If you are operating, or planning to operate, a professional service in Florida, then you should consider operating as a professional corporation. This entity is a type of corporation that is organized to provide a specifically designated professional service. Examples of services provided by a professional corporation, just to name a few, are certified public accountants, chiropractors, medical doctors, architects, attorneys, and life insurance agents. These types of professional services, as stated above, can operate through the vehicle of a professional corporation in Florida. You should be aware that a professional corporation is also known as a “PA” or professional association.

To form a professional corporation in Florida, you must take the following steps:

– The first step is to prepare the articles of incorporation and file the articles in the state of Florida. Articles of incorporation must state the name of the entity, the address of the corporation, the name and address of the registered agent, and must state the specific purpose for which the corporation is organized (e.g., chiropractic medicine, Certified Public Accountant , etc. ). Note that the name of the professional corporation must contain the words “authorized” or the words “professional association”, or the abbreviation “PA”. Once the items are prepared, you must file this document with the Florida Division of Corporations along with the state filing fee of $ 70.00.

– Once the articles of incorporation are filed, you must obtain a tax identification number for your entity through the Internal Revenue Service. You can apply for a tax ID online at http://www.irs.gov or by calling the IRS. Their contact information can be found on the IRS website.

– Next, you must choose the “S” corporation status for your entity. To do so, you must complete and submit Form 2553 to the IRS. You can get Form 2553 from the IRS website or seek the help of an accountant to help you with such an election.