How to Incorporate in Virginia

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Incorporating in Virginia is relatively easy.  This article should give you resources to understand how the incorporation process works in Virginia, and to use the legal forms from the Virginia Secretary of State to incorporate in Virginia.

Though not required, it is advised that you check your corporate name for availability before filing any applications. To do so, you can contact the Clerk’s Office at (804) 371-9733. Currently, checking a name online is unavailable. If, upon contacting the Clerk’s Office, your name is available, you can reserve your company name. The Application for Reservation or Renewal of Reservation of a Corporate Name is available in both PDF and DOC form on the Web site. The filing fee is $10 (checks made payable to the State Corporation Commission) and the name will be reserved for a period of 120 days. Forms and fees can be sent to: Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, P.O. Box 1197, Richmond, VA 23218-1197.

Once your company name is established, you can begin filling out your Articles of Incorporation of a Virginia Stock Corporation. The filing fee is determined based on how many authorized shares your company has. A breakdown to determine this fee is available on the last page of the packet. Fees and application can be mailed to the same address listed above.

Corporations are required to file an Annual Report. Annual Reports can now be filed online through the SCC eFile Web site. You will need to create an account in order to file your Annual Report. Once your account is made, follow the simple steps provided by SCC eFile.

There are many companies that offer the service of filing these articles on your behalf, such as FileOnline  or LegalZoom.