What Are Articles Of Incorporation? – Importance, Working, And More
What are articles of incorporation? – Simply put, the articles of incorporation are a set of documents that you will need to file with a government body so as to legally document the creation of your corporation. These are also known as Certifications of Formation or Charters. You will need to include the general legal information about the corporation, which will include the name and location of the business.
In this article, you will learn about articles of incorporation in general. Apart from that, we will also explain how the Articles of Incorporation work in the United States and how to prepare them.
In addition to that, we shall also discuss the importance and purpose of articles of incorporation. Finally, you will come across an example of what to include in such a set of documents. Hence, to learn more, read on through to the end of the article.
What Are Articles Of Incorporation?
According to Investopedia,
“Articles of incorporation are a set of formal documents filed with a government body to legally document the creation of a corporation. Articles of incorporation generally contain pertinent information such as the firm’s name, street address, agent for service of process, and the amount and type of stock to be issued. The articles of incorporation are used to legally form the corporation.”
It is important for a corporation to file articles of incorporation to structure a company as a professional corporation, non-profit corporation, or any other type of corporation. Based on the state where your corporation is located, you might need to fill in different requirements for paperwork. Furthermore, there are also other rules that you will need to follow if you want to file articles of incorporation.
The job of the state officials is to review applications for articles of incorporation. If the filer of the articles of incorporation follows the state regulations and pays the right fees, the state officials will notify the business of its corporation status.
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Articles Of Incorporation – How Do They Work?
According to the Wall Street Mojo,
“A corporation can either prepare Articles of Incorporation by itself or may contact a professional for the purpose. The documents must be accompanied by a set of all necessary credentials. However, this does not mean it must be extensive or highly complicated. A self-made filing is also acceptable, but only if it has the required basic minimum information.”
In most states, you will need to file the articles of incorporation with the Office of the Secretary of the State, based on the state where you are located. In some other states, there might be another agency that will be handling the problem.
All you need to do here is consult with an attorney in the state, who will give you details about what agency in the state registers businesses in the state. The attorney will help you locate the form (in either PDF or online) so that you can fill the form after completion.
Once you get the certification of formation, you will need to complete other important documents related to your company. One of the important documents you need to fill in this regard is the Bylaws. It will contain information about the running of the corporation, including the rights and responsibilities of all the officers, directors, and shareholders in the corporation.
Apart from that, you will also need to get the EIN (Employee Identification Number) from the Internal Revenue Service. It will help you establish your corporation’s bank account and credit account. With the help of this number, you will also be able to file taxes.
The Importance And Purpose Of Articles Of Incorporation
According to Business News Daily,
“Articles of incorporation separate the business owner from the business by creating a separate legal entity for the business. Incorporating reduces a business owner’s personal risk because the business becomes financially responsible for its debts and legally responsible in the case of lawsuits.”
All businesses can file articles of incorporation, regardless of their type. A new business might launch as a corporation body, or a business structured as a sole proprietorship can also become a corporation. Based on the size of the business, the company can choose to be an S Corporation or a C Corporation.
In S Corporation, the business will only need to pay taxes on dividends since it is a small business. In a C Corporation, since the business is a large one, it will pay corporate taxes and must consist of a board of directors to operate the business.
Where To File Articles Of Incorporation?
In all states, you will need to file AOI with the Office of the Secretary of the State based on the state where the business chooses to operate. In some states, the regulatory and tax environments are more favorable than others. Hence, these states attract a higher proportion of businesses that want to be incorporated into the state.
For example, two states, Nevada and Delaware, attract more than half of the public corporations in the United States. This is because the state laws in these states are flexible and strong enough to offer protection to the corporation. After the establishment of the corporation, the articles of incorporation become a public record in the state and provide valuable information about the corporation.
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Wrapping Up
Hope this article was helpful for you in getting a better idea of what are articles of incorporation. Actually, these are the documents that you will need to file with a government body when you are creating a corporation. Based on the state where you are situated, you will need to file the AOI with the Secretary of State’s office.
The things that you will need to include in the articles of incorporation documents are the company name, type of corporate structure, and number and type of authorized shares. Do you have any more suggestions regarding how to prepare articles of incorporation? Share your ideas with us in the comments section below.
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Top 7 Best Business To Start In Less Budget In 2021
Are you planning to start your own business within a limited budget? If yes, then you must consider certain essential things in the light of this matter. You must decide in advance which is the best business to start for the first time. Proper development of the business model is the most useful thing you must focus on from your end to developing your business within a limited budget. You must understand that you must start with less budget to maximize profitability if you want to be successful in your business or your entrepreneurship model. Best Business Ideas In 2021 There are several business ideas that you must consider from your end. Therefore, less explore some of the essential facts in the light of this matter. Therefore, let’s get into the details to get a better insight into it. The best business to start in 2021 is illustrated below. 1. DropShipping Dropshipping is the most influential business model that most of the new-age entrepreneurs are now opting for. It does not require any heavy investments from your end. You may want to buy, or you may want to sell the products online, but it may happen that you may not have the money to sell the products online. All you have to do is set up an online store with your partners and suppliers. You do not have to do the product research from your end; you just need to sell the existing high-value products, and you can earn a lump sum amount of commission from it. It is one of the best business to start in 2021. 2. Translation The translation is the most influential business model that you start doing from your end. It is one of the best business to start in 2021. You must understand that if you are developing your business model, you must start a business within a limited budget. Proper translation can help your business to grow in the right direction. It can help you to improve your revenue earning capacity in the right manner. Ensure that your business model must be lightweight, and it can help your business grow in the right direction. You need to monetize your skills to earn more because multilingual people are in high demand right now. 3. Virtual Assistant One of the most successful business ideas is the virtual assistant services that can help the solopreneurs develop their brand image. Managing the day-to-day management of your business’s solopreneurs may require help. They do not have enough time left to manage every affair of the business in a better manner. You must develop the business models that can help you grow in the right way. The solo-prenuers use virtual assistants for attending the meeting, answering emails, and performing other administrative duties. You must not compromise on the quality of choosing virtual assistants. Your business model must support the people who are looking for virtual assistants. You need to develop your brand image in the right direction. 4. Website Flipping Website flipping is one of the best business to start in 2021. The best thing about website flipping is that it can help your business grow in the right direction. It is the most lucrative option to earn money. You can purchase one website that you are already running, and you need to improve the design and features of your website. After that, you can sell the website at a higher price. You need to develop your website flipping business by seeking the best clients who can pay you well. Shopify is an excellent marketplace for exchange as it allows you to buy e-commerce websites. 5. Online Tutoring Online Tutoring is another best business to start in 2021. You need to develop your business in such a way that it can help your organization to grow in the right direction. You may be an expert in the Arts, Mathematics, and in another subject, but you need to develop that skill to help your business grow in the right direction. Online Tutoring is the new age business domain that can provide you more revenue at a minimum expense. You must have the constructive knowledge and the skills to develop your brand image in the best possible manner. 6. Content Writing Content writing is the best business to start in 2021. The reason is we live in the digital world. Within every second, a new website is launched in the market, and it requires articles and blogs every time. You need to understand these facts while you develop your business. You need to understand that you must write quality content that can help your website rank well in the SERP for improving your business ranking in search engines. Copywriting or content writing is the most influential business model that can help you to earn more revenue at a lesser cost of investments. 7. Career Coaching Career coaching is the most influential business model that can help you to earn more revenue in a short time frame. The best thing about this business model is you just need to guide the students about their aspiring career path to achieve their career goals in the best possible manner. For developing your business, you must explore the options that suit you the best. It will help you to achieve your goals in a better manner. You must not make a filthy choice from your end. Your approach must be in a positive direction. Conclusion Hence, if you want to select the best business to start your career, then you must select from the above option. You must develop your business understanding so that it can help you achieve your business goals in the best possible manner. The most important fact here is whatever business model you choose must meet your requirements. Ensure that your business model must meet your requirements in the best ways to reach your goals. The only thing that you must consider from your end is that the business model you have selected must quickly reach the break-even point quickly. 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Mar 04, 2021
Inventory Turnover Ratio: Definition, Formula, Working, And More
If the inventory turnover ratio of your business is high, it means that your business is able to manage its stock in an effective manner. The measurement gives you an idea of how many times the inventory of your business is sold or used in a given period of time. If you compare the cost of sold goods of your company against your business’s average inventory, you will get the inventory turnover ratio of your business. In this article, you will learn what inventory turnover ratio means in business and how it works. Apart from that, we will also discuss the formula of inventory turnover ratio so that you are able to measure your business’s inventory. Additionally, you will also learn about what is a good inventory turnover ratio for a business. Finally, we will share with you a simple example by calculating the inventory turnover ratio. What Is Inventory Turnover Ratio? - Definition According to Investopedia, “Inventory turnover is a financial ratio showing how many times a company turned over its inventory relative to its cost of goods sold (COGS) in a given period. A company can then divide the days in the period, typically a fiscal year, by the inventory turnover ratio to calculate how many days it takes, on average, to sell its inventory.” With the help of the inventory turnover ratio, you will be able to make better business decisions related to various factors in the business. Some of these factors include pricing, marketing, manufacturing, and purchasing. Calculating this ratio will allow you to measure how well your business is making use of its assets. Read More: What Is Continuity In Business, And Why Is It Important? How Does Inventory Turnover Work? The inventory turnover ratio of your business will help you evaluate how efficiently your business has been using its inventory within a time period against the cost of goods sold in the same period of time. This will give you a clear picture of how the business is making use of its inventory. This further helps in making informed decisions in the future and helps in assessing factors like pricing, production, and manufacturing. Two factors help in determining the inventory turnover ratio - Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): This is the cost associated with the production of the business or the purchasing of the products that the business later sells to the customers. Average Inventory: This is the average of the costs of the inventory that the business pays over multiple time periods. Basically, the inventory turnover ratio helps the business to improve its inventory management process. If the inventory turnover ratio is high, then it indicates that the business has strong sales or the inventory is not up to the mark. On the other hand, a low inventory turnover ratio indicates that the business is stocking too much inventory and is not selling enough. According to the Forbes Advisor, “Knowing how often you need to replenish inventory, you can plan orders or manufacturing lead times accordingly. When inventory isn’t moving quickly, the business must analyze why. Possible reasons could be that you have a product that people don’t want. You may not be doing enough marketing for that product. Or, you can simply buy too much stock that is well beyond the demand for the product.” What Is The Formula For Inventory Turnover Ratio? You can calculate the inventory turnover ratio by dividing the cost of goods sold in a particular time period by the average inventory cost in the same time period. Here is the formula for the inventory turnover ratio: Inventory Turnover Ratio = Cost of Goods Sold / Average Inventory What Is A Good Inventory Turnover Ratio? According to Nerdwallet.com, “The higher your inventory turnover ratio, the better — within reason. [...] If your inventory turnover is low, your stock might be spending too much time sitting on your shelves, not being sold. That translates into money being wasted on inefficiently used storage space, plus the possibility that the longer the inventory sits around, the more likely it’ll get damaged or depreciate in value.” In general, the higher the inventory turnover ratio, the better it is for businesses. However, if you are the owner of a small business, you must consider the types of products you deal with, as well as the inventory turnover range that is common for your industry. For example, businesses that deal with perishable goods, like groceries, bakeries, and related businesses, mostly have a very high inventory turnover ratio. This is because of the fact that the products of these businesses expire soon and lose value much faster. On the other hand, businesses that deal with non-perishable goods like shoes generally do not have a high inventory turnover. Explaining Inventory Turnover Ratio With An Example Let’s find the inventory turnover ratio of a company named XYZ. As per the income statement of XYZ, the cost of goods sold amounted to $2 million. The cost of inventory of XYZ for the start of the year was $250,000, and at the end of the year, the inventory amounted to $750,000. Therefore, the average inventory price of XYZ = ($250,000 + $750,000)/ 2 = $500,000. Now, since Inventory Turnover Ratio = Cost of Goods Sold / Average Inventory Therefore, the Inventory Turnover Ratio for XYZ = $2 million / $500,000 = 3. This means that the business sold its inventory three times over throughout the entire fiscal year. Hence, it takes an average of 122 days (365/3) to fully sell out its inventory. Read More: Business Continuity Plan – What Is It, And How Does It Work? Final Thoughts Calculating the inventory turnover ratio of the business will allow you to get a good idea of how efficiently the business is managing its assets. You can calculate the inventory turnover ratio for your business by finding out the cost of goods sold and dividing it by the average value of the inventory within a given period. A higher inventory turnover ratio shows that the business has strong sales. However, in some cases, it also indicates that the inventory stocking of the business is inadequate. Do you have any recommendations regarding how to manage inventory better? Share your ideas with us in the comments section below. Read Also: Entrepreneur: Who Coined The Term 'Entrepreneur'? 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Periodic Inventory System: What Is It, How It Works, Applications, And More
The periodic inventory system is the method through which a business does a valuation of its inventory. Here, the business updates its inventory account at the end of each accounting period and not after each sale, wholesale, or purchase. The main advantage of this system is that it helps the business track its beginning and ending inventory within an accounting period. In this article, you will learn about what a periodic inventory system is in general. Apart from that, you will also learn how a period inventory system works. In addition to that, you will also learn the difference between a periodic inventory system and a perpetual inventory system. Finally, you will learn how to use such a system in your business model. Hence, to learn more about this system, read on through to the end of the article. What Is A Periodic Inventory System? Investopedia defines – “The term periodic inventory system refers to a method of inventory valuation for financial reporting purposes in which a physical count of the inventory is performed at specific intervals. As an accounting method, periodic inventory takes inventory at the beginning of a period, adds new inventory purchases during the period, and deducts ending inventory to derive the cost of goods sold (COGS).” The best thing about a periodic inventory system is that it is easier to implement. Apart from that, it is also a cost-effective option for companies that are usually small in size. Another major advantage of a period inventory system is that it helps the business manage risks in the supply chain better. It is an accounting technique where the accountant updates the count of the physical inventory at specific intervals. One can execute a period inventory count monthly, quarterly, and annually. Here, the accountant does not update the account regularly or after each sale of products and services. However, this system of accounting is a great option for small businesses only. When it comes to larger companies, they use the perpetual inventory system. Here, the companies update their inventory lists regularly (or after each sale). How Does A Periodic Inventory System Work? The inventory of a business is nothing but the goods that the company has in its hand, and it can make them available for sale. In general cases, a business holds inventory in the normal course of business. Furthermore, the inventory is also one of the most valuable assets of the business. This is because those inventories create the primary source of revenue for the business. According to FreshBooks.com, “In a periodic inventory system, no continuous record of changes is kept. The yearly inventory purchases are recorded in the purchases account, which is a ledger listing all inventory purchases and their costs. At the end of the year, a physical inventory count is done to determine the ending inventory balance and the cost of goods sold.” In this accounting system, the business keeps a physical count of inventory at certain periods of time. With the periodic inventory system, the time is mostly monthly, quarterly, or annually. This means that the company that uses this system tracks its inventory at hand both at the beginning and the end of a specific accounting period. Here, the company does not track its inventory on a regular basis or during sales. With this inventory system, the company also finds it easier to track the costs of all the goods sold. This inventory updating system is popular among smaller companies that do not have the necessary tools and manpower to conduct regular updates of inventory. Also, these companies have smaller quantities of inventory. Periodic Inventory System Vs. Perpetual Inventory System In the periodic inventory system, the company does not have full information regarding its levels of inventory. Apart from that, it also does not know all the costs of goods sold until the completion of the physical count process. Hence, this system is the best option for businesses that have a smaller number of stock-keeping units (SKUs). Furthermore, the company also needs to operate in a market that plods. In other cases, the perpetual inventory system is a better option for all. The following are the major differences between a periodic inventory system and a perpetual inventory system: The perpetual inventory system updates the inventory asset ledger on a regular basis or after each sale. As a result, the management gets an instant view of the inventory. On the other hand, the periodic inventory system is more time-consuming and does not get updated information. With the help of the perpetual system, the company can always keep its COGS updated. On the other hand, the periodicity of the periodic system makes it less useful when it comes to staying updated. The perpetual system tracks individual items in the inventory. Hence, it is easier to locate defective items quickly. However, the periodic system does not help in this regard. When To Use A Periodic Inventory System? According to Netsuite.com, “Any business can use a periodic system since there's no need for additional equipment or coding to operate it, and therefore it costs less to implement and maintain. Further, you can train staff to provide simple inventory counts when time is limited, or you have high staff turnover.” However, the periodic system is most suitable for small companies with a low number of SKUs. This is because such a business is not concerned fully about scaling its business at the given moment. Apart from that, based on your needs and the types of products you deal with, you can use a periodic system along with a perpetual inventory system. Furthermore, if you have good control of your supply chain system and you sell only a few products, then the periodic system is the better option for you. Wrapping Up The periodic inventory system is the best option for only those companies that deal with only small quantities of goods. Apart from that, companies that are not looking for scale at the moment and have only a limited number of employees must use this inventory accounting system. Do you have more suggestions on how to use the best inventory accounting system? Consider sharing your ideas and opinions with us in the comments section below. Read More By Clicking Below!! What Is Bottleneck In Business? Everything You Should Know About It What Is Free Alongside Ship? Essential Things To Know About It Cost Insurance Freight? Everything You Should Know About It
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A Physical Shop Or Online Store: What Is Better For Business?
There was a time when having a brick-and-mortar store was essential for anyone in business. To gain the trust of customers, it was imperative to invest in a physical store. However, things have changed a lot post-Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the epidemic disease and the lockdown, brick-and-mortar stores across the globe took a massive hit. In such trying times, online stores saw a massive boom. E-commerce websites like Amazon made record sales and subsequently, revenue. It was then businesses started digitizing. Are you looking to set up your own business? What do you have in mind? Are you going to set up a brick-and-mortar store? Or would you like to have an online store? Perhaps, a website or a social media page? In this article today, we're going to check out the pros and cons of physical shops and online stores. Hopefully, it will help you make the right decision. Pros And Cons Of Online Store As mentioned earlier, a lot of things have changed in the last two years. Most people now prefer buying things online. They order stuff online and get it delivered to their doorstep. It helps save people time and energy. An online store is all about user convenience. The more convenience you provide to your customers, the more they'll shop at your store and the higher would be your revenue. It's as simple as that. Not to mention, running an online store is easier than having a brick-and-mortar store. It doesn't require you to hire a lot of people. Instead, you invest in a website, a web designer (which is a one-time expense), and a VPS hosting service that keeps your website functional as well as payment gateways. Yes, incorporating a payment gateway into your website is a must when running an online store. Providing your customers with simple payment methods like credit or debit card payments, Apple Pay, and Payoneer can make them happily shop at your store. Also, don't forget to collaborate with a logistics company as getting the order delivered is also the responsibility of the online store. The only problem with an online store is the management of finances. It's not easy keeping a record of everything when it's all online. Also, many people question your credibility in case you don't have a physical address. It is something that often affects your sales. In other words, it takes some time to establish yourself as an online store and to make people start believing in your brand. Moreover, having a customer service department is a must when running an online store, and that too, with 24/7 availability like Amazon. If anything, it will help you gain your potential customer's trust. When they'll know that you're available to address their concerns, they'll shop more and more at your store. Pros And Cons Of A Physical Store Indeed, all the brick-and-mortar stores now have online stores as well but that doesn’t mean having a brick-and-mortar store is of no use. A brick-and-mortar is a must if you wish to gain your customers’ trust. They’ll know that you’re available to address their problems, so they’ll keep shopping at your brand. Besides that, many people prefer checking out things in person before investing in them. It is especially correct for fashion retailers and tech companies. Nobody wants to take chances with electronic gadgets, appliances, or clothes. Thus, people prefer trying them out before buying them. Well, it’s fair. After all, you’re spending your hard-earned money on all these things. However, one problem is that a brick-and-mortar store could be very expensive. In fact, it’s like an additional expense. It starts from renting a space to getting it designed and decorated and hiring employees. Not to mention, the monthly bills and salaries. Therefore, it isn’t a smart option for a small business or anyone who’s struggling with revenue. On the other hand, it does save you some money on customer service. You don’t have to hire people for 24/7 customer service. Simply add your working hours on your website or store billboard and let your customers know what time you’ll be able to take their questions and address their concerns. The great thing is that it won’t affect your business in any way. The Takeaway Both physical shops and online stores have different pros and cons. For established businesses with great revenues, it’s advisable to have both a physical and an online store. On the other hand, for small businesses or companies who are struggling with revenue and growth, it’s best to stick to an online store and not have a brick-and-mortar store for some time. Additionals: How To Create A Powerful Business Continuity Plan? How To Make Money Fast – 5 Strategy To Follow In 2021 How To Start A Business In 2021 – Best Business Strategies
Feb 21, 2023