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Home > How to Incorporate In Your State > Alabama (AL)
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Incorporate in Alabama (AL)

Learn the basic facts about Alabama corporations and Alabama limited liability companies (LLCs). Compare the differences between Alabama corporations and Alabama LLCs and learn about Alabama rules and regulations that relate to forming a corporation or LLC.

Forming a Alabama Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC)

There are a number of business entity types to consider when you are deciding the structure of your Alabama business. The most advantageous entities to form in Alabama are typically corporations or LLCs. Although other entity options are possible, these are the entities that offer the highest level of liability protection in Alabama. As you review the characteristics of incorporating or forming an LLC in Alabama, be sure to keep in mind both the present and future needs of your business. Often, when you start a business it begins as a small organization.

Get Started

If you decide that a Alabama corporation or LLC is the best option for your business, BizFilings will form your company in Alabama, faster than anyone else, without costly legal fees. Our cost-saving offerings include:

$115 + State Fees
$250 + State Fees
$350 + State Fees
  • Preparation and Filing of Formation Documents
  • Preliminary Name Check with State
  • Free Registered Agent Service for 6 months
  • BizComply Online Compliance Tool
  • 24/7 Access to Online Corporate Status Center
  • Everything included with the Basic Package
  • Expedited Processing Service
  • Corporate Kit & Seal
  • Corporate Forms CD
  • Everything included with the Standard Package
  • Tax ID (EIN) Number Obtainment
  • Compliance DVD
  • Certified Copy of State Filed Documents
  • Overnight Shipping


State Fees Apply

Each state charges filing fees that apply separately from BizFilings' package pricing. These fees will be reflected when you generate a Fast Quote using any of the links above. You can also view our list of fees by state.


Incorporating in Alabama

Alabama Corporate Name Endings
Alabama Corporation Requirements
Alabama Corporate Taxes and Fees
Alabama Business License Requirements


Alabama Corporate Name Endings

The name of the corporation shall contain the word "Corporation," "Incorporated" or an abbreviation. If the corporation is a banking corporation the words "Bank," "Banking" or "Bankers" may be used. The name may not contain language stating or implying that the corporation is organized for a purpose other than that permitted by the articles of incorporation. The name cannot be the same as or deceptively similar to the corporate name of a domestic corporation or a foreign qualified corporation.


Alabama Corporation Requirements

Director Information

  • Minimum Number: One or more.
  • Residence Requirements: None.
  • Age Requirements: Directors must be a natural person at least 19 years of age.
  • Directors are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.

    Officer Information

    Officers are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.
    Stock Information
    An increase in shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.

    Corporate Records

    The articles of incorporation and the minutes of shareholders' meetings and records of all actions taken by shareholders without a meeting for the past three years must be kept at the corporation's principal office. Further, a list of names and business addresses of current directors and officers and the most recent annual report or public record information must be kept at its principal office.


    Taxes and Fees

    Annual Statements

    The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.

    Taxes

    For more information on taxes, visit www.ador.state.al.us.


    License Requirements

    Alabama requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

  • Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Alabama

    Alabama LLC Name Endings
    Alabama LLC Requirements
    Alabama LLC Taxes and Fees
    Alabama Business License Requirements


    LLC Name Endings

    The name of a LLC must end with "Limited Liability Company,""LLC," or "L.L.C."


    Alabama LLC Requirements

    Member/Manager Information

  • Minimum Number - one or more
  • Residence Requirements - no provision
  • Age Requirements - must be at least 19 years of age
  • Members/Managers are required to be listed on the formation documents


    Alabama Taxes and Fees

    Annual Statements

    The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if , their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.

    Taxes

    For more information on taxes, visit www.ador.state.al.us.


    License Requirements

    Alabama requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

  • Registered Agents in Alabama

    Alabama corporations and LLCs are required to have a registered agent located in Alabama. The Alabama registered agent is responsible for receiving important legal and tax documents including service of process (litigation) documents, franchise tax forms, and annual report forms.

    A Alabama registered agent is an individual or company located at a street address in Alabama. Post office boxes are not acceptable addresses for a registered agent in Alabama.

    If a company, such as BizFilings, is acting as your registered agent they must be registered as a corporation in Alabama. There are a number of advantages to using a registered agent service provider in Alabama, but the advantages differ between large and small companies.

    Large companies in Alabama benefit by having service of process and state documents send to their registered agent's office in Alabama. The registered agent follows delivery instructions to ensure that important documents reach the correct individual. Smaller companies in Alabama benefit by providing a consistent Alabama address.

    Another advantage to using another company as your Alabama registered agent is that the information of your Alabama registered agent is public record.

    Learn how to select BizFilings as your registered agent in Alabama.

    Questions? Please contact our customer service team Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM central time at 800-981-7183 or 608-827-5300. You may also email your questions to info@bizfilings.com, or take advantage of our Live Chat option. Live Chat hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM central time.

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    Did You Know?

    Did You Know?

    LLCs typically do not pay taxes at the business level. Any business income or loss is "passed-through" to the owners and reported on the owners' personal income tax returns. Any tax due is then paid at the individual level.


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