Incorporation in Pennsylvania

Find the right Business Incorporation attorney in Erie, PA

Under Pennsylvania law, a business may incorporate. If it chooses to do so, it is thereafter recognized as its own legal entity. This means that the business may buy or sell property, offer and accept contracts and exercise legal rights in its own name. A business seeking to incorporate in Pennsylvania must file with the Secretary of State in accordance with established guidelines.

Benefits of Incorporation in Pennsylvania

There are distinct benefits to incorporating a business. Most importantly, liabilities the business accrues may be satisfied only by assets that the owners have specifically invested in it. With unincorporated businesses, personal property of owners can be liquidated in order to satisfy the liabilities of the business. Also, creditors in the Erie area generally prefer to deal with corporations, since a loan is an investment more easily evaluated when the credit-worthiness of various owners is not an issue. Finally, ownership of a corporation is divided into equal portions or "shares" of stock, which may be bought and sold much more easily than the ownership of an unincorporated business.

Costs of Incorporation

Incorporation comes at a price. First, Pennsylvania may charge a filing fee to process applications for incorporation. Also, the corporation will pay taxes as its own entity. In other words, the profits a corporation makes are now taxed separately, while any disbursements to shareholders are taxed as individual income. This is called double taxation. However, a business may avoid this disadvantage with proper planning and assistance from a local Erie lawyer.

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Life in Erie

Erie, Pennsylvania is an important city in Erie County. It serves as the seat of government for the county and has a population of over 102,000. The manufacturing industry has historically been the foundation of Erie's thriving economy. At the present, higher education, tourism, and healthcare fuel much of the city's revenue. Major corporations like GE Transportation and Marquette Savings Bank have their headquarters in Erie

Erie is pleasantly situated along the shore of Lake Erie. The Lake and its surrounding environment greatly influence the culture of the city. Erie, Pennsylvania has been nicknamed "the Gem City" due to the Lake's sparkling appearance. Erie is also Erie is sometimes referred to as "the Flagship City" because the historical flagship USS Niagara is docked near the Erie Maritime Museum.

Outdoor activities are very abundant in Erie and revolve mainly around Lake Erie. Presque Isle State Park is the city's most outstanding attraction. Every year, the Park attracts more than four million visitors. Grapes are grown in the Park region and the area produces the third largest amount of wine in America. Visitors also enjoy shopping at Erie establishments like the Millcreek Mall to take advantage of Pennsylvania's tax exemptions on clothing items.

Lawyers in Erie, Pennsylvania are available for assistance with many different types of legal issues. Many Erie lawyers work closely with the Erie County Courthouse located in the city. Laws in Erie Pennsylvania often address legal issues that are unique to the lake region.

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