Questions about forming a company (corp/llc)

Julie · 05-10-2007, 12:50 PM

So what is the going rate for filing the papers within a US state? I see that the state filing fee is $125 for my state. So does a total payment of $200 to $300 sound about right? Or is that too low/too high?

And, if a business that was formerly known under the name you want has a status marked "dead", does that mean then that you can use that name? The name I want is long dead (nearly 90 years dead).

Also, if you file for a corporation...is it smart and/or necessary to also file for a trademark?

ScriptMan · 05-10-2007, 01:12 PM

I had a quote a few years back from a moderate priced lawyer of $500. That price included hand holding for the first year and filing of the the first corporate return. Said another way he way was over the course of the year give me a working copy all all necessary forms. He made it sound a lot fancier.

So depending on what you are getting the price sounds about right.

As for the long dead name, I think you would be safe in using it. Just my opinion.

**John Scott** · 05-16-2007, 12:51 PM

Use these guys: http://www.corporate.com/

Julie · 05-18-2007, 08:19 AM

Cool, thanks. I was wondering about those online things. Have you used that service before John?

**John Scott** · 05-18-2007, 04:54 PM

Yes, a couple times.

TopShelfToys · 05-18-2007, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julie

So what is the going rate for filing the papers within a US state? I see that the state filing fee is $125 for my state. So does a total payment of $200 to $300 sound about right? Or is that too low/too high?

And, if a business that was formerly known under the name you want has a status marked "dead", does that mean then that you can use that name? The name I want is long dead (nearly 90 years dead).

Also, if you file for a corporation...is it smart and/or necessary to also file for a trademark?

Depends what you are doing with assumed names etc. If you have already incorporated on something else or filed articles of association (or something like that) then just piggy back off that with an assumed name imo. Yes you are fine with a dead name unless it's still got a current trademark (unlikely).
Trademarks aren't a bad idea if you can afford them, been kicking this around myself. I believe to get pegged for trademark infringement they have to prove that it effected their biz adversely...may wanna check with an attorney though. I would check with your secretary of state, or the county you are planning on doing business in. It varies state to state quite a bit on the process. For simple articles of incorporation though it should be something you can do yourself. For partnerships etc, especially with silent partners etc though, an attorney is probably a wise investment.

TopShelfToys · 05-18-2007, 11:39 PM

Minnesota is extremely user friendly in terms of resources for small businesses. guess that's why our taxes suck...but a nice trade off for a small business owner. There resources and info are out there, just a matter of if you'd rather spend cash to have someone else do for you, what you can most likely do for yourself. Send me a pm with some more detailed info on what you're starting and I'll try and point ya in the direction of some additional resources from someone who actually knows what the hell they're talking about (if you haven't guessed I'm not one of these people!)

Julie · 05-22-2007, 06:19 AM

Cool, thanks guys. I just wanted to make sure these online things were legit before I paid out the cash.

MakeYourFirst$$$ · 08-27-2007, 04:54 PM

that sounds about right. It has a lot to do with what your company provides and its size, etc...