How do I establish a bank account?

Any financial institution will establish a bank account in the name of the corporation with a tax identification number and a certified copy of the corporation’s Articles of Incorporation. The first minutes of the corporation must also authorize the corporation to open its initial bank account.

How does a corporation sign documents?

Cal. Corp. Sec. 313 requires a signature by the Chairman, President, or Vice President, and either the Secretary or CFO. The following is an example:

ABC Corporation, A California corporation

By: __________________________
John Smith, President
By: __________________________
Jane Smith, Secretary

It’s Un-Patriot-Act-ic: California Banks Impose Burden on Corporations Seeking to Open Accounts that Conflicts With Patriot Act

One of the most important steps in forming a new corporation is opening a bank account in the corporation’s name. Before 9-11, it was relatively easy to open a bank account for a new corporation. Banks typically asked only for a filed copy of the articles of incorporation, and perhaps corporate minutes authorizing the bank to act as the corporation’s depository bank. Read more

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