What Harvard Business Services Does

When starting a new business, the legalities can feel like navigating a complex maze. From choosing the right entity type to ensuring ongoing compliance, entrepreneurs often seek reliable partners to simplify the process. If you've heard the name "Harvard Business Services" and wondered, "What Harvard Business Services Does?", you're not alone. Many aspiring business owners look for clarity on their offerings.

This comprehensive guide will demystify Harvard Business Services, detailing their core functions, who they serve, and how they can help you establish and maintain your business with confidence. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of their expertise and whether they're the right fit for your entrepreneurial journey.

What Harvard Business Services Does: Your Gateway to Delaware Business Formation

At its core, Harvard Business Services (HBS) is a leading provider of business formation and registered agent services, primarily specializing in the state of Delaware. Since its founding in 1981, HBS has helped over 400,000 businesses incorporate in Delaware, establishing itself as a trusted name in the industry. It's crucial to note upfront that despite its name, Harvard Business Services is not affiliated with Harvard University.

Their main objective is to simplify the often-complex process of forming a new company, allowing entrepreneurs from across the U.S. and around the world to take advantage of Delaware's business-friendly laws.

Core Services: Forming Your Delaware Business

The cornerstone of what Harvard Business Services does revolves around helping you legally establish your business entity in Delaware.

• LLC and Corporation Formation: HBS streamlines the process of forming both Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and Corporations. They handle the preparation and filing of all necessary documents, such as the Certificate of Formation for LLCs or Articles of Incorporation for corporations, with the state of Delaware. This online process is designed for efficiency, often offering same-day electronic filing.
• Business Name Availability Check: Before you even file, HBS assists with checking the availability of your desired business name within Delaware's official database, ensuring your chosen name is unique and can be legally registered.
• Registered Agent Service: This is a critical service provided by Harvard Business Services. Every business entity formed in Delaware (and other states) is legally required to have a Registered Agent. This agent acts as the official point of contact to receive legal documents, service of process, and official correspondence from the state on your behalf. HBS offers this service at a highly competitive annual rate, often including the first year free with their formation packages, and guarantees that their $50 annual fee will remain fixed for the life of your company.
• EIN Acquisition (Federal Tax ID Number): For most businesses, especially those with employees, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS is essential. Harvard Business Services can assist with processing your EIN application, simplifying this crucial step in becoming operational.

Beyond Formation: Ongoing Support and Compliance

What Harvard Business Services does extends beyond just the initial setup. They also offer a selection of ongoing services designed to help businesses remain compliant and operate smoothly in Delaware.

• Compliance Notifications: Staying on top of annual requirements, such as filing annual reports and franchise taxes, is vital to keep your business in good standing with the state. HBS provides compliance notifications and coaching to remind you of these important deadlines.
• Mail Forwarding Services: For businesses that don't have a physical presence in Delaware, HBS offers mail forwarding services to ensure you receive important legal and official correspondence promptly.
• Certificates of Good Standing: Should you need proof that your business is in compliance with Delaware laws, Harvard Business Services can help you obtain a Certificate of Good Standing. This document is often required for various business activities, such as opening bank accounts or registering in other states.
• Certified Copies and Apostille Service: For businesses requiring certified copies of their formation documents or apostille services for international use, HBS can facilitate these requests.
• Corporate Kits and Seals: Depending on the package chosen, HBS can provide corporate kits, binders, and custom lead-cast seals, adding a professional touch to your business documentation.
• Lifetime Customer Support: A notable feature of Harvard Business Services is their commitment to lifetime customer support. Even if you only use their initial formation services, their support agents are available to assist with questions or issues that may arise throughout your company's lifespan.

Why Delaware? The HBS Specialization

You might be wondering, why the exclusive focus on Delaware? Delaware is renowned for its business-friendly legal environment, offering advantages such as flexible corporate laws, a specialized court system (the Court of Chancery) for business disputes, and favorable tax structures for certain entities. Many publicly traded companies and businesses of all sizes choose to incorporate there, even if their operations are elsewhere.

What Harvard Business Services does is make it easy for entrepreneurs, regardless of their physical location, to leverage these benefits without needing to navigate the state's processes directly. While their primary online service is for Delaware, they have expanded to offer formation and Registered Agent services in all 50 states if you contact them directly.

Is Harvard Business Services Right for You?

Harvard Business Services is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who:

• Specifically want to form an LLC or Corporation in Delaware to take advantage of its favorable business climate.
• Value a streamlined, online process for business formation.
• Need a reliable and affordable Registered Agent service in Delaware.
• Appreciate comprehensive customer support throughout the life of their company.
• Are looking for clear, competitive pricing that often includes state filing fees upfront.

While they offer competitive pricing and excellent customer service, if you primarily intend to form your business in a state other than Delaware and prefer an entirely online process for that specific state, you might consider other providers that specialize nationwide. However, for Delaware formations, HBS stands out due to its deep specialization and long-standing reputation.

Conclusion

Understanding what Harvard Business Services does reveals a company dedicated to simplifying business formation and compliance, particularly for those looking to incorporate in Delaware. From fast and efficient entity setup to providing essential registered agent services and ongoing support, HBS empowers entrepreneurs to establish and maintain their businesses with greater ease.

Ready to explore how Harvard Business Services can help your business thrive in Delaware? Visit their website to learn more about their packages and services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of businesses does Harvard Business Services form?

Harvard Business Services primarily forms Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and Corporations in the state of Delaware. They can also assist with other entity types or formations in other states upon direct request.

Is Harvard Business Services affiliated with Harvard University?

No, Harvard Business Services is not affiliated with Harvard University. It is an independent business formation service based in Lewes, Delaware.

What is a Registered Agent and why do I need one?

A Registered Agent is a person or entity legally designated to receive official government notifications, process service (legal documents), and other compliance-related documents on behalf of your business. All businesses formed in Delaware are legally required to have a Registered Agent with a physical address in the state. Harvard Business Services provides this essential service.

How much does Harvard Business Services cost?

Harvard Business Services offers various packages (Green, Basic, Standard) with different price points, which typically include the Delaware state filing fee. Their annual Registered Agent service fee is a competitive $50 per year, which is guaranteed not to increase for the life of your company, and the first year is often included in their formation packages.