📅 2026 Update: Key Changes in State Corporation Commissions

Since the original article was published, there have been notable changes in U.S. business law that affect how corporations are formed and managed. These updates include new rules on beneficial ownership reporting and several state statute reforms. The earlier article continues further down this page, providing additional information on state corporation commissions.

📜 Corporate Transparency Act Exemptions

On March 26, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) made a significant change by exempting all U.S.-formed companies from beneficial ownership reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act. This exemption has been made permanent as of August 11, 2026. This means fewer reporting requirements for businesses, making it easier to start and run a corporation.

🏛️ State Corporate Statute Reforms

Between 2024 and 2026, several states revised their corporate laws. For instance, Delaware's Senate Bill 21 altered sections 144 and 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Similarly, Nevada's Assembly Bill 239 made changes to Nevada Revised Statutes § 78.240(3).

These reforms aim to streamline corporate processes and enhance business environments.

💰 Current Fees and Costs

Delaware has updated its expedited filing fees. The one-hour service now costs $1,000, while the two-hour service is $500. Same-day service remains at $100, and expedited service costs $15 per document.

Georgia's filing fees continue to be non-refundable, with standard processing times for online filings generally taking 7-10 business days.

🗂️ Forms and Steps for Formation

To form a corporation in Delaware, you need to file a Certificate of Incorporation with the Delaware Division of Corporations. In Georgia, the necessary formation documents must be filed with the Georgia Secretary of State. For Apostille requests in Washington State, a completed form and the appropriate fee must be submitted to the Secretary of State's office.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • 🏛️ FinCEN exempted U.S. companies from beneficial ownership reporting.
  • 📜 Several states enacted corporate statute reforms.
  • 💰 Delaware and Georgia have updated filing fees and processing times.
  • 🗂️ Specific forms are required for corporate formation in each state.

💡 Tips for Starting Your Corporation

Review the specifics of your situation with your attorney.

🏁 Know Your State's Requirements

Each state has its own rules for forming a corporation. It's essential to research the specific requirements in your state to ensure compliance.

⏳ Consider Expedited Services

If time is of the essence, consider using expedited processing services. Delaware, for example, offers options that can significantly speed up your filing.

📄 Prepare the Necessary Documents

Before submitting any forms, gather all required documents. This includes your Certificate of Incorporation or formation documents, as well as any additional paperwork your state mandates.

💵 Budget for Filing Fees

Filing fees can vary significantly by state. Make sure to budget for these expenses to avoid unexpected financial strain when starting your business.

📞 Utilize Free Resources

Many state offices provide free resources to help with business formation. Take advantage of these services to guide you through the process.

🏆 Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section highlights various business formation services that align with the topic of state corporation commissions. These services are ranked according to Trustpilot data from October 2026. Star ratings are just one measure of customer satisfaction, and reviews can vary widely.

🥇 1. Bizee

Bizee has been rated 4.8 on Trustpilot. It is known for its business formation services, registered agent services, and compliance services. However, some users report unexpected charges that can affect overall satisfaction.

🥈 2. LegalZoom

LegalZoom holds a 4.6 rating. This service is recognized for its business formation and estate planning services. Some customers mention delays and communication issues, which may impact their experience.

🥉 3. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer has an average score of 4.5. Known for legal document creation and business formation services, it offers a subscription model. Some users feel this model may not suit everyone, leading to mixed reviews.

4️⃣ LawDepot

LawDepot has a 4.0 rating. This service is known for customizable legal document templates at affordable prices. However, a few users report unexpected charges that could affect their overall satisfaction.

🆓 Free State Resources

State government offices, such as the Delaware Division of Corporations, Washington Secretary of State, and Georgia Secretary of State, provide free resources for business formation. These offices can guide you through the process and ensure compliance with state laws.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing Services

  • 📄 Type of services offered (formation, compliance, etc.)
  • 💵 Pricing and potential additional fees
  • ⏳ Processing times for filings
  • 🌟 Customer reviews and ratings

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the Corporate Transparency Act?

The Corporate Transparency Act requires certain businesses to report their beneficial ownership information. However, recent exemptions mean many U.S.-formed companies no longer need to comply.

🏢 How can I form a corporation in Delaware?

To form a corporation in Delaware, you must file a Certificate of Incorporation with the Delaware Division of Corporations. This document outlines the basic information about your corporation.

⏰ What are the processing times for Georgia business filings?

In Georgia, online filings are processed within 7-10 business days, while paper filings can take longer, typically around 15 business days. Expedited processing options are available for faster service.

📜 What is an Apostille?

An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. It is required for documents issued in Washington State that will be used in countries participating in the Hague Convention.

💸 Are Delaware filing fees refundable?

No, Delaware's filing fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. It's important to budget for these fees when planning your business formation.

🏆 What are the benefits of using business formation services?

Business formation services can simplify the process, ensuring that all necessary documents are filed correctly and on time. They can also provide guidance on compliance with state laws.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Business Formation

Recent court rulings have influenced how corporations operate and are formed across states. These decisions can impact compliance and legal obligations for business owners.

Explore more recent rulings in the news section for additional insights more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





Corporation Commission Background

Each state within the United States maintains a Corporation Commission or a Department of Corporations in order to regulate and oversee the creation and maintenance of business entities within the state. A Department of Corporations is responsible for maintaining all files related to the establishment and operation of a business and provides the public with access to this information.



A List of State Corporation Commissions

State Trading Corporation

A state trading corporation is a corporation or organization that is established in order to enforce all laws and regulations regarding business law. These corporations are responsible for regulating business and economic sectors within each state. Every state maintains a state trading corporation, which enforces business law unique to that state.

Virginia State Corporation Commission

The Virginia State Corporation Commission is responsible for overseeing and regulating business transactions in the State of Virginia. All businesses that choose to operate in Virginia must file with the State Corporation Commission and obtain licensing. The Corporation Commission enforces all business laws and regulations to ensure the protection of consumers.



California Department of Corporations

The California Department of Corporations is responsible for investigating and handling any illicit behavior practiced by California LLCs or corporations. The Department helps to protect consumers by enforcing laws related to financial services. It regulates important business sectors, such as mortgage lending and similar financial investments, and demands that refunds be issued when necessary.



Illinois Secretary of State Corporations

The Illinois Secretary of State Corporations maintains a database of information regarding the businesses and corporations that operate in the State of Illinois. This Department enforces strict regulations regarding who must register with the Corporation. In addition, it creates and sells publications regarding the operation of businesses with the State which can be purchased by any individual.



Nevada Corporations

The business laws and regulations that exist within a state often determine where a business is established and registered. Corporations will often seek the state with the most lenient business laws. Nevada Corporations is a very popular Department at which businesses are registered due to the lenient laws which benefit Nevada LLCs and business owners.



Tennessee Secretary of State Corporations

When an individual wishes to operate a business in the State of Tennessee, he/she will be required to register his/her business with the Tennessee Secretary of State Corporations. This Department provides individuals with useful and pertinent information regarding the process involved in registering businesses in the State of Tennessee.



Colorado Secretary of State Corporations

The Colorado Secretary of State Corporations is responsible for creating business laws in the State of Colorado and enforcing these laws to ensure consumer protection. If an individual wishes to establish a business in Colorado, he/she must register with this Corporation. This procedure, and other important processes, can be completed online.



Texas Corporation

The Texas Corporation receives and maintains documents regarding Texas LLCs and corporations. This organization regulates and oversees business entities in the State of Texas. It provides individuals and businesses with access to important information regarding documents that have been filed, as well as information regarding State business law and legislation.



Alabama Secretary of State Corporations

The Alabama Secretary of State Corporations is responsible for regulating and overseeing the formation and operation of business entities in the State of Alabama. Any business that wishes to operate in Alabama must register with the Corporation as a domestic corporation or a foreign corporation. An individual can access information about businesses through this Department.



State of Florida Corporations



If an individual wishes to register his/her business as a domestic corporation or a foreign corporation in the State of Florida, he/she must complete all necessary documents provided by the State of Florida Corporations. This can be accomplished online by downloading the relevant documents from the Department's website.



NYS Corporations

New York State (NYS) Corporations is the Department that registers corporate business entities in New York State. In addition, this Corporation maintains documents related to the formation and function of these business entities, as well as documents pertaining to the local government. NYS Corporations enforces business laws in New York State.



Missouri Secretary of State Corporations

The Missouri Secretary of State Corporations is an organization comprised of three distinct units, each of which maintain different functions and responsibilities. These three units work together to ensure that business laws and regulations are adhered to and to help protect consumers from fraud carried out by businesses, including insurance agencies.



Indiana Secretary of State Corporations



The Indiana Secretary of State Corporations plays a vital role in the regulation of business entities within the State of Indiana. Currently, all necessary procedures and documents can be completed online, including Business Entity Reports. Though a small fee may be required to use these services, the option of completing these procedures online is very convenient.



Arizona Secretary of State Corporations

Like the Secretary of State Corporations and Corporation Commissions that are maintained in other states, the Arizona Secretary of State Corporations receives and maintains documents and files related to the creation, organizations, and maintenance of business entities in the State of Arizona. In order for a business to operate in Arizona, it must register with this Department.