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# Post-Incorporation Setup for Your Delaware C Corporation

After your Delaware C Corporation is incorporated, there are several important steps to complete before your company is fully operational. This post-incorporation checklist ensures your business is properly set up for compliance, banking, and equity issuance.

## Why Post-Incorporation Setup Matters

Incorporation is just the first step. Many startups also need to complete the following to be fully operational:

1. **Incorporation** — File Certificate of Incorporation with Delaware
2. **Post-Incorporation Setup** — Bylaws, officer appointments, share issuance
3. **Stock Plan Adoption** — Reserve shares for employees and advisors
4. **Foreign Qualification** — Register to do business in states where you operate

EasyFiling is one of the few online services that covers this entire process.

## Checklist: Post-Incorporation Setup

### 1. Draft and Adopt Corporate Bylaws

Bylaws govern the internal rules of your corporation. Once drafted, they must be formally adopted at your initial board meeting.

### 2. Hold Your Initial Board Meeting

At this meeting, the board should:

- Adopt the bylaws
- Appoint corporate officers (CEO, CFO, Secretary)
- Approve issuance of founder shares
- Authorize opening a corporate bank account

Document the meeting with written minutes.

### 3. Issue Shares to Founders

Prepare and execute:

- **Restricted Stock Purchase Agreements** for each founder
- **Stock certificates** (physical or electronic)
- **Stock ledger** entries

Founders must pay for their shares on the date of the agreement. Most pay by check (keep a copy), PayPal, wire transfer, or ACH.

**Typical share allocation:**
- ~8,000,000 shares to founders
- ~1,000,000 shares reserved for a stock plan
- ~1,000,000 shares unissued for future use

### 4. File Section 83(b) Election (If Shares Have Vesting)

If your shares are subject to vesting, file an **83(b) election with the IRS within 30 days** of the share issuance date. Missing this deadline can result in significant tax consequences.

### 5. Obtain an EIN

Apply for your **Employer Identification Number (EIN)** from the IRS. This is required to:

- Open a U.S. business bank account
- Hire employees
- File federal taxes

See our guide: *How to Get an EIN for Your Delaware Startup*

### 6. Open a Corporate Bank Account

Most banks require:

- Certificate of Incorporation
- Corporate bylaws
- Board resolution authorizing the account
- Appointed officers

You do **not** need to visit the U.S. — EasyFiling provides bank account setup guidance 100% remotely.

### 7. Foreign Qualification (If Operating Outside Delaware)

If your company does business in another U.S. state (especially where you or your team are located), you may need to **foreign qualify** in that state. This typically requires:

- A state-specific registration filing
- A registered agent in that state
- Keeping your address updated with state authorities

### 8. Adopt a Stock Plan

Adopting an equity incentive plan early helps you:

- Reserve shares for future employees and advisors
- Minimize California securities filing fees (based on share value at adoption)
- Avoid complex re-approvals later when your cap table gets complicated

## When Should You Complete All This?

Most startup attorneys recommend completing all post-incorporation steps **at formation** or shortly after. Delaying increases complexity and cost.

**EasyFiling can help** with every step of post-incorporation setup. [Contact our team](https://easyfiling.com/contact/) or [start your setup now](https://app.easyfiling.com/onboarding).