Move Your Business
We'll help you RELOCATE your business
We regularly assist clients through the process of moving their business to a new state. We specialize in supporting clients moving either into, or out of, the Pacific NW, and can help navigate the complexities involved with such a move. Our legal team will take a personalized approach to your move to ensure you select the right option that best fits your needs.
There are TYPICALLY three ways to move a company from one state to another state
Option 1: CLOSE DOWN YOUR OLD COMPANY AND START OVER
Under this first option, the owner typically closes down his or her company in the old state by filing articles of dissolution with the secretary of state (or whatever that state calls its version of articles of dissolution) and then creating an entirely new company in the new state.
Option 2: MERGE YOUR OLD COMPANY INTO A NEW COMPANY
Under this second option, the owner forms a new company in the new state by first filing articles of organization with the new state's Secretary of State’s office, then filing articles of merger with the same office.
OPTION 3: CONVERT YOUR OLD COMPANY INTO THE NEW STATE
This third option is typically the simplest and most straightforward because the owner need not wind down and dissolve the company (option 1) and need not create an entirely new company (option 2). Instead, the owner typically needs to file articles of conversion with the new state's Secretary of State’s office and with the old state's secretary of state’s office, along with drafting a plan of conversion and signing any related internal consents.
Get in touch and we'll help you get started.
FAQs for Moving a Business
What are your firm's fees?
Our attorneys bill at an hourly rate of $425 – $550, depending on the complexity of the work, and our paralegal staff bills at an hourly rate of $175. Before commencing any work, we first meet with you to determine whether we are a good fit, and, if so, we provide you with an estimate as to the project.
Are there any additional costs, such as filing fees?
Yes. Whether you go with option 1, 2 or 3, the old state and the new state will charge filing fees. We can provide you with an estimate of those fees after getting more information from you.
Is moving a business the same as registering a new business?
The simple answer is no. Due to the complexities involved with moving a business, it is a more intensive process than simply registering a new business. The type of business entity (LLC or Corporation), state moving from/to, and what you would like to keep (for example, your company's EIN) are all additional elements that should be considered. Our tailored approach to this process will walk you through the available options to ensure transparency and help you decide on an approach that suits you and your business.
How much time will be needed to complete the process?
The amount of time needed depends on state processing times and which states the company is moving from and to. In general, the process typically takes between two to four weeks.
Does my business need to be in good standing before moving?
Yes, your business will need to be in good standing prior to moving. If your business is currently not in good standing, we can support you through the process of fixing that issue in preparation of a move.
Which of the three options is right for me?
That will depend on several factors, and we will work with you to determine which one is right for you.
Where can I find more information about how to move a business?
We wrote an article entitled Move Your Company to Oregon, which explains more of the details in each of the steps outlined above. That article explains the process of moving a company to Oregon, but the concepts are similar for other states as well. Alternatively, if you’d like to speak with us to get your specific questions answered, just Contact Us and we'll help in any way we can.
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Ready to move forward with moving your business?