How to Become Incorporated in Minnesota
In order for a business to incorporate in Minnesota, the appropriate formation documents must be filed with the state. The state of Minnesota allows a business to become incorporated with a single shareholder, or any number of shareholders. Assistance from an attorney isn't mandatory for a business to become incorporated in Minnesota. Shareholders of an incorporated business in Minnesota have personal asset protection from business lawsuits, debts and other obligations.
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Instructions
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Pick an available name for the corporation. The state of Minnesota prohibits registered businesses in the state from sharing the same company name. Conduct a business name availability search using the Minnesota Secretary of State website. In other instances, business name availability may be confirmed by calling the Minnesota Secretary of State at 651-296-2803. This will ensure your corporation's chosen business name isn't in use, or held on reserve by another company. Minnesota state law requires an incorporated business name to include a corporate designator such as "incorporated," "company," "limited," "corporation," or an abbreviated version.
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Name at least one person to act as the corporation's director. There are no age or residency requirements for a person to act as the director of a Minnesota corporation. A director of an incorporated business in Minnesota must make important decisions such as how to allocate the company's resources and what individuals to appoint as corporate officers.
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Obtain articles of incorporation from the state. The Minnesota Secretary of State website provides businesses with fill-in-the-blank articles of incorporation that may be completed online. In other instances, a representative of the corporation may download and print a paper copy of the articles of incorporation from the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Call 651-296-2803 to have a paper copy of the Minnesota articles of incorporation mailed to you, or pick the documents up in person at the Minnesota Secretary of State's office.
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
St Paul, MN 55103
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Prepare Minnesota articles of incorporation by providing information such as the legal name and principal address of the corporation. Provide the names and addresses of the individuals responsible for incorporating the business. Minnesota state law requires that incorporators be at least 18 years of age. Indicate the number of shares the company may issue to potential shareholders. List the name and physical address of an adult or business that will act as the Minnesota corporation's registered agent. Minnesota law indicates a corporation's registered agent must agree to accept legal documents and other business correspondence at the address listed in the articles of incorporation.
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File articles of incorporation with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Businesses may submit articles of incorporation electronically on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. As of 2010, businesses that file online must pay an additional $10 fee. As of 2010, it costs businesses $160 to file articles of incorporation in the state of Minnesota. In lieu of online filing, a representative of the corporation may hand deliver the articles of incorporation to the Minnesota Secretary of State's office. In other instances, businesses may mail articles of incorporation to the state.
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