There are loads of companies out there whose primary business is to sell official corporate minute books. These "official kits" usually include a corporate binder, a corporate seal, official share certificates, stock ledger and some organization dividers. There is a whole business built around the perception that these "official company record books" are required by all corporations and limited liability companies.

The reality is that these overpriced items are nothing more than an unnecessary expense. There is no legal requirement for a corporation to have an official corporate book.

True, it is highly recommended that every company have a central book where they keep all of their corporate documents. If you have a corporation or limited liability company, you should keep a spiral notebook where you place your Articles of Incorporations, Bylaws, organizational minutes electing your board of directors and officers, information regarding your application for an employer identification number and small business tax election if applicable. Your corporate books should also include records of ock ownership.

Even though a central location book should be used to keep all of this information in central place, there is no requirement that you use one of the overpriced "official corporate record books" that are sold by many companies. What is important is that you have a central place for your records, the appropriate documentation in one place in case you are ever called upon to prove your corporate existence and keep your records appropriately updated and current.

The same is true of the official "corporate seal." Corporate seals have some historic significance, but they are rarely used in modern times. Instead, corporate laws permit officer signatures to "seal" corporate documents. In fact, the signature of the officers is always required and the corporate seal has become mere window dressing. Yet, there are several companies out there that offer corporate seals for sale and do a lot of business based upon the false perception that every corporation and LLC is required to have one. In reality, companies who purchase these corporate seals are being misled. They will do nothing more than take up space in a file drawer and you will never use them after you purchase them.

I can tell you from first hand experience having practiced law for 20 years that I have never run into a situation where a corporate seal was required. So don't be deceived into thinking that you need these items. Instead, invest in the appropriate state-specific documentation that you need to maintain and keep up to date and make certain that these documents are signed and kept current in a central place. A ring notebook that you can find at any office supply store will suffice just fine for your "official corporate book."

Do not be fooled into spending your hard earned money on useless window dressing.