Congratulations on successfully forming your Delaware corporation! Establishing a corporation in the state of Delaware is a strategic decision that offers numerous benefits, including limited liability protection for its owners, access to well-established legal frameworks, and a business-friendly environment. However, forming a corporation is only the first step. Maintaining your corporate status and protecting the coveted “corporate veil” requires ongoing attention to specific corporate formalities and compliance with Delaware’s regulations.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the essential requirements and best practices that every Delaware corporation should follow to safeguard its limited liability status and ensure smooth operations. These corporate governance practices not only strengthen the argument that your corporation exists as a separate legal entity but also help build a strong foundation for long-term success.

1. Understanding the Corporate Veil

One of the primary benefits of forming a corporation is the limited liability protection it offers to its owners (shareholders). This means that the corporation and its shareholders are treated as separate legal entities. In the eyes of the law, the corporation has its own identity, assets, and liabilities, distinct from those of its individual shareholders. This separation of identities is what provides protection to shareholders from personal liability for the corporation’s debts and obligations.

However, it’s important to note that there are circumstances in which a court can “pierce the corporate veil” and hold shareholders personally liable for the corporation’s debts. To avoid this, Delaware corporations must adhere to specific corporate formalities and best practices that demonstrate the corporation’s independent existence.

2. Corporate Formalities to Maintain Limited Liability Protection

To maintain your corporation’s limited liability protection, you should follow these critical corporate formalities and best practices:

a. Stockholder and Board of Directors Meetings:

• Your corporation should conduct annual stockholder and board meetings, or at least prepare unanimous written consents.
• The board should approve significant corporate actions, such as obtaining loans, hiring executive officers, selling securities, or entering into transactions that deviate from the ordinary course of business.
• Transactions between directors, officers, and the corporation should receive approval from a majority of disinterested directors or stockholders.

These meetings and approvals help demonstrate that your corporation is operating in accordance with its bylaws and that decisions are made collectively, reinforcing its separate legal entity status.

b. Delaware Annual Report and Franchise Tax:

• Your corporation must file an annual report with the Delaware Division of Corporations and pay the Delaware franchise tax by March 1st of each year.
• Failure to file the annual report or pay the franchise tax can result in your corporation falling out of good standing in Delaware, which may have adverse consequences.

c. Delaware Registered Agent:

• Renew the services of your Delaware Registered Agent every year. This agent is essential for receiving legal documents and correspondence on behalf of your corporation.

d. Qualifying to Do Business in Other States:

• If your corporation conducts business in other states, you must register as a foreign corporation in those states and comply with their tax regulations.
• The definition of “conducting business” varies from state to state, so consult with professionals for guidance.

e. Separate Bank Account:

• Your corporation should maintain its distinct corporate bank account.
• All expenses must be paid from the corporate account, and all revenue should be deposited into it.
• Avoid co-mingling of funds between the corporation and its owners, as this can be a “red flag” for piercing the corporate veil.

f. Hiring Employees:

• The hiring process involves several steps, including setting up payroll, complying with federal immigration laws, obtaining mandatory insurance policies, and registering with state authorities.
• Non-compliance with employment-related requirements can result in substantial fines and legal issues.

g. Debt Guarantees:

• Stockholders should be cautious about personally guaranteeing the corporation’s debts, especially on a recurring basis.
• Adopt board resolutions that clearly outline the purposes for which guarantees are allowed to avoid jeopardizing the corporation’s separate entity status.

h. Acting on Behalf of the Corporation:

• All documents signed on behalf of the corporation should clearly indicate the signing officer’s name and title.
• Contracts, insurance policies, and other official documents should be in the name of the corporation.
• Ensure that the full corporate name appears consistently on the website, business cards, letterhead, and checks of the corporation.

Conclusion

While the list of corporate formalities and best practices for Delaware corporations may seem extensive, it is a crucial aspect of maintaining your corporation’s limited liability protection and preserving its separate legal entity status. These requirements not only protect your personal assets but also ensure the smooth operation of your corporation.

To navigate these requirements effectively, it is advisable to work closely with your accounting and legal team. They can help you establish and maintain the necessary corporate governance practices, ensuring that your Delaware corporation operates in compliance with the law and continues to benefit from the advantages of the corporate structure. By prioritizing these corporate formalities, you can protect your corporate veil and set your corporation on the path to long-term success.