Corporate Kits Guide

A corporate kit is a binder that keeps a company's key records in one place: formation documents, bylaws or an operating agreement, meeting minutes, resolutions, and the stock or membership certificates issued to owners. Many kits also include an embossing seal and a ledger for recording who holds which shares or units.

This guide collects our articles on choosing, setting up and maintaining a corporate or LLC record book. It is written for new business owners who have just formed a corporation or LLC, for founders who want to organize records they already have, and for the attorneys, accountants and assistants who keep minute books for their clients.

The articles cover topics such as what usually goes into a kit, how bylaws and minutes fit together, the steps people often take after incorporating, and practical ways to keep records current over time. Several focus on Illinois and Chicago businesses, since that is where many of our readers are based.

These guides are general information, not legal advice. Requirements depend on your entity type and state, so check with your state filing office or a qualified professional for your specific situation.