Incorporate in West Virginia (WV)
Learn the basic facts about West Virginia corporations and West Virginia limited liability companies (LLCs). Compare the differences between West Virginia corporations and West Virginia LLCs and learn about West Virginia rules and regulations that relate to forming a corporation or LLC.
Forming a West Virginia Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC)
There are a number of business entity types to consider when you are deciding the structure of your West Virginia business. The most advantageous entities to form in West Virginia are typically corporations or LLCs. Although other entity options are possible, these are the entities that offer the highest level of liability protection in West Virginia. As you review the characteristics of incorporating or forming an LLC in West Virginia, be sure to keep in mind both the present and future needs of your business. Often, when you start a business it begins as a small organization.
Get Started
If you decide that a West Virginia corporation or LLC is the best option for your business, BizFilings will form your company in West Virginia, faster than anyone else, without costly legal fees. Our cost-saving offerings include:
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$115 + State Fees |
$250 + State Fees |
$350 + State Fees |
- Preparation and Filing of Formation Documents
- Preliminary Name Check with State
- Free Registered Agent Service for 6 months
- BizComply Online Compliance Tool
- 24/7 Access to Online Corporate Status Center
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- Everything included with the Basic Package
- Expedited Processing Service
- Corporate Kit & Seal
- Corporate Forms CD
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- Everything included with the Standard Package
- Tax ID (EIN) Number Obtainment
- Compliance DVD
- Certified Copy of State Filed Documents
- Overnight Shipping
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State Fees Apply
Each state charges filing fees that apply separately from BizFilings' package pricing. These fees will be reflected when you generate a Fast Quote using any of the links above. You can also view our list of fees by state.
Incorporating in West Virginia
West Virginia Corporate Name Endings
West Virginia Corporation Requirements
West Virginia Corporate Taxes and Fees
West Virginia Business License Requirements
West Virginia Corporate Name Endings
The name must contain the word "Company," "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Limited," or an thereof. The name must not be the same as or deceptively similar to a name already in use by another existing corporation or foreign corporation qualified to do business in West Virginia, without written consent of the other corporation, or by a court order establishing the right of the applicant to use the name. The name must not imply a purpose other than that stated in the articles of incorporation. The words "Engineer" or "Engineering" cannot be used unless the corporate purpose is professional engineering, and one or more of the incorporators is a registered professional engineer.
West Virginia Corporation Requirements
Director Information
Minimum Number: One or more.
Residence Requirements: No provision.
Age Requirements: None.
Directors are required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.
Officer Information
Officers are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.
Stock Information
An increase in shares may cause an increase in the initial filing fees.
Corporate Records
The stock transfer ledger must be kept at the principal corporate office
Taxes and Fees
Annual Statements
The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.
Taxes
For more information on taxes, visit www.state.wv.us/taxrev.
S Corporation
S Corporation status is recognized by the State of West Virginia provided the S Corporation files an Informational Return. A separate state election from the federal election is not required; however, S Corporations are subject to the business franchise tax.
License Requirements
West Virginia requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.
Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in West Virginia
West Virginia LLC Name Endings
West Virginia LLC Requirements
West Virginia LLC Taxes and Fees
West Virginia Business License Requirements
LLC Name Endings
The LLC name must end with "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company" "LLC," "L.L.C." "LC" or "L.C."
West Virginia LLC Requirements
Member/Manager Information
Minimum Number: one or more
Residence Requirements: no provision
Age Requirements: no provision
Members/Managers are required to be listed in the articles of organization
West Virginia Taxes and Fees
Annual Statements
The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.
Taxes
For more information on taxes, visit www.state.wv.us/taxrev.
License Requirements
West Virginia requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.
Registered Agents in West Virginia
West Virginia corporations and LLCs are required to have a registered agent located in West Virginia. The West Virginia registered agent is responsible for receiving important legal and tax documents including service of process (litigation) documents, franchise tax forms, and annual report forms.
A West Virginia registered agent is an individual or company located at a street address in West Virginia. Post office boxes are not acceptable addresses for a registered agent in West Virginia.
If a company, such as BizFilings, is acting as your registered agent they must be registered as a corporation in West Virginia. There are a number of advantages to using a registered agent service provider in West Virginia, but the advantages differ between large and small companies.
Large companies in West Virginia benefit by having service of process and state documents send to their registered agent's office in West Virginia. The registered agent follows delivery instructions to ensure that important documents reach the correct individual. Smaller companies in West Virginia benefit by providing a consistent West Virginia address.
Another advantage to using another company as your West Virginia registered agent is that the information of your West Virginia registered agent is public record.
Learn how to select BizFilings as your registered agent in West Virginia.
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