Form a Corporation in Utah
Everything you need to know about forming a Corporation in Utah. Filing fees, requirements, timeline, and step-by-step guidance.
Want this turned into your personalized Corporation roadmap for Utah?
Sign up free — we'll track every step, deadline, and what comes after the LLC.
How to File
Choose and Reserve Your Corporate Name
Select a unique corporate name that includes a required designator such as 'Corporation,' 'Incorporated,' 'Company,' or an abbreviation thereof (e.g., Corp., Inc., Co.). Search the Utah Division of Corporations database to confirm availability, and optionally reserve the name for 120 days for a $22 fee.
30 minutes
Appoint a Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent with a physical street address in Utah (P.O. boxes are not permitted) who is available during normal business hours to receive legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of the corporation. The registered agent can be an individual Utah resident or a business entity authorized to do business in Utah.
15 minutes
File Articles of Incorporation
Prepare and file the Articles of Incorporation with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code, either online via the OneStop Business Registration portal or by mail. Required information includes the corporate name, number of authorized shares, registered agent details, and the name and address of each incorporator.
1 hour
Appoint Directors and Hold Organizational Meeting
After formation, the incorporator(s) must appoint initial directors and hold an organizational meeting to adopt corporate bylaws, elect officers, authorize the issuance of shares, and address other initial corporate business. Utah corporations must have at least one director.
1-2 hours
What's Next After Filing
Once your Corporation is officially formed, you'll want to complete these important steps:
- •Draft and Adopt Corporate Bylaws — Create corporate bylaws that govern the internal management and operations of the corporation, including rules for shareholder meetings, voting procedures, officer roles, and board responsibilities. While bylaws are not filed with the state, they are legally required under Utah Code and must be kept at the corporation's principal office.
- •Obtain an EIN and Open a Business Bank Account — Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS at no cost, which is required for tax filing, hiring employees, and opening a corporate bank account. Open a dedicated business checking account to maintain separation between corporate and personal finances, which is essential for preserving liability protection.
- •Obtain Licenses, Permits, and File Annual Report — Register with the Utah State Tax Commission for applicable state taxes, and obtain any required local business licenses or industry-specific permits. File the initial annual report with the Utah Division of Corporations by the due date (before the corporation's anniversary month) and pay the $20 annual renewal fee each subsequent year.
Advantages
- ✓Strong liability protection separating personal and corporate assets for shareholders, directors, and officers
- ✓Ability to raise capital through the issuance of multiple classes of stock and attracting venture capital or angel investors
- ✓Perpetual existence independent of ownership changes, making it easier to transfer ownership and attract long-term investors
- ✓Potential tax advantages through S-Corp election to avoid double taxation while retaining corporate structure benefits
- ✓Established legal framework with well-developed Utah corporate law providing clear governance guidelines under the Utah Revised Business Corporation Act
Considerations
- •Subject to potential double taxation as a C-Corp — corporate profits taxed at the entity level and again as shareholder dividends — unless S-Corp election is made
- •More administrative complexity and formality required compared to LLCs, including maintaining bylaws, holding annual meetings, and keeping detailed minutes
- •Higher formation and ongoing compliance costs, including registered agent fees, filing fees, and potentially greater accounting and legal expenses
Annual Obligations
What OpenChamber Does
We don't file paperwork for you — we guide you through doing it yourself, which saves money and helps you understand your business from day one.
Personalized Checklist
Every task you need, organized by priority and tailored to Utah.
Vetted Professionals
When you need help, we connect you with professionals we trust.
Progress Tracking
Never lose track of where you are or what's next.
Track Your Progress
Get a personalized checklist for forming your Corporation in Utah — and everything that comes after.
Get Your Free Checklist