What to Do After Forming a Corporation: Timing and Action Table

• Publication year: 2018
• Author: by Julie Brook, Esq.

What to Do After Forming a Corporation: Timing and Action Table

Posted on April 27, 2018, by Julie Brook, Esq.¹

Julie Brook, Esq. has been with CEB since 1995. Before that, she practiced civil litigation with Landels, Ripley & Diamond in San Francisco. She is a volunteer arbitrator with San Francisco's Department of Human Services.

There are many operational requirements that must be handled when starting business as a California corporation. And some of these requirements have strict timing deadlines. Attorneys and clients should review these requirements and divvy up responsibilities for them. Use this handy table for quick reference of required actions and their timing.

This table's arrangement is generally chronological, but because of the different dates from which time periods are computed, a strict chronological arrangement that applies in all cases isn't possible. These are the general requirements most frequently encountered, although not all items in the checklist will apply to every corporation.

Timing	Action
Before starting business	Comply with state business licensing requirements.; Obtain necessary city or county licenses.; Obtain seller's permit.; File application for federal employer identification number.
Before becoming employer	Obtain workers' compensation insurance or certificate of consent to self-insure.; Contact agencies administering employment laws, as appropriate.
Within 15 days of becoming subject to California personal income tax; withholding law or Unemployment Insurance Code	Register as employer with Employment Development Department.
Within first 3 months and 15 days of "taxable year"	If S corporation status is desired, file S election and Consent of Shareholders.
Quarterly or more frequently, depending on amount of taxes withheld	Remit California personal income tax withholding and disability insurance contributions.
By April 10, August 31, or December 10 (as applicable)	Pay personal property taxes.
8 times per month, monthly, or quarterly, depending on amount of tax	Electronically deposit withheld federal income and FICA taxes.
Last day of month following calendar quarter	File California Quarterly Income Tax Withholding and Unemployment Insurance Returns.; File Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return.; File Quarterly Sales and/or Use Tax Return.
Within 90 days after incorporation	File, with Secretary of State, Biennial Statement of Domestic Stock Corporation.
By 15th day of fourth month of taxable year

...