Incorporation in Virginia

Find the right Business Incorporation attorney in Suffolk, VA

By Virginia law, a business that has incorporated is identified thereafter as its own legal entity. This means that the business can buy or sell property, offer and accept contracts and exercise legal rights in its own name. The Virginia Secretary of State receives and processes applications for incorporation, which must be submitted in compliance with local guidelines.

Benefits of Incorporation in Virginia

Certain advantages inure to a business in Virginia that has incorporated over one that has not. First, a corporation's liabilities can never go beyond the amount invested in the business by the owners. Without incorporation, the personal property of business owners is at stake should the company become unable to satisfy its debts. Furthermore, a business that has not incorporated puts the unnecessary burden on creditors in the Suffolk area to evaluate the credit worthiness of individual owners rather than that of the business, making loans more difficult. Lastly, 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, Virginia might charge a filing fee to process applications for incorporation. Also, the corporation will pay taxes as its own entity. The individual incomes of owners who are paid disbursements from the corporation's earnings are still taxed as well. This is called double taxation, but it may be avoided with proper planning and assistance from a local Suffolk lawyer.

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Life in Suffolk

Suffolk is considered the largest city in Virginia. Per the 2010 census, it has a population of 84,585 people. Neighboring waters include the Nansemond River and James River.

Top employers include Kraft Foods, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Unilever, Lipton Tea, Target, QVC, Wal-Mart, and the U.S. Joint Forces Command (JFCOM). Although not considered a top employer, the legal industry also has a strong presence in Suffolk because many residents are attorneys who practice in various areas and provide personalized legal services to their clients.

Some famous people who have lived in, or currently call Suffolk home, include Mills E. Goodwin Jr., Antwan Lewis, Lex Luger, Joe Maphis, and Charlie Byrd.

All in all, Suffolk is a beautiful city that is rich in history and offers its residents and visitors a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

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