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Call Us! 800-747-2780
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Quick Start My New BusinessElizabeth Freitas2021-01-29T13:07:42-08:00

  • Start Your New Business Entity

    How it works

    child custody

    1. Complete our questionnaire

    Begin the simple 10-minute interview form below. It's convenient and risk free!

    2. Review and confirm services

    Review your information and tell us how quickly you need your documents.

    3. Sign and purchase

    Securely sign online and we'll complete your documents.

  • GET STARTED!

    Whether you are setting up a dba, corporation, 501(C)(3) nonprofit, LLC, partnership or just registering an out-of-state corporation in California, no payment is required until you are ready to hire us! It's safe, secure, and easy!

  • If you have previously submitted this interview, paid for services and are now updating a previously submitted interview, please enter your A People's Choice 4 digit Matter Number here. You would have received your matter number via email.
  • This interview is set up to gather all the necessary information to prepare your legal paperwork. At the end of the interview process, you will be able to select your service options (full-service with case management OR our bare-bones "documents only" option) and remit payment should you choose to proceed.

  • We see you aren't ready to tackle our quick and easy interview. That's OK.

    If you have questions before you start, give us a call at 800-747-2780.

    You can also enter your email, then hit the Save and Continue Later button at the bottom of your screen and someone will reach out to you to answer your questions.

  • Click here to view our Business Formation fees
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  • Your Personal Information

    The following information will be reflected on your legal documents.

    TIP: If you do not know the answer to a REQUIRED field you can enter some other text in the field that will be obvious to our staff that it is incorrect but still allow you to proceed [example date of birth 00/00/00, email donot@know.com, etc]. As long as a required field has text in it, you will be able to continue through the interview.

  • This address will be reflected on your paperwork.

  • Case Information

    The next sections of this interview will allow us to get the required information for your specific paperwork. Please make sure you provide complete information.
  • Please select from the following packages of services
  • Please select which California county this business will be located in.
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  • Nonprofit Corporations

  • Please select the type of nonprofit organization
  • What is a Public Benefit Corporation? -Nonprofit corporations formed for a public or charitable purpose. Most public benefit corporations are organized for scientific, literary or educational purposes which benefit the public or charitable purposes which qualify for tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.
  • What is a Religious Corporation? - Religious purpose organizations qualify as religious organizations as well as more formal religious groups.
  • What is a Mutual Benefit Nonprofit Corporation? - Mutual benefit corporations are formed to benefit their members. These organizations typically include trade associations, automobile clubs, and social groups. Most nonprofit organizations are public charity corporations that have obtained tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Code (the “tax code”). In order to qualify as a public charity, a nonprofit corporation must be formed and operated for charitable purposes and be publicly supported, receiving funds from governmental entities or private donations.
  • Is your nonpofit public benefit corporation for public purposes, charitable purposes or both?
  • Please check one of the following
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  • Business Details

  • C or General corporation: Cannot use the words "Bank," "Trust," "Trustee," "Finance," or related words in its name, and must include one of the following corporate designators in its corporate name: "Inc.," "Corp.," "Incorporated," "Corporation," or use the abbreviations "Inc." or "Corp." in its name.

    LLC: Cannot use the words "Bank," "Insurance," "Trust," "Trustee," "Incorporated," "Corporation," or use the abbreviations "Inc." or "Corp." in its name. An LLC must include one of the following designations in its name: "L.L.C.," "Ltd Liability Company," or "Limited Liability Company."

    Nonprofit corporation: Does not have to include a corporate designator in its name.

  • Please check one of the following:

  • Company Details

  • Nonprofit corporations must include a detailed Statement of Purpose. Please complete your Statement of Purpose below.

    Here is an example of the purpose statement for a California nonprofit public benefit corporation:

    This corporation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation and is not organized for the private gain of any person. It is organized under the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law for charitable purposes. The specific purposes for which this corporation is formed are exclusively charitable within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
  • Please provide a brief explanation of the purpose of your new business
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  • Agent for Service of Process

  • An agent for service of process (also known as the registered agent) is the person or company designated to accept service of process on behalf of a corporation or limited liability company. The defendant must be "served" with court papers, which give the defendant notice, before a lawsuit can have legal effect.

  • Agent for Service of Process Information

  • Please provide the name and address of a person located in California to act as your agent for service of process. For non-California owners that do not have a physical presence in California, A People's Choice can act as your agent for service of process for an annual fee. If you desire our office to act as the agent for service of process, please enter A PEOPLE'S CHOICE in the name fields.

    TIP: A Registered Agent for Service of Process:
    *CANNOT be another company or corporation unless they are registered with the Secretary of State to act in this capacity.
    *MUST be a living adult.
    *MUST maintain a physical address with the state of California
    *IS TYPICALLY one of the officers of the corporation

    Name of Agent for Service of Process
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  • Business Fiscal Details

  • Corporate Shares

  • This figure represents the total number of shares that your corporation is AUTHORIZED to issue. Your corporation is not requires to issue ALL of the authorized shares. A small number of Authorized Shares may restrict your corporation's ability to distribute ownership. A large number of Authorized Shares could negatively impact a corporation's tax liability. The default value provided herein indicates the combination of authorized shares and par value that is acceptable in California while still qualifying for the minimum filing fees.
  • Please make a selection below.
  • Please identify the following information regarding the corporate stockholders.
    NameAddressSocial Security # 
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  • Officers

  • California Corporations Code Section 312(a) states that each California corporation must have: A chairman of the board or a president or both; A secretary; and a chief financial officer.

    California Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act Section 17704-07(v) provides that California LLCs can have officers such as a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, CEO or CFO if officers are authorized in the LLC's Operating Agreement.

  • President

  • Vice-President

  • Secretary

  • Treasurer or Chief Financial Officer

  • Chair

  • Corporate Directors

    Address, telephone numbers and social security information does not need to be repeated here if previously provided in the Officer Section above. After providing Director's name, please enter "SAME AS ABOVE" in the address field and leave remaining fields blank.
  • NameAddressPhoneEmailSocial Security # 
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  • Limited Liability Companies

  • Will the LLC have more than one class of members? Note: Only one class is needed in most situations.
  • Address, telephone numbers and social security information does not need to be repeated here if previously provided in the Officer Section above. After providing the LLC Member's name, please enter "SAME AS ABOVE" in the address field and leave remaining fields blank.
    NameAddressPhoneEmailSocial Security # 
  • Please itemize each Member above as to their contribution (cash or services), the fair market value of the contribution and the percentage of ownership of the LLC
    NameMember Contributions (cash/services)FMV of Member's Contribution% of Ownership 
  • Could additional contributions be required in future?
  • Can New Members be added?
  • What is the voting requirement to admit a new Members?
  • Are there additional conditions to admitting new Members?
  • Can a Member voluntarily withdraw from the Company?
  • What is the initial period of prohibition on withdrawal?
  • What is the notice period required for withdrawal?
  • When will Members hold regular meetings?
  • How will Member votes be determined?
  • How will the LLC be managed?
  • What is required to add a new Manager?
  • Click the + if more than one manager
    FirstMiddle or N/ALast 
  • What are the duties and responsibilities of the manager(s)?
  • What are the duties and responsibilities of the manager(s)?
  • How should this company be classified for tax purposes?

    Partnership: This option is only available if your LLC has two or more Members. A Partnership classification allows for pass-through taxation where your income is taxed only once, as income tax on the earnings paid to each of your Members. If your LLC has two or more Members it will be treated as a Partnership by default unless you designate otherwise.

    Corporation: This option is available to any LLC. If you declare this option then the income of your LLC will be taxed first at the Company level and in addition, your Members would pay income tax on any distributions.

    Disregarded Entity: This option is only available to an LLC that has only one Member. An LLC that is classified as Disregarded Entity will be taxed in a pass-through manner, similar to a sole proprietorship. If your LLC has a single Member then it will be treated as a Disregarded Entity by default unless you designate otherwise.

    This is general information and should not be considered legal or tax advice. For specific information on the pros and cons of each tax system, it is recommended you contact a tax lawyer in your area or qualified tax accountant.
  • In addition to the federal income tax report, what other reports do you want to include in your annual report to Members?
  • Will your Company be dissolved if one Member leaves?
  • Are Members allowed to sell their share to non-member?
  • Which groups or individuals can bind your Company in contract? For example, Any Member, all Class A Members, James Smith only. Click the + to add additional parties.
  • Can a Member or Manager participate in a venture that competes with the business of your Company?
  • For what period of time after leaving is a Member or Manager prevented from competing against your Company?
  • Select the issues that require the consent of all Members:
  • Please provide the Single liability expense limit.
  • Please provide the Single Transaction expense limit.
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  • Business DBA

  • If more than one owner, please click the + to add additional parties. IMPORTANT: You cannot list a postal office address for the address in this section. It must be a physical address (not a box address provided by a UPS store or Mail Box Etc. store, etc.)
    Registrant NameComplete Address 
  • Please provide the date the registrant first started to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above. Insert N/A if you haven't yet started business.
  • The current registration fee with the County Clerk is $53.00 to register with one fictitious busines name, plus a $10.00 extra fee for each additional business name. Please check one fo the following.
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  • Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Application Process

  • Your New NonProfit

    The 501(c)(3) application process with the IRS requires extensive details. In this regard, upon submission of your data we will send you a separate pdf worksheet to provide the necessary information for that part of this process. Please click NEXT to continue through the rest of this interview process.

  • Existing NonProfits

  • Will at least 1 /3 of the annual donations come from the public?
  • Is the Organization a successor to another nonprofit?
  • Is a Power of Attorney needed for the authorized representative? (This is generally only required if the representative is an attorney or a CPA)
  • Will the Organization influence legislation?
  • Will the Organization engage in economic development?
  • Will the Organization engage in Bingo or Gaming activities?
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  • Directors and Officers

  • Please provide the following information for the current Directors
    NameAddress 
  • NameAddress
  • or enter NONE in both fields
    NameAddress
  • NameAddress
  • NameAddress
  • If any directors are related, please list them below and their relationship to each other.
    Name of DirectorName of Person Related toDescription of Relationship (spouse, uncle, etc) 
  • If any directors or officers are paid a salary for their services, please provide their name and ANNUAL salary below. If no salaries are paid, enter NONE or N/A in ALL columns.
    NamePositionAnnual Salary 
  • You indicated earlier in this interview that your Organization has Members. Please explain below if Members pay dues, the amount of dues and other requirements to be a member.
  • Do any Board members also serve as Board of Directors for any other corporations?
  • Please explain your answer above
  • Please provide a detailed statement the Organization's Mission Statement, including it's purpose.

    A MISSION STATEMENT is a one-sentence statement describing the reason your organization or program exists. (what you do+ who/what you do this for)

    This is important and should have as much detail as possible. Try to keep it simple. Your statement should include:
    1) Actions the NonProfit is involved in
    2) Who or What benefits from your work the most
    3) What services you provide
    4) What problems your product or services solve
    5) Causes you support
    6) Partners that are critical to your model.

    Combine these separate concepts into your mission statement.
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  • Fundraising

  • Please provide information on how the Organization will raise funds. You must include details about what fundraising events have occurred in the past, to date, and what is planned in the future.
  • Do you intend to have a program that accepts contributions of real property, intellectual property,vehicles, artwork, royalties, etc?

  • Individuals and Organizations to Benefit

  • Do you provide goods, services or funds to individuals or other organizations?
  • Based on your answer above, please provide information on the intended recipients of the Organization's funds. For instance, will the Organization provide funds only to individuals, or will it also provide funds to other organizations who have a similar purpose or already established programs?
  • Does your Organization have a form of grant application so that individuals may apply to your organization for funds?
  • Based on your answer above, please upload in pdf format a copy of your Grant Application
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Please upload a balance sheet in pdf format which covers the Organization's most recently completed tax year.
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Have there been any substantial changes in your assets or liabilities since the end of the Balance Sheet perior reported on the above-referenced worksheet?
  • Based on your answer above, please describe the substantial changes.
  • Does the Organization lease office space or share office space with any other organization?
  • Please explain your answer above
  • Does the Organization have a close connection with any other organization?
  • Does the Organization support any other organization?
  • Based on your answers above, your Application will require an Additional Schedule D. Please make sure you check this in the Schedule Section below.
  • The IRS requires additional Schedules for the following types of Organizations. These Schedules that are NOT included in our base fee and will incur an additional $150 charge. If your organization falls under any of the below, please select ONE.
  • Other Schedules may be required under special circumstances. These Schedules are NOT included in our base fee and will incur an additional $150 charge. If your organization falls under any of the below, please select if applicable.
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  • Documentation Required For 501(c)(3) Application

    The 501(c)(3) Application is reviewed in detail by the IRS before being approved. The IRS has the option of simply returning an application if the agent feels the Application does not have all the supporting documentation. The IRS may request additional information even if you have submitted all the items referenced. The materials listed below are often requested by IRS agents reviewing 501(c) (3) applications and should be uploaded if you have them. Please check those items you will be submitting with your application.
  • Please check all items that you will be uploading through this interview process. Some items may not be applicable to your organization.
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  • REQUIRED FILES AND DOCUMENTS

    Based on your answers above, the following upload links are provided for you to upload (in pdf format) copies of documents we will need. If you do not have the required documents in pdf format, we would suggest you go to your local UPS store and request them to make a pdf of each necessary item, storing it on portable storage that allows you to access the saved files and attach to this interview before it is submitted. You can also submit the interview and return later using our Update Interview Link to add the missing documentation.
  • Please provide us with a copy of your current filed Articles of Incorporation.
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Printed materials that describe the history of the organization, its activities and plans for future. (brochures, pamphlets, descriptive literature, fundraising appeals, published materials, etc)
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Membership application forms, promotional materials, sample membership certificates or identification cards, sample copies of member-only publications, etc.
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Newspaper clippings, transcripts of interviews, etc.
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Grant applications, grant contracts or correspondence between your organization and the grantor organization
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Sample solicitation letters, flyers describing fundraising events or sample thank you letters to donors
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Where and when your organization has held informational or other events during the last 12 months, including approximate attendance
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Selected letters between your organization and potential members or board members, letters of appreciation from groups where you have made presentations or letters from public officials commenting on your efforts
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Contracts, rental agreements, leases and loan agreements involving the applicant organization
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Federal, State or local legislation, if any, regarding the creation of continued existence of the Organization
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Resumes of Board Members and/or key employees, if available, and/or copies of licenses, certificates etc.
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Assets the organization is renting or purchasing from related parties
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Anything else you may have which would give the IRS insight into your organization's mission or operations
    Drop files here or
    Accepted file types: pdf.
  • Please provide us with any additional details or comments you feel we need to know about your case.
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  • Great Job! You're Almost Done.

  • PROCESSING TIME WITH SECRETARY OF STATE: There are several time options within which we can process your documents with the Secretary of State. Please check one of the following:

  • Total Fees

  • The total below includes any applicable filing fees charged by the Secretary of State to establish your business entity as well as the fee for a certified copy of the Articles.
  • The total below includes the applicable filing fee charged by the Clerk Recorder to establish your business fictitious business name. It does NOT include the required fee to publish the filing of this fictitious business name in the newspaper.
  • {pricing_fields}
  • Based on your selection of services, this is what our service will cost.
    $0.00
  • Enter it here to apply to these services. Don't have a Coupon Code? Call us at 805-648-5540 to see what special we currently are offering!
    please wait
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  • Final Review

    You are almost done. Please review your entries below. If there are any changes or revisions required, you can use the PREVIOUS button to return the the appropriate section to revise your answers.
  • {all_fields}

  • Let's Wrap this Up!

    Congratulations! The hardest part is over and you have successfully completed your interview. If you are ready to submit your information so we can prepare your documents, click the CONTINUE button. Otherwise, you can click on "Save and Continue Later" and return to all of your saved information during the next 30 days when you are ready... It's that easy!
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  • Understanding the Mandatory Notices and Contract

    Effective January 1, 2000, California implemented a statute which, for the first time in history, allowed a non-attorney to assist people with routine legal document preparation for many common legal services. Attorneys actively opposed the legislation and played an instrumental role in molding the new law to be a "restrictive" as possible, hoping that the law would fail and consumers would not be able to obtain low-cost legal services. With the activist efforts of CALDA, the California Association of Legal Document Assistants, the law did not fail and for over 40 years A People's Choice has continued to successfully provide professional, low-cost non-attorney legal document preparation services for hundreds of thousands of consumers.

    The notices and contract we use are mandated under the California law. All legal document assistants must provide these notices and use the mandatory contract by the California Department of Consumer Affairs. At first glance, these mandated notices and contract appear "restrictive." Through the creative use of legal software and legal materials written and approved by attorneys, A People's Choice has successfully provided high-quality, professional, full-scope legal document preparation services to consumers within the confines of the law.

  • NOTICE TO CONSUMER

    DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING BEFORE YOU READ THIS PAGE

    • A People's Choice Legal Documents Inc. is not an attorney.
    • A People's Choice Legal Documents Inc. is not a law firm.
    • A People's Choice Legal Documents Inc. cannot represent you in court.
    • A People's Choice Legal Documents Inc. cannot advise you about your legal rights or the law.
    • A People's Choice Legal Documents Inc. cannot select legal forms for you.
    • A People's Choice Legal Documents Inc. is registered in Ventura County, and the Registration Number is 121.
    • A People's Choice Legal Documents Inc.'s registration is valid until January 29, 2022, after which it must be renewed.
    • To confirm that A People's Choice Legal Documents Inc. is registered, you may contact the Ventura County Clerk's office at 805-654-2263.
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  • You must scroll through the entire Contract to accept. A fully signed copy of this Contract will be emailed to you.

    (This form contract was prepared by the Department of Consumer Affairs and is required to be executed by all parties and before any legal paperwork can be prepared by a California registered legal document assistant, pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 6410 which became in effect January 1, 2000)

     

    LEGAL DOCUMENT ASSISTANT
    CONTRACT FOR SELF-HELP SERVICES

     
    This is a contract between A People’s Choice Legal Documents Inc., and you, for the self-help services described in Part I below. I am the “legal document assistant” and you are the “client.”
     

    IMPORTANT NOTICES

     
    1. You should read and understand this entire contract before you sign it. You should understand the kinds of services that I can and cannot perform for you (see Part I below).
     
    2. I am not an attorney. I c