Corporations Flashcards
(168 cards)
All TX corporations are governed by…
the Texas Business Organizations Code (TBOC)NOTE: this should be the first sentence in any BA essay you write
Corporation Formation Requirements
- People: organizers2. Paper: Certificate of Formation3. Act: organizers sign certificate, deliver it to TX SOS, and pay the fee.
Information in Certificate of Formation
- Corporate name2. Names and addresses: organizers, directors, corporate agent3. Number of initial directors4. Capital Structure: (a) authorized stock); (b) number of shares per class; (c) info on par value, voting rights, and preferences of each class
Corporate Name Requirements
- Must have “corporation,” “company,” or “incorporated”2. Cannot mislead the public about its purposeNOTE: some businesses (like banks) must be formed under a special purpose statute
Reserving Corporate Name
Before forming a corporation, you can reserve an appropriate corporate name with the SOS for 120 days.
DBA Requirements
If the corporation does business under a name other than that in the certificate, it must file an assumed name certificate with the SOS and county clerk in the county of the registered office or principal office.NOTE: the company cannot sue until it does, but it can be sued
Corporate Statement of Purpose
The certificate MUST include a statement of purpose, but it can be general (e.g., “to engage in all lawful activity”)
Definition: Ultra Vires Activity
Activity beyond the scope of the certificate
Consequences of Ultra Vires Activity
- Ultra vires contracts are valid2. SHs can seek injunction3. Responsible managers are liable to corporation for ultra vires activities
Definition: Authorized Stock
Maximum number of shares the corporation can sell
Definition: Issued Stock
Shares the corporation actually sells
Definition: Outstanding Stock
Shares the corporation has issued and not reacquired
Corporate existence begins at…
The time the SOS files the certificate
Organizational Meeting
BOD selects officers, adopts bylaws, and transacts other company business.3 days’ notice is required.
Internal Affairs Doctrine
Internal affairs are governed by the state of incorporation
Definition: Double Taxation
Income tax is paid by the entity and by the shareholders on their dividends
A corporation can avoid double taxation by…
Electing S Corp. status
S Corp Requirements
100 or fewer SHs, all of whom are human US citizens or residents; only 1 class of stock; not publicly traded
If the proprietors fail to establish a de jure corporation…
They will be personally liable for what the business does because it’s just a partnership.EXCEPTION: corporation by estoppel or de facto corporation principles apply
Definition: De Jure Corporation
A corporation validly formed under the law
Requirements: De Facto Corporation
- Relevant incorporation statute (TBOC)2. Parties made a good faith, colorable attempt to comply with it3. Some exercise of corporate privileges (acting like a corporation; this is ALWAYS at issue)
What happens if DFC applies?
The business is treated as a corporation for ALL purposes EXCEPT in an action by the state
What is the status of DFC and CBE in Texas?
These doctrines MAY be abolished, as they are in other states; however, the statutes of these doctrines is not entirely clear.
Corporation by Estoppel
One who treats a business as a corporation may be estopped from denying that it is a corporationNOTE: generally only applies to k cases