Register a Foreign Corporation in Alabama
To register a foreign Corporation in Alabama, you must file a Foreign Corporation Application for Registration with the Alabama Secretary of State. You can submit your application by mail or online. The Application for Registration costs $150 to file ($156 online). There is also a required $28 fee to reserve your Alabama corporate name. The following guide on registering a foreign corporation in Alabama answers the most common questions about how to file the Application for Registration, but you can also sign up for our Alabama Foreign Corporation service and let Northwest handle the details for you.
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You’re required to reserve your corporation’s name in every state where you register it, but in most states this is done as part of the registration process. Not in Alabama. Here reserving your corporation’s name is a separate process and it costs $28. Perform a free name search on the Secretary of State’s website and reserve your name. Print out a copy of the name reservation letter.
To successfully complete the application, you’ll need to fill out and print a Foreign Corporation Application for Registration form (or file online with Alabama’s Secretary of State). Either way you’ll be required to include the following on your application: corporation name, the corporation’s name as it will be used in Alabama, a copy of the name reservation letter, the date the corporation was originally formed, the date the corporation will begin transacting business in Alabama, the principal office address, the name and address of your Alabama registered agent, and a certified copy of your Articles of Incorporation.
The Alabama Secretary of State’s office accepts applications by mail or online. If you’re filing by mail, you’ll need to submit two copies, a certified copy of your Articles of Incorporation from your corporation’s home state, a copy of your name reservation, and a check for all filing fees ($150) to the Alabama Secretary of State. Online filings cost $156.
What does it cost to register a foreign corporation in Alabama?
It costs $150 to register your foreign corporation in Alabama via mail, and $156 to register online.
How long does Alabama take to process the Application for Foreign Registration?
State filing times depend on your method of filing.
Online: Alabama processes online filings immediately.
Mail: It typically takes Alabama two weeks to process mailed filings, plus you’ll need to factor in additional time for mailing.
How can I file the Application for Foreign Registration?
Alabama accepts applications online or by mail.
By mail:
Secretary of State, Business Services
P.O. Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103
Online:
Alabama Secretary of State Online Services
Does the Alabama registered agent need to sign the filing?
No.
Who needs to sign the foreign corporation filing?
An officer of the Alabama corporation will need to sign the application.
Are there any weird things about registering in Alabama?
You will need to provide the mailing address of all directors and officers. County filing or publication is not necessary, unless specifically required by the county in which your registered agent resides.
Are there ongoing Alabama annual report and/or initial reporting requirements?
Alabama corporation annual reports are due March 15th. The initial report is due 2.5 months after the tax ending period. Any new companies formed or registering to do business in Alabama have to file an initial Business Privilege Tax Return within 2.5 months of the incorporation date.
What are your fees?
You’ll need to have an Alabama registered agent. We charge $125 a year to act as your registered agent in Alabama. It’s a flat rate, once-a-year fee, and includes more than other registered agents. Here’s a little more about our registered agent service:
We charge a $100 one-time filing service fee if you would like us to obtain the certificates needed from your home state and register your company in any state you choose. We have offices in every state and can act as your registered agent and make your filings for you in any state. If you would like to register with multiple states at once, we can usually drop our filing service fee down.
Additional Resources:
Alabama Taxes
How to Withdraw a Foreign Corporation in Alabama
Foreign Corporation Registration