Idaho 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 Idaho incorporation.

Cost to incorporate in Idaho

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the state fees to form a Idaho 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 Idaho 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 the word "Corporation," "Company," "Incorporated," "Limited" or an abbreviation thereof, provided that if "Company" or "Co." is used, it may not be immediately preceded by the word "and" or the symbol "&." It may not contain any word or phrase indicating or implying the corporation is organized for any purpose other than one or more of the purposes contained in its Articles of Incorporation. It may not be the same as or deceptively similar to that of a domestic corporation or a qualified foreign corporation or a reserved name, with qualified exceptions. The words "Engineer" and "Survey" require approval by the engineering board.

Director information

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

• Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
• Residence requirements. Idaho does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
• Age requirements. Directors must be at least 18 years old.
• Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.

Requirements for the Articles of Incorporation

The document required to form a corporation in Idaho is called the Articles of Incorporation. The information required in the formation document varies by state. Idaho's requirements include:

• Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
• Stock. Authorized shares must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares 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 Idaho. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.

Professional services businesses

Idaho 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 Idaho corporations.

Corporate records

Idaho corporations must keep the following items with their corporate records at the principal place of business:

• The Articles of Incorporation and bylaws and all amendments to both
• Minutes from all shareholder meetings for the past three years
• A record of actions taken by shareholders without a meeting for the past three years
• Resolutions adopted by the directors creating one or more classes or series of shares and fixing their relative rights, preferences and limitations
• All written communications, including financial statements, to shareholders within the past three years
• A list of the names and business addresses of current directors and officers
• The corporation’s most recent annual report

Corporate taxes and fees

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

• Annual report. Idaho requires corporations to file an annual report before the end of anniversary month of the incorporation date. There is no annual report fee.
• Taxes. For complete details on state taxes for Idaho corporations, visit Business Owner's Toolkit  or the State of Idaho .
• 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. Idaho 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

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

Additional Idaho information

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

• Idaho LLC Formation