Pennsylvania Corporation Requirements

Each state has different requirements for forming a corporation. Whether you are starting a business or incorporating a business already in existence, you’ll want to understand state requirements for Pennsylvania incorporation.

Cost to incorporate in Pennsylvania

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the state fees to form a Pennsylvania corporation. View our pricing to incorporate as a C corporation or S corporation to plainly see:

• BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
• State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Pennsylvania with standard turn-around.
• Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
• Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.

Pennsylvania Corporate Name

The name must contain either the word or the abbreviation of "Corporation," "Company," Incorporated" or "Limited." The name must be distinguishable from that of any domestic or foreign corporation registered in the state. The name may be in any language but must be expressed in English letters or characters or Arabic or Roman numerals. Use of words such as (but not limited to) "Bank," "Bond," "Endowment," "Insurance," "Survey," "Title" and "Trust" require approval by the appropriate state department or agency.

Director information

The following are Pennsylvania’s requirements for directors of corporations:

• Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
• Residence requirements. Pennsylvania does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
• Age requirements. Pennsylvania does not have age requirements.
• Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.

Requirements for the Articles of Incorporation

The document required to form a corporation in Pennsylvania is called the Articles of Incorporation. The information required in the formation document varies by state. Pennsylvania's requirements include:

• Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
• Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
• Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no post office boxes) in Pennsylvania. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.

Other filings required at time of incorporation

Some states require additional filings or steps at the time of incorporation, such as a county level filing, publishing notice of the incorporation in a local newspaper or an initial report filing. Pennsylvania requires the following:

• Publication requirement. Pennsylvania requires corporations to publish notice of the incorporation in two newspapers, preferably one being a legal journal. Proof of the publication should be kept with the corporate records.

Professional services businesses

Pennsylvania allows professional, such as accountants, attorneys and physicians, to form a professional corporation (PC).

After forming a corporation, you must undertake certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business in compliance. These steps are also important in preserving the limited liability a corporation provides its owners. This guide outlines the ongoing requirements for Pennsylvania corporations.

Pennsylvania corporate records

Pennsylvania corporations must keep the following items with their corporate records at the principal office in Pennsylvania or the registered office:

• Complete and accurate books and records of account
• Minutes of the proceedings of the incorporators, shareholders and directors
• A share register giving the names and addresses of all shareholders and the number and class of shares held by each

Pennsylvania corporate taxes and fees

The following are taxation requirements and ongoing fees for Pennsylvania corporations:

• Annual report. Pennsylvania does not require corporations to file an annual report separate from the Corporate Tax Report.
• Taxes. Pennsylvania requires corporations to file a Corporate Tax Report with the Department of Revenue on or before April 15 or the 30th day after the federal due date for corporations operating on a fiscal year rather than a calendar year. Net income tax, capital stock tax, franchise tax and corporate loans tax are due with the report. For complete details on state taxes for Pennsylvania corporations, visit Business Owner's Toolkit or the State of Pennsylvania .
• Federal tax identification number (EIN). An EIN is required for corporations that will have employees. Additionally, most banks require an EIN in order to open a business bank account.
• State tax identification number. Pennsylvania does not require a state tax identification number.

Pennsylvania business licenses

Business licenses and/or permits are required for most businesses. The BizFilings Business License Application Package can help you stay on top of these requirements.

S corporation election

Pennsylvania recognizes the federal S corporation election and does not require a state-level S corporation election.

Additional Pennsylvania information

View the following additional resources BizFilings has for forming and maintaining companies in Pennsylvania:

• Pennsylvania LLC Formation