West Virginia
LLC, Business License, Incorporation
With the 37th largest population in the United States, West Virginia services both large and small businesses. West Virginia's major industries include coal and oil drilling. Regardless of your industry, we can help you take advantage of West Virginia's business services.
Forming a corporation in West Virginia
Each state has its own set of rules for businesses seeking to form a corporation there. If you've decided to incorporate in West Virginia, incorporate.com will take care of all the details. We'll research the availability of your company name and help you prepare and file your Articles of Incorporation with the West Virginia Secretary of State. We can also assist with many of your follow-up needs such as amendment filings, written consents, and annual report preparation and filing.
Here are some helpful facts about West Virginia's incorporation requirements:
Corporate Name Requirements
West Virginia requires corporations to have names that can't be confused with any entities or reserved and registered names. When you incorporate with incorporate.com's help, we'll research your company name to make sure it meets West Virginia's standards.
Permitted designations: West Virginia corporate names may be followed by several approved designations, including:
- Co.
- Company
- Corp.
- Corporation
- Inc.
- Incorporated
- Limited
- Ltd.
Restricted designations: The use of certain words and phrases in corporate names is considered "restricted" in West Virginia, meaning they require special approval by the state. These include any derivatives of the following:
- Architect
- Architecture
- Bank
- Engineer
- Trust
Filing Requirements
Remember, when you work with incorporate.com, we'll take care of your incorporation filing for you. This information is presented only for your reference.
Required documents: The state of West Virginia requires businesses to file Articles of Incorporation.
Turnaround time: In general, turnaround time for incorporating a business in West Virginia is 5-7 business days.
Follow-up filings: Not required.
Officers/Directors Information
Minimum number: Corporations are required to have one or more directors.
Director qualifications: The articles of incorporation or bylaws may prescribe the qualifications for directors. Statute does not require residency in West Virginia.
Appearance in articles: Not required. Directors' names and addresses do not have to appear in the Articles of Incorporation.
Written consent: Permitted. Directors may act in writing in lieu of holding a meeting.
Principal office location
West Virginia permits a corporation's principal office to be located outside of the state.
Annual Reports
Time to file: Corporations must file annual reports with the West Virginia Secretary of State by June 30.
Turnaround time: Turnaround time at the state is between 24 and 48 hours.
Signatures: Only company officers are authorized to sign annual reports. Emailed or faxed signatures are accepted.
Forming an LLC in West Virginia
Each state has its own set of requirements for businesses that plan on forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) there. If you decide to form an LLC in West Virginia, incorporate.com will take care of all the details. We'll research the availability of your company name and help you prepare and file your Articles of Organization with the West Virginia Secretary of State. We can also take care of many of your company's follow-up needs, including annual report preparation and filing.
Here are some helpful facts about West Virginia's LLC requirements:
LLC Name Requirements
West Virginia requires Limited Liability Companies to have names that can't be confused with any other entities or reserved or registered names. When you form your LLC with incorporate.com's help, we'll research your company name to make sure it meets West Virginia's standards.
Permitted designations: West Virginia LLC names may be followed by several approved designations, including:
- L.C.
- L.L.C.
- LC
- LLC
- LTD. Liability Company
- Limited Company
- Limited Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- Ltd. Co.
Restricted words: The use of certain words in LLC names is "restricted" in West Virginia, meaning special approval by the state is required. These include derivatives of:
- Architecture
- Architect
- Bank
- Trust
- Engineer
Filing Requirements
Required documents: Companies that wish to form an LLC in West Virginia must file Articles of Organization. Remember, when you work with incorporate.com, we'll take care of this filing for you.
Turnaround time: In general, turnaround time for forming an LLC in West Virginia is 5-7 business days.
Follow-up filing: Not required.
Managers/Members Information
Minimum number: LLCs are required to have one or more managers/members.
Principal Office Location
West Virginia permits an LLC's principal office to be located outside of the state.
Annual Reports
Time to file: LLCs must file their annual report with the West Virginia Secretary of State by June 30.
Turnaround time: Turnaround time at the state is 24-48 hours.
Signatures: A manager, member or authorized person may sign reports. Emailed or faxed signatures are accepted.
Filing extensions: Not permitted.
Get West Virginia Business Licenses
Before your business can legally begin to operate, you must satisfy its license, permit, and tax registration requirements. Almost all state, county, and local governments require businesses to obtain one or more licenses and permits. Additionally, selling taxable goods and services or hiring employees requires that you register with tax authorities. All business license, permit, and tax registration requirements vary by your industry and location.
Examples of possible licenses required in West Virginia:
- Hotel/Motel Tax License
- Health License
- Waste Transporter License
Too busy to research your licensing requirements? We can help.
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