Chart of State Links to Foreign Corporation Information

List of Links to 50 States Chart of Foreign Qualification Resources.

When a corporation formed in one state wishes to conduct business in another, it must register as a foreign corporation in that state. This process involves filing specific documents with the appropriate state office and often paying a fee. Understanding where and how to file in each state is crucial for compliance and smooth business operations. Below, we provide an overview of the state offices where you can file as a foreign corporation across the United States.

Filing as a Foreign Corporation: A Guide to the 50 State Offices

  1. Alabama
    a. Office:
    i. Alabama Secretary of State
    b. Website:
    i. sos.alabama.gov
  2. Alaska
    a. Office:
    i. Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
    b. Website:
    i. commerce.alaska.gov
  3. Arizona
    a. Office: Arizona Corporation Commission
    b. Website: azcc.gov
  4. Arkansas
    a. Office: Arkansas Secretary of State
    b. Website:
    i. sos.arkansas.gov
  5. California
    a. Office: California Secretary of State
    b. Website:
    i. sos.ca.gov
  6. Colorado
    a. Office: Colorado Secretary of State
    b. Website:
    i. sos.state.co.us
  7. Connecticut
    a. Office: Connecticut Secretary of State
    b. Website:
    i. ct.gov/sots
  8. Delaware
    a. Office: Delaware Division of Corporations
    b. Website:
    i. corp.delaware.gov
  9. Florida
    a. Office: Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations
    b. Website:
    i. dos.myflorida.com
  10. Georgia
    a. Office: Georgia Secretary of State
    b. Website:
    i. sos.ga.gov
    ii.
  11. Hawaii
    a. Office: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
    b. Website:
    i. cca.hawaii.gov
  12. Idaho
    a. Office: Idaho Secretary of State
    b. Website:
    i. sos.idaho.gov
  13. Illinois
    a. Office: Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Business Services
    b. Website:
    i. cyberdriveillinois.com
  14. Indiana
    a. Office: Indiana Secretary of State, Business Services Division
    b. Website:
    i. in.gov/sos
  15. Iowa
    a. Office: Iowa Secretary of State
    b. Website:
    i. sos.iowa.gov
  16. Kansas
    a. Office: Kansas Secretary of State
    b. Website:
    i. sos.ks.gov
  17. Kentucky
    a. Office: Kentucky Secretary of State
    b. Website:
    i. sos.ky.gov
  18. Louisiana
    a. Office: Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division
    b. Website:
    i. sos.la.gov
  19. Maine
    a. Office: Maine Secretary of State, Division of Corporations
    b. Website:
    i. maine.gov/sos
  20. Maryland
    a. Office: Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation
    b. Website:
    i. dat.maryland.gov
  21. Massachusetts
    a. Office: Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
    b. Website:
    i. sec.state.ma.us
  22. Michigan
    a. Office: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
    b. Website:
    i. michigan.gov/lara
  23. Minnesota
    a. Office: Minnesota Secretary of State
    b. Website:
    i. sos.state.mn.us
  24. Mississippi
    a. Office: Mississippi Secretary of State
    b. Website:
    i. sos.ms.gov
  25. Missouri
    a. Office: Missouri Secretary of State, Corporations Division
    b. Website:
    i. sos.mo.gov
  26. Montana
    a. Office: Montana Secretary of State, Business Services
    b. Website:
    i. sosmt.gov
  27. Nebraska
    a. Office: Nebraska Secretary of State, Business Services
    b. Website:
    i. sos.ne.gov
  28. Nevada
    a. Office: Nevada Secretary of State, Commercial Recordings Division
    b. Website:
    i. nvsos.gov
  29. New Hampshire
    a. Office:** New Hampshire Secretary of State
    b. Website:
    i. sos.nh.gov
  30. New Jersey
    a. Office: New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services
    b. Website:
    i. nj.gov/state
  31. New Mexico
    a. Office: New Mexico Secretary of State, Business Services Division
    b. Website:
    i. sos.state.nm.us
  32. New York
    a. Office: New York Department of State, Division of Corporations
    b. Website:
    i. dos.ny.gov
  33. North Carolina
    a. Office: North Carolina Secretary of State, Business Registration
    b. Website:
    i. sosnc.gov
  34. North Dakota
    a. Office: North Dakota Secretary of State, Business Registration
    b. Website:
    i. sos.nd.gov
  35. Ohio
    a. Office: Ohio Secretary of State, Business Services Division
    b. Website:
    i. ohiosos.gov
  36. Oklahoma
    a. Office: Oklahoma Secretary of State
    b. Website:
    i. sos.ok.gov
  37. Oregon
    a. Office: Oregon Secretary of State, Corporations Division
    b. Website:
    i. sos.oregon.gov
  38. Pennsylvania
    a. Office: Pennsylvania Department of State, Corporation Bureau
    b. Website:
    i. dos.pa.gov
  39. Rhode Island
    a. Office: Rhode Island Secretary of State, Business Services
    b. Website:
    i. sos.ri.gov
  40. South Carolina
    a. Office: South Carolina Secretary of State, Business Filings Division
    b. Website:
    i. sos.sc.gov
  41. South Dakota
    a. Office: South Dakota Secretary of State, Business Services
    b. Website:
    i. sdsos.gov
  42. Tennessee
    a. Office: Tennessee Secretary of State, Business Services
    b. Website:
    i. sos.tn.gov
  43. Texas
    a. Office: Texas Secretary of State, Corporations Section
    b. Website:
    i. sos.state.tx.us
  44. Utah
    a. Office: Utah Secretary of State, Division of Corporations and Commercial Code
    b. Website:
    i. sos.utah.gov
  45. Vermont
    a. Office: Vermont Secretary of State, Corporations Division
    b. Website:
    i. sec.state.vt.us
  46. Virginia
    a. Office: Virginia State Corporation Commission
    b. Website:
    i. scc.virginia.gov
  47. Washington
    a. Office: Washington Secretary of State, Corporations and Charities Division
    b. Website:
    i. sos.wa.gov
  48. West Virginia
    a. Office: West Virginia Secretary of State, Business and Licensing Division
    b. Website:
    i. sos.wv.gov
  49. Wisconsin
    a. Office: Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Corporate and Consumer Services
    b. Website:
    i. wisconsin.gov
  50. Wyoming
    a. Office: Wyoming Secretary of State, Business Division
    b. Website:
    i. sos.wyo.gov

Why Corporations Need to Register to Do Business in Another State

Registering to Do Business – When and Where Should You Register Your Corporation in a State Other Than the State of Incorporation?

As corporations grow and expand, they may find it necessary to conduct business operations beyond their home state. However, conducting business in a state where a corporation is not registered can have legal and financial implications. In this article, we will explore the reasons why corporations need to register to do business in another state, including legal compliance, tax obligations, access to state courts, and maintaining a strong corporate reputation.

Complying With State Laws on Business Registration of Foreign Corporations

One of the primary reasons corporations need to register to do business in another state is to ensure legal compliance. Each state has its own set of laws and regulations governing businesses operating within its jurisdiction. By registering, corporations demonstrate their commitment to following the state’s rules and regulations, protecting themselves from potential legal issues and penalties.

Registering to Do Business Subjects the Corporation to Taxes

Registering to do business in another state also means that corporations become subject to that state’s tax requirements. This includes income taxes, sales taxes, and other state-specific taxes. By fulfilling these tax obligations, corporations avoid potential tax liabilities, penalties, and legal disputes with the state’s tax authorities.

Business Registration Provides Access to State Courts

In the event of a legal dispute arising in another state, corporations must be registered to access the state’s courts. Without proper registration, corporations may not be able to file lawsuits or defend themselves in the state’s legal system. Registering to do business ensures that corporations have the legal standing necessary to protect their rights and interests in the state’s courts.

Building Trust and Reputation in the State

Registering to do business in another state can enhance a corporation’s reputation and build trust with customers, vendors, and partners. Being registered demonstrates a commitment to compliance, professionalism, and a long-term presence in the state. This can be particularly important in industries where trust and credibility are crucial for business success.

Registration Can Helps With Expansion and Growth Opportunities

Registering to do business in another state opens up opportunities for expansion and growth. It allows corporations to establish a physical presence, hire employees, and access new markets. By expanding their geographic reach, corporations can tap into new customer bases, diversify their revenue streams, and strengthen their overall market position.

How to Register to do Business in Another State

The process of registering to do business in another state typically involves filing the necessary paperwork and paying the required fees. The specific requirements vary by state but generally include submitting a foreign qualification application, providing information about the corporation’s structure and activities, appointing a registered agent, and paying the applicable fees. It is advisable to consult with legal counsel or a business advisor familiar with the registration process in the target state to ensure compliance with all requirements.

Summarizing Foreign Corporation Business Registration

For corporations seeking to expand their operations and explore new markets, registering to do business in another state is essential. Compliance with state laws, meeting tax obligations, accessing state courts, building trust, and seizing growth opportunities are all compelling reasons to undertake the registration process. By taking these steps, corporations can navigate legal and regulatory frameworks, establish a strong presence, and position themselves for long-term success in new markets.