--- title: What legal steps should I take to ensure that my business is properly incorporated? description: What legal steps should I take to ensure that my business is properly incorporated? image: https://www.legalfaq.ai/hubfs/images/beach.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://www.legalfaq.ai/faqs/2f0a0awhatlegalstepsshoulditaketoensurethatmybusinessisproperlyincorporated3f#main-content) [LegalFAQ.ai](https://www.legalfaq.ai/) - [Home](https://www.legalfaq.ai) - [Blog](https://www.legalfaq.ai/blog) - [FAQ Library](https://www.legalfaq.ai/faqs/all) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Home](https://www.legalfaq.ai) - [Blog](https://www.legalfaq.ai/blog) - [FAQ Library](https://www.legalfaq.ai/faqs/all) - [Ask a question](https://www.legalfaq.ai/ask) [Ask a question](https://www.legalfaq.ai/ask) [All posts](https://www.legalfaq.ai/faqs/all) February 26, 2023 # What legal steps should I take to ensure that my business is properly incorporated? ![Picture of Chris Battis](https://www.legalfaq.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/battis-mug.jpg?width=50&name=battis-mug.jpg) By  [Chris Battis](https://www.legalfaq.ai/faqs/author/chris-battis)  ·  1 minute read To properly incorporate your business, you will need to comply with the laws of the applicable jurisdiction. Generally, this involves filing a formal document (e.g., articles of incorporation) with the state or local government that defines and describes the business structure, purpose and owners. Depending on where you are incorporating, additional steps may be needed as well. For example, if you plan to operate in multiple states then you will likely also need to register in those states as well. You may also need to obtain any necessary licenses or permits depending on what type of business activities you’re involved in. Another key step is selecting a corporate management structure for your company such as electing officers and directors who are responsible for managing day-to-day operations and making important decisions on behalf of the corporation's shareholders or members (owners). It is advisable to consult an attorney before making these selections so that all legal requirements are met and operational guidelines set forth clearly both within the company's documents (bylaws/operating agreement/shareholder agreements etc.) but also in contracts/agreements between parties outside of it such as investors or vendors for instance). Lastly, once incorporated most jurisdictions mandate annual reporting which can include filing tax returns along with other forms like financial statements detailing income sources & expenses incurred throughout year amongst various other details based on entity type chosen when originally forming corporation initially . No single website can provide all relevant answers since every situation is unique - consulting an experienced attorney familiar with local laws regarding incorporation should ensure everything necessary is taken up correctly while providing peace-of-mind during process itself although costs associated should be expected accordingly too! 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