Whether you are starting a business or incorporating an existing one in New York, you’ll want to understand state requirements for New York corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs).
New York Corporation Formation Requirements
Cost to incorporate. BizFilings clearly outlines our fees and the state fees to form a corporation in New York. View our pricing to plainly see:
- BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
- State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in New York with standard turn-around.
- Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
- 24-hour turn-around. There is a 24-hour filing option in New York, which is outlined in our pricing.
- Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation.
Corporate name. The name must contain the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Limited," or an abbreviation thereof. All abbreviations must end with a period. Accent marks cannot be used in the name. The name may not be the same as, or so similar or confusing to, that of any domestic or authorized foreign corporation or reserved name. The name may not contain any word or phrase indicating the corporation is formed for any purpose other than that included in its Certificate of Incorporation. The use of certain enumerated words and abbreviations including banking, insurance, and various professions is prohibited or restricted.
Director information. The following are New York’s requirements for directors of corporations.
- Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
- Residence requirements. New York does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
- Age requirements. Directors must be at least 18 years old.
- Inclusion in the Certificate of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Certificate of Incorporation.
Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Certificate of Incorporation.
Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Certificate of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value can affect initial filing fees.
Registered agent. Listing the name and address of a registered agent is optional in New York. Corporations must, however include the address to which legal documents, such as Service of Process, should be sent. The registered agent or person at the Service of Process address must be available during normal business hours.
Professional services businesses. Professional corporations (PCs) are allowed to be formed in New York for professional services businesses.