It is beneficial that you give a legal structure for any business venture that you may start as it helps establish credibility to your business and offers benefits such as limited liability protection. Incorporation is one of the options that new business ventures may choose.

Incorporating In Iowa: 1. It is best to consult an experienced attorney to help guide you and help choose the correct kind of corporation that benefits you and your business.

2. Naming the corporation is the next step. The name has to be exclusive and not a replica of any existing name of any registered business or be a name that has been reserved. It has to be appropriate and formed in compliance with applicable state laws. The name has to end in the words or the abbreviation of the words “Incorporated,” “Corporation,” “Company,” or “Limited.”

3. There must be a minimum of one incorporator and it is the duty of that person to sign and file the articles of incorporation with the Iowa Secretary Of State. The incorporator must pay a fee of $50, and the processing time is usually 15 business days.

4. The articles of incorporation have to include other details such as

- Name and address of the incorporators.
- The number of classes and the number of shares in each class listed in detail and submitted with the articles of incorporation.
Optional provisions include:
- Statement of purpose.
- Names and addresses of initial directors.
- Par value of the shares.

5. Every Iowa Corporation has to have a registered agent who can be a resident individual of Iowa, whose business office is the same as the registered office or a corporation with authority to transact business in Iowa, or whose business office is the same as the registered office.

6. Bylaws have to be framed under the guidance of an experienced corporate attorney.

7. There must be a minimum of one director. The board of directors has the right to adopt, amend, and repeal the bylaws unless stated otherwise in the articles. The bylaws have to be maintained in the principal executive office, and the directors may appoint officers and delegate duties, such as preparing and recording minutes and authenticating records.

8. Biennial reports have to be filed with the Secretary of State of Iowa, and the initial report has to be filed on the even-numbered year following the year of incorporation and must contain details such as the corporate name and address of registered office and principal office and registered agent, president, secretary, treasurer, and one of its directors.