The Virginia Secretary of State oversees elections, registering businesses, and administering the state seal. The office oversees the registration of corporations, nonprofit organizations, limited liability companies, trusts, and estates. The secretary is also responsible for maintaining the official state records and is charged with ensuring that the public has access to those records.
The Secretary of the Commonwealth is elected statewide every four years. He or she serves as the chief administrative officer of the commonwealth and is appointed by the Governor. The current Secretary of the Commonwealth is Democrat Mark Herring.
The Republican Party controls three other executive positions in the state government. These include Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Treasurer. The Republican party holds these positions.
Table of Contents
Lookup a Business Entity
Step 1 – Start
Start with the basics. You want to find out what type of business you are looking up. If it’s a person, look up a name. If it’s a company, look up a trading name. Check the IRS database if it’s something else like a nonprofit organization.
Step 2 – Choose Your Entity
If you know the type of business you’re looking up, choose the correct entity. For example, if you’re trying to find information about a specific individual, choose “Individual.” If you’re trying to find a list of companies, choose “Corporation.” If you’re looking up a nonprofit organization, choose “Nonprofit Organization.”
Step 3 – Retrieve Information
Once you’ve chosen the correct entity, you’ll see a list of entities that match your criteria. Select one of those entities and you’ll see additional options. For example, if I’m searching for a specific individual, I might select “Individual” and then choose “Search Results.” This will display a list of individuals matching my search criteria.
Step 4 – Steps to Form a Corporation
Now that you have selected the appropriate entity, you’ll see steps to form a corporation. These include things like filing taxes, registering a DBA, etc.
Step 2 – Choose Your Entity
The IRS offers three types of entities to choose from Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, and Corporations. Each entity has different tax requirements and filing options. This article explains the type of entity you are operating under.
STEP 1: Determine Whether You Are Operating As A Corporation Or a Partnership
If you are operating as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, some differences in the taxes apply to each one. To determine whether you are operating as a corporation or a partnership, follow these steps:
1. Determine the type of organization you operate under.
2. Check the box next to the appropriate category.
3. Review the information that appears on the screen. If you do not understand something, contact us.
4. Print out a copy of the form to keep it handy.
Step 3 – Retrieve Information
The Secretary of State provides the following forms and instructions to assist you in completing your incorporation process. You are required to submit an application form and pay the filing fee. If you do not apply online, please contact our office for assistance.
Once incorporated, you must file a Form SS-4 Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN), and a Form W-9 Application for Employee Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). Please note that we cannot accept faxed applications; however, you may mail the completed forms. We recommend you print out the forms and enclose copies of your passport and social security card.
Please allow up to three weeks for processing.
Create your LLC Corporation with just 3 easy steps
Step 4 – Steps to form your new corporation
The steps to forming a corporation are straightforward. However, you must follow certain procedures to comply with federal law. You could face penalties and fines if you do not follow the necessary legal requirements. This article provides a step-by-step guide to help you start up a new corporation.
STEP ONE: CHOOSE YOUR ENTITY TYPE
You can choose among several different types of corporations, including limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships (LP), general partnerships (GP), limited liability partnerships (LPLP), and sole proprietorships (SP). Each type offers benefits and disadvantages depending upon what you want to accomplish with your business. For example, LP and GP offer greater protection against personal liability than SP. On the other hand, an LPLP does not provide such protection.
STEP TWO: OBTAIN AN IRS EIN NUMBER
An employer identification number (EIN) is required to file tax returns and pay taxes. You must obtain an EIN before starting your business. To apply online, go to www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id95548,00.html. Alternatively, you can call the Internal Revenue Service toll-free at 800-829-1040.
STEP THREE: CREATE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
After choosing your entity type, you now need to prepare articles of incorporation. An attorney can assist you in preparing the documents. In addition, many software programs allow you to draft the documents yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an LLC in Virginia
1. An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a business entity that offers protection to its owners. To protect their assets, they use an LLC instead of a sole proprietorship or partnership. There are many advantages to using an LLC over these other forms of business entities.
2. Limited liability
An LLC provides limited liability to its members. If someone were to sue the company owner, the individual would not have any personal responsibility. Instead, the lawsuit would go directly against the LLC.
3. Taxation
LLCs are taxed differently than corporations. Corporations pay taxes at the federal level, while LLCs only pay taxes at the state level.
4. No formalities
When forming an LLC, no legal documents need to be filed. All that is necessary is to file articles of organization with the Secretary of State.
5. Easy Formation
The formation of an LLC is simple. A person just needs to open a bank account and deposit $100. Then, he/she files the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and pays annual fees.
6. Low cost
Compared to incorporation, setting up an LLC is cheaper. Incorporating costs about $500-$1000, while filing Articles of Organization costs around $50 per year.
Where is Virginia’s secretary of state
1. Richmond
Virginia Secretary of State Mark Herring is located at 100 East Franklin Street, Suite 1200, Richmond, VA 23219-0201.
2. Washington DC
The office of the Virginia Secretary of State is located at 1301 K Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20005.
3. Norfolk
The office of the Secretary of State is located in the Norfolk City Hall, 200 E Main St., Norfolk, VA 23510.
4. Roanoke
The office of the secretary of state is located in the Roanoke City Hall, 201 W. Jefferson Ave., Roanoke, VA 24012.
5. Lynchburg
The office of the Virginian Secretary of State is located inside the Lynchburg City Hall, 101 S. Market St., Lynchburg, VA 24501.
6. Harrisonburg
The office of Virginia Secretary of State is in the Harrisonburg City Hall, 301 N. High St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
7. Charlottesville
The office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney General is located at 300 West Main Street, Suite 400, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
James Rourke is a business and legal writer. He has written extensively on subjects such as contract law, company law, and intellectual property. His work has been featured in publications such as The Times, The Guardian, and Forbes. When he’s not writing, James enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.
