How to Form Your Own California Corporation Record Book

California records books must be accurate and must be kept at the principal office.

California law requires corporations to keep accurate records about such things as shareholder meeting information, updated lists of current shareholders, and information about board meetings and decisions. California law also requires that this report be sent to the shareholders at the end of every year. To keep accurate records of your California corporation, keep a record book.

Things You'll Need

• Three-ring binder
• File folders
• Tabs
• Labels
• Copier

Instructions

1. Purchase a three-ring binder and create a label titled "Record Book." Apply the label to the front of the binder.

2. Divide the binder into sections using the tabs and making appropriate labels on each tab. At a minimum, you need tabs for minutes of shareholder meetings, minutes of board and committee meetings, a list of the current shareholders, a list of the members on the board of directors, and a tab listing corporate accounts and business dealings.

3. Add information into each appropriate section of the report throughout the fiscal year. If you hold a shareholder meeting, record the minutes, make a copy of the minutes, and place a copy under the tab labeled "Minute of Shareholder Meetings." Repeat this step for each section in your California Corporation Record Book.

4. Keep the binder on hand at your principal office in California. Shareholders and board members are allowed to review the record if they give prior notice and therefore the record book must be kept on hand at your principal office. Make copies of the folder if necessary.

5. Distribute copies of the folder at the end of each year. Save the folder in your records department and begin a new record book for the next year.

References

• Leginfo.ca.gov: California Corporation Law: Record Keeping