Selecting the Alabama Corporation or LLC Name

Keep in mind when you are selecting a name for your Alabama corporation that the name will be unique and will identify you as a separate business entity transacting business in the state. The name you choose for your corporation is required to end with “Incorporated,” “Corporation,” “Corp” or “Inc.”. When developing a name for a limited liability company Alabama requires that it end with “Limited Liability Company” or “LLC”.

Since the name you pick for your business will be identifying your corporation or LLC as a unique entity within Alabama, the name will not be accepted if it is likely to mislead the general public or if it too closely resembles the name of another corporation or Limited Liability Company formed in Alabama.

Punctuation such as dashes, question marks, exclamation points, periods, commas or hyphens in name selection should not be used. You may want to try to name your corporation or LLC so that it identifies with the goods or services you provide, but this is not required by Alabama state.

Selecting a Board of Directors

A corporation within Alabama can have several members as directors but is only required to have one. Since the board is responsible for the management of the corporation, it is suggested that the board be comprised of individuals that are officers or shareholders who have some type of daily involvement with the running of the corporation. Alabama requires that any director be the minimum of 19 years of age.

Alabama Taxes

Business corporations are expected to file annual returns using form 20C or 20S depending on whether a “C” or “S” corporation. All corporations are expected to file the Alabama Business Privilege Tax Return and Annual Report. The amount of tax is dependent on a number of factors and the minimum amount due is $110.00.

An LLC within Alabama is required by law to file as either a corporation or a partnership dependent on the election made on the SS-4. All employer’s are expected to register with the Department of Revenue for a withholding tax account number and withhold the appropriate amount from employee’s wages. Alabama also requires the collection of sales and use tax on the retail sale of tangible personal property.

Registered Agent

The registered agent must have a physical street address within Alabama state. PO boxes are not acceptable, within Alabama.

Alabama Testimonials

“I was going to do all the paperwork myself, but decided to take a chance and get it done online. I’m glad I did. Thanks Speedy.” - Denise C., Mobile, Alabama

“I’m so glad I found your service. It took me twenty minutes to fill out the form and I was off to the races. I’ll gladly recommend you to anyone I know. ” - Leonard C., Saraland, Alabama

“It just doesn’t get any easier than you guys. Thanks for answering my questions when I called and for taking care of all the hassle. ” - Chelly K., Lincoln, Alabama

Resources for Alabama Business Owners

Tax information for businesses from the Alabama Department of Revenue
Alabama Secretary of State website