What documents are required when creating a busness entity?
Effective January 1, 2011, filings of Business Entities became the sole responsibility of the Alabama Secretary of State. In order to create a business entity, you will need a Name Reservation and a Certificate of Formation. Forms can be obtained from the “Business Forms” sections on the Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.alabama.gov, or the name reservation and formation can be completed online.
How do I reserve the name of my business entity?
Name reservations can be made through a paper form ($25.00) or online ($28.00). Go to www.sos.alabama.gov, then go to Business Services. The forms are located under the “Business Forms” section, or you may process the certificate and print it out immediately by clicking “Name Reservation Menu” and “Name Reservation”. The paper form should be mailed to the Secretary of State for processing and will be mailed back to you. The name cannot be the same as another entity and must be distinguishable from an existing business entity name.
Where do I file to create a business entity?
Mail the formation document, name reservation certificate, and $200.00 filing fee to the Office of Secretary of State, Business Entities, P.O. Box 5616, Montgomery, AL 36103. If a copy is requested, include a second copy and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. You can also submit the documents and pay the fee through our online services and www.sos.alabama.gov (Select “Business Services” and then “Domestic Formation.”) Complete the online services prompts, input your credit card information, and print out your formations documents from your printer.
What is the fee required by the secretary of state when filing a business formation?
The required fee is $200.00.
Can I use a credit card to pay the necessary fees?
Yes. There is a credit card slip attached to the form that may be used for the filing fee, or you may use your credit card when filing online.
How do I know when my entity has been formed?
One the formation documents have been processed; your entity will be issued an Entity ID number. (This is NOT and EIN number.) Your status will change to “exists” on the Secretary of State’s website. You may check your entity at any time through the website at www.sos.alabama.gov and under “Business Services,” “Business Entity & Name Search,” and then click “entity name.”
What is an employer identification number (EIN)?
An Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit tax identification number issued by the IRS (www.irs.gov). It acts as the social security number for a business. This number should NOT be put on any of your formation documents for the state filing.