Iowa Corporation Foreign Qualification

What is an Iowa Foreign Corporation?

An Iowa Foreign Corporation is an Inc. originally formed in another state that registers to do business in Iowa. The process of registering a foreign Corporation in Iowa is called foreign qualification. Foreign qualification is used to register a foreign company so that it may transact business in the state of Iowa. There are a few requirements when filing an application for registration in Iowa.

Foreign Corporations can register the Foreign Corporations name in Iowa for the period of one year, a renewal will be required to continue the registration for another year.

 

How to Register a Foreign Corporation in Iowa

Iowa Foreign Corporation Requirements

  1. Name
  2. Original Jurisdiction
  3. Dates
  4. Addresses
  5. Registered Agent
  6. Directors/Officers

Name

You will use the same name for your Foreign Corporation that you used for your Domestic Corporation. If the name is not available in Iowa, you will use an assumed name or fictitious name for your Iowa Corp.

Original Jurisdiction

List the state or foreign country where the Corporation was originally formed.

Dates

The date of original incorporation and the duration of the Corporation in it’s home state is required information.

Addresses

The street address of the Corporation’s Principal Office and the street address of the Registered Office in Iowa will be listed on the Application for Certificate of Authority in Iowa.

Registered Agent

A Registered Agent name in Iowa is mandatory. The Registered Agent will accept important legal notices, just like an agent in your Corporation’s home state.

Directors/Officers

All the current Directors and Officers will have their names and business addresses listed on the application, this is public information.

 

How to File a Iowa Foreign Corporation Qualification Document

Steps to Iowa Corporation Foreign Qualification:

  1. The first step in a foreign qualification is to determine the name your corporation will use in Iowa. If your name adheres to state law and is not already registered to another entity in Iowa, then you can use your actual name. If your name is already registered, however, you will need to select a different name to do business under in Iowa.
  2. To register a foreign corporation, you must file an Application for Certificate of Authority with the Secretary of State’s office. Included with this filing, you must also submit a Certificate of Existence from your home state. There is a $100 filing fee.
  3. When completing the Application for Certificate of Authority, you must appoint a registered agent within the state to accept service of process. An Iowa registered agent must have a physical street address, called a registered office, which is kept open during regular business hours.
  4. Once a foreign corporation qualification is complete, you will be required to file a Biennial Report every two years. Corporations file in even-numbered years, and the filing period is between January 1 and April 1. The filing fee is $45 (or $30 if filed online).

 

Foreign Corporation Qualification Quick Facts

 

Am I Required to Have an Office in Iowa to Foreign Qualify?

No. But you are required to have an Iowa registered agent, who must have a registered office within the state.

 

Iowa Registered Agent

Your Iowa registered agent must perform the following duties:

  • Have and continuously maintain a physical street address (called a registered office)
  • Keep the registered office open during regular business hours
  • Accept service of process on behalf of clients
  • Contact clients when documents are accepted at the registered office
  • Forward documents to clients in a timely manner

Your registered agent will also be the main point of contact between your corporation and the Iowa Secretary of State. Biennial report reminders and tax notifications will come to your registered agent, who is responsible for keeping you up to date.

 

Biennial Report and Taxes

After you register a foreign corporation, you will be required to file a Biennial Report every two years. Corporations file in even-numbered years between January 1 and April 1. The filing fee is $45 (or $30 if filed online).

Iowa imposes a state corporate tax of 6% to 12%.

 

Why Hire Corporate Filing Solutions to Form Your Iowa Foreign Corporation?

Registering your Foreign Corporation in Iowa shouldn’t be a hassle or a time consumer. That’s why we offer Filings Made Easy™ to make registering an INC in Iowa super easy.

Hire us and relax while our filing experts file your new Iowa Foreign Corporation. Our staff will process orders the same business day as they are received. To make things even easier, we bundle the first year of registered agent service and ensure your Iowa Foreign Corporation comes fully equipped and ready to do its job.

Agent service for your Corporation in Iowa for as low as $55.