Incorporating in Iowa

For complete and current information concerning Iowa corporations you should go to the Iowa Secretary of State web site. The following is not an attempt to present all you need to know when forming a corporation in Iowa  but rather to call your attention to just some of the basic information and requirements you may want to know as you submit information to form your corporation.

The information herein is cited from the Iowa Secretary of State web site and while we make every effort to ensure its accuracy, MaxFilings cannot and does not guarantee that all of the information is accurate or complete and/or current and it should therefore be independently verified.

Iowa corporation name:

An Iowa corporation’s name must contain the word "corporation", "incorporated", "company", or "limited", or an abbreviation thereof, or words or abbreviations of like import in another language. The name cannot include language stating or implying that the corporation is organized for a purpose other than that permitted by Iowa law and its articles of incorporation. Other than as may be authorized under Iowa law, a corporate name must be distinguishable from the names of other entities upon the records of the secretary of state.

Iowa corporation board of directors:

Other than as provided for under Iowa law, an Iowa corporation must have a board of directors consisting of one or more individuals, the number being specified in or fixed in accordance with the articles of incorporation or bylaws. The articles of incorporation or bylaws may establish qualifications for directors. Directors need not be residents of Iowa or shareholders of the corporation unless required by the articles of incorporation or bylaws. 

Iowa corporation officers:

An Iowa corporation shall have the offices described in its bylaws or designated by the board of directors in accordance with the bylaws. The board of directors may elect individuals to fill offices of the corporation and an officer may appoint officers if so authorized by the bylaws or the board of directors. Officers shall have the authority and shall perform the duties set forth in the bylaws or, to the extent consistent with the bylaws, those prescribed by the board of directors or an officer authorized by the board of directors to prescribe the duties of other officers. The bylaws or the board of directors shall assign to one of the officers responsibility for preparing minutes of directors' and shareholders' meetings and for maintaining and authenticating the corporation’s records that are required to be kept under Iowa law. The same person may simultaneously hold more than one office. 

Iowa corporation shareholders’ meetings:

Iowa corporations shall hold annual shareholders’ meetings at a time stated in, or fixed in accordance with, the bylaws. Annual shareholders' meetings may be held in or out of Iowa at the place stated in, or fixed in accordance with, the bylaws. If no place is stated in, or fixed in accordance with, the bylaws, annual shareholders’ meetings shall be held at the principal office of the corporation. Special shareholders’ meetings shall be held on call of its board of directors or the person(s) authorized to call a special meeting by the articles of incorporation or bylaws; or if the holders of at least 10 percent (the articles of incorporation may fix a lower percentage or a higher percentage not exceeding 25 percent) of all votes entitled to be cast on any issue proposed to be considered at the proposed special meeting sign, date and deliver to the corporation one or more written demands for the meeting describing the purpose or purposes for which it is to be held. There can also be court ordered special shareholders’ meetings under specified circumstances. Special shareholders' meetings may be held in or out of Iowa at the place stated in, or fixed in accordance with, the bylaws. If no place is stated in, or fixed in accordance with, the bylaws, special shareholders’ meetings shall be held at the principal office of the corporation.

Iowa corporation directors’ meetings:

The board of directors of Iowa corporations may hold regular or special meetings in or out of Iowa.

Iowa taxes:

See the Iowa Department of Revenue web site.

Iowa Registered Agent:

Iowa corporations are required to have a registered agent in Iowa. By having MaxFilings provide you with a professional registered agent, you can be assured that all legal documents, tax documents, annual reports, and correspondence with the state and regulatory agencies will be handled promptly, professionally, and efficiently.

Start forming your corporation now:

If you’re ready to form an Iowa corporation with MaxFilings, you can start entering your information now. You’re under no obligation, and there is no charge until you actually place your order.