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Congratulations on registering your new business! Or if you're still contemplating forming your business, and just trying to better understand the steps required for having a bank account under the company name, you're in the right place. Be sure you have seen our guide on incorporation here for a step by step analysis.
There are many benefits to having a bank account under the name of the corporation- checks printed under the company name, corporate credit cards with a host of perks, accounts on PayPal and other online processors, and receiving payments from your clients under your company name.
But beyond the benefits of opening a bank account in the name of a corporation, it is actually a necessary step for legal compliance. Having a corporate bank account helps prove that the company is not mixing the shareholders' personal funds with cash generated from the company. A corporation that does not open a bank account using the corporation's name puts the company's limited liability status in serious jeopardy.
The corporate resolution indicates to the bank the individuals who are authorized by the corporation to open the corporate banking account and sign checks. The individuals listed in the corporate resolution have complete authority to act on the corporation's behalf in regard to the company's bank account. Some banks will require a corporate resolution to open an account in the corporation's name.
Every person who is authorized by the corporate resolution to control the company's bank account must supply the bank with a photo identification. This allows the bank to verify the identity of each person who is authorized to make transactions for the corporation. Acceptable photo identification includes a state identification card or a driver's license.
Present the corporation's employer identification number (EIN) that is issued by the Internal Revenue Service. The EIN is a 9-digit number used to identify a corporation for tax and banking purposes. Most banks will not open a business account in the corporation's name without an EIN.
You can apply for an EIN by following this link to the IRS website.
Show the corporation's seal to the bank. The corporate seal contains information about a corporation such as the date when the company became incorporated, the state of incorporation and the legal name of the corporation. Banks may require a corporation to use the company's seal as a signature on all the corporation's banking documents.
Present the corporation's articles of incorporation to the bank representative. The articles of incorporation contain information about a corporation such as the number of shares the company has the authority to issue, as well as the legal name and address of the corporation. A corporation's articles of incorporation offer proof that the company has been established as a separate legal entity.
Often, you will be required to present the copy of your articles of incorporation that are file-stamped by the Secretary of State's office in the state in which the corporation was registered.
The specific documentation that the bank may require will often vary depending on the type of entity that you are opening an account for. Below you will find the documentation often requested based on the type of entity for your business.