Colorado Business Incorporation Forms

If you’re looking to start a business in Colorado, one of the first steps is to incorporate your business. To do so, you’ll need to fill out the proper forms. In this article, we’ll take a look at the various Colorado business incorporation forms available to you.

 

 

Incorporation Records Overview

Incorporation records are vital documents that show the existence and status of a business entity. In Colorado, these records can be found at the Secretary of State’s office, County Clerk’s office, and Colorado State Archives. They include information such as the entity name, date of incorporation, and trade name. Businesses and individuals can access these records to verify the existence and history of a corporation or nonprofit organization. The archives contain compilations of incorporation papers, indexes, and volumes that date back to the statehood of Colorado. To obtain these records, a person can file a paper form or access the downloads page for a PDF version. Instructions for filing and email notifications for renewals are also available.

Public Benefit Corporation Formation

Public Benefit Corporation formation is a specific type of incorporation in Colorado that allows businesses to prioritize public benefits over profits. This type of entity is required to have a social or environmental purpose and cannot solely focus on maximizing profits. To form a Public Benefit Corporation in Colorado, businesses must file Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State. The incorporation papers must include the entity name, street address, status, and trade name if applicable. The Colorado Business Incorporation Forms list provides a sample pdf of the Articles of Incorporation, as well as instructions and email notifications for filing and renewals. Nonprofit organizations, cooperatives, and acquisition corps can also use the Colorado template to form their entity.

 

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Limited Cooperative Association (LCA) as a Public Benefit Corporation

An LCA is a type of cooperative association that can also be registered as a Public Benefit Corporation in Colorado. This legal structure allows for a nonprofit organization to operate as a business, providing both economic and social benefits to its members. To incorporate an LCA, individuals must file the appropriate forms with the Colorado Secretary of State, which can be found on their website or obtained in paper form. The process involves submitting a Statement of Association, restated articles of incorporation, and any necessary amendments. Once registered, the LCA can operate like any other business, with the added benefit of being able to provide public good and fostering community involvement.

Statements of Conversion for Entity Changes

Statements of Conversion are essential documents when a business entity changes its legal structure in Colorado. Individuals or organizations who want to convert their business from one type to another can file this document with the Colorado Secretary of State. It is important to note that some businesses cannot convert to certain types, such as non-profit organizations. The Statement of Conversion must include the original formation date, the new entity type, and the effective date of the change. Once filed, this document becomes part of the record and is available for public inspection at the Colorado State Archives or the County Clerk’s office. Templates and downloads of the Statement of Conversion can be found on the Colorado Secretary of State’s website.

Accessing and Using Colorado Incorporation Records

Record Type	Access Method	Usage Information
Articles of Incorporation	Online or Mail Request	Provides basic information about the corporation such as its name, purpose, and registered agent.
Amendment to Articles of Incorporation	Online or Mail Request	Documents any changes made to the original articles of incorporation such as a change in business name or registered agent.
Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office	Online or Mail Request	Notifies the state of Colorado of any changes made to the registered agent or registered office of the corporation.
Annual Report	Online	Must be filed annually to maintain good standing with the state of Colorado. Provides information about the corporation’s officers, directors, and business activities.