DCRA Launches First Phase Of New Online Corporate Registration System
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 6, 2011
Media Contact: Helder Gil (DCRA); 202.442.8945; helder.gil@dc.gov
DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS LAUNCHES
FIRST PHASE OF NEW ONLINE CORPORATE REGISTRATION SYSTEM
(Washington, D.C.) – The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) has launched the first phase of Corp Online, a new online corporate registration and filing system for submitting and processing corporate filings, reports, certificates of good standing, and other transactions managed by DCRA. The new system will make it easier for entrepreneurs to form and maintain their corporations in the District.
“We are excited to launch the Corp Online system which will make it easier for businesses to start and operate in the District of Columbia,” said DCRA Director Nicholas Majett. “Corp Online furthers DCRA’s efforts to move more of our transactions online and reduce the amount of time businesses have to spend in our offices. Building off of our recent launch of the Small Business Resource Center, DCRA seeks to help facilitate business activity in the District.”
The Corp Online system will allow businesses to conduct many transactions online such as:
· File periodic reports;
· Reserve a new, or renew an existing, Entity Name;
· Redeem a reserved Entity Name;
· Submit a new domestic or foreign filing for a Cooperative Association, Limited Liability Company (LLC), Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC), For-Profit Corporation, Non-Profit Corporation, For-Profit Professional Corporation, Limited Partnership (LP), and Limited Liability Partnership (LLP);
· Register a Trade Name for a Registered Entity;
· Register a Trade Name for a Sole Proprietor or General Partnership;
· Submit a Trade Name Renewal; and
· Request and download a Certificate of Good Standing.
DCRA has also launched an Expedited Corporations Service program. For a nominal fee, businesses will be able to utilize a One-Day or a Three-Day Expedited Service.
In 2012, DCRA will further enhance the corporate registration process and Corp Online to include provisions from the Business Organizations Act of 2010, which overhauls the current corporate code. By modernizing the corporate registration system, DCRA will provide businesses with simplicity and predictability, while also protecting the public interest. The new corporations code places the District at the forefront of corporations law and is designed to foster an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and attracts new businesses.
The Corporations Division manages some 75,000 active domestic and foreign corporate entities in the District. It processes more than 70,000 transactions, services 20,000 walk-in customers, and receives 40,000 phone calls annually.
About the Small Business Resource Center
The Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) was launched by DCRA to offer one-on-one technical assistance and workshops specifically designed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs navigate the District’s regulatory environment. For more information about the SBRC, please visit http://dcra.ecenterdirect.com.
About the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) protects the health, safety, economic interests and quality of life of residents, businesses and visitors in the District of Columbia by ensuring code compliance and regulating business. For more information about DCRA, please visit http://www.dcra.dc.gov.