Utah 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 Utah incorporation.

Cost to incorporate in Utah

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the state fees to form a Utah 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 Utah 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.

Corporate Name

The name must contain either the word or an abbreviation of "Corporation," "Incorporated" or "Company," or words or abbreviations with the same meaning in another language. It must be distinguishable from the name of any domestic corporation, authorized foreign corporation, domestic or foreign limited liability company or partnership, or reserved or registered name in the State of Utah. Use of the words "Bank," "College," "Institute" and "University" requires additional state department approvals.

Director information

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

• Minimum number. Typically, corporations must have at least three directors. A corporation's board of directors may consist of one or more individuals before any shares are issued. After shares are issued and for as long as a corporation has fewer than three shareholders, its board of directors may consist of a number of individuals equal to or greater than the number of those shareholders.
• Residence requirements. Utah does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
• Age requirements. Utah does not have age requirements.
• Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.

Requirements for the Articles of Incorporation

The document required to form a corporation in Utah is called the Articles of Incorporation. The information required in the formation document varies by state. Utah'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 Utah. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.

Professional services businesses

Utah allows professionals, 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 Utah corporations.

Corporate records

Utah corporations must keep the following with their corporate records:

• The Articles of Incorporation and any amendments
• Bylaws
• Permanent minutes of shareholder and director meetings and record of all actions taken by a committee of the board of directors in place of the board of directors and on behalf of the corporation
• Permanent records of actions taken by the directors or shareholders without a meeting
• Resolutions adopted by the board of directors creating one or more classes or series of shares and fixing their relative rights, preferences and limitations
• Written communications to shareholders for the past three years
• A list of all shareholders, including names and addresses, listed alphabetically and outlining the number and class of shares held by each
• A list of names and business addresses of current directors and officers
• Most recent annual report
• All financial statements prepared for periods ending during the last three years

Corporate taxes and fees

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

• Annual report. Utah requires corporations to file an annual report before the anniversary date of the incorporation. The filing fee is $15.
• Taxes. For complete details on state taxes for Utah corporations, visit Business Owner's Toolkit .
• 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. Utah does not require a state tax identification number.

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

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

Additional Utah information

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

• Utah LLC Formation