs, they can also make corporations a more desirable choice for investors, making it easier to generate capital.

There are many additional reasons to opt for a California corporation. For example, a corporate structure is ideal if you plan to make your business public, meaning you will make an initial public offering (IPO). IPO indicates the first time you offer stock and interest in your company for the public to purchase.

There are two main types of California corporations: S – corporations and C – corporations. These forms of California corporations are very different and are not suitable for the same needs. While a C – corporation is the default model, with further research you may find that a California S – corporation is ideal for your business.

California Corporation Taxation

Taxation is one of the primary differences between California S – corporations and California C – corporations. Detailed distinctions are given in sections California S Corporation Taxation, and California C Corporation Taxation.

California Corporation Operation, Management, and Owndership

Corporations have a rigid management and ownership structure that is not flexible or easy to manipulate. This is one of the largest differences between a California corporation and a California LLC. Both S and C California corporations must maintain certain operational elements, such as:

• Shareholders (owners)
• Board of directors. The board of directors of a California corporation, elected by the shareholders, takes care of big picture
• issues and important decisions.
• Officers. Elected by the board of directors, officers oversee day-to-day activity.

While rigid structural requirements may deter some entrepreneurs, keep in mind that the flexibility of California LLC management and operation can result in legal confusion, and can deter potential investors.

Formalities Required for California Corporations

In addition to adhering to structural requirements, both types of California corporations must observe certain formalities, such as:

• Holding annual meetings with shareholders, as well as those employed or elected by the corporation to hold a position of influence
• Drafting and adopting by-laws
• Paying annual California corporation fees
• Issuing stock
• Filing annual informational reports

Despite limited flexibility, these formalities offer guidelines that can help you run your California corporation without complications, while making the business appear secure and attractive to potential investors.

Establishing a California Corporation

With the exception of the S – corporation requirement to file for pass-through taxation, detailed in the section California S – Corporation: Overview, both types of corporations are set up in the same way. This requires filing California incorporation documents with the state, and paying all associated fees, a process with which an experienced California incorporation lawyer will be familiar.

California corporation owners are also required to perform several tasks to legally maintain a corporation of any type. These requirements include: