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Alabama Corporation
Advantages and Disadvantages



Alabama Corporation and Asset Protection

Alabama is one of the hottest places in the nation to start and grow a business, according to a new national report. Entrepreneur.com ranked Alabama number five overall on its state list in the 2005 Hot States for Entrepreneurs. The state was ranked as the second best place in the nation to launch a new business and 12th best for rapid growth of a young company. Based on the Washington, D.C.- based National Policy Research Council’s Entrepreneurial Activity Index, the report highlights individual cities as well.



Alabama Corporation - Articles of Incorporation must be drafted and submitted to the Alabama Secretary of State, Corporations Division. Once articles of incorporation have been successfully filed, your Corporation has been formed and this begins its existence as a Alabama corporate entity.



Should I Incoprorate in Alabama ?

A corporation, chartered by the state in which it is headquartered, is considered by law to be a unique entity, separate and apart from those who own it. A corporation can be taxed; it can be sued; it can enter into contractual agreements. The owners of a corporation are its shareholders. The shareholders elect a board of directors to oversee the major policies and decisions. The corporation has a life of its own and does not dissolve when ownership changes.

Advantages and Disadvantages:
Alabama Corporation

Advantages of a Corporation

  • Shareholders have limited liability for the corporation's debts or judgments against the corporations.
  • Generally, shareholders can only be held accountable for their investment in stock of the company. (Note however, that officers can be held personally liable for their actions, such as the failure to withhold and pay employment taxes.)
  • Corporations can raise additional funds through the sale of stock.
  • A corporation may deduct the cost of benefits it provides to officers and employees.
  • Can elect S Corporation status if certain requirements are met. This election enables company to be taxed similar to a partnership.
  • A corporation pays 15% federal income tax on taxable income up to $50,000; 25% tax on income from $50,001 - $75,000; 34% tax on income from $75,001 - $100,000; 39% tax on income from $100,001 - $335,000; and 34% tax on income over $335,000.
  • A sole proprietor who filed a federal income tax return under the status of married, filing jointly, would pay 15% federal income tax on taxable income up to $35,800; 28% tax on income from $35,801 to 86,500; and 31% tax on income over $86,501.

Disadvantages of a Corporation

  • The process of incorporation requires more time and money than other forms of organization.
  • Corporations are monitored by federal, state and some local agencies, and as a result may have more paperwork to comply with regulations.
  • Incorporating may result in higher overall taxes. Dividends paid to shareholders are not deductible form business income, thus this income can be taxed twice.
Federal Tax Forms for Regular or "C" Corporations
  • Form 1120 or 1120-A: Corporation Income Tax Return
  • Form 1120-W Estimated Tax for Corporation
  • Form 8109-B Deposit Coupon
  • Form 4625 Depreciation



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