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How many authorized shares should a startup have at incorporation?

Incorporation & entity structure

10,000,000 authorized, with a smaller number actually issued to founders, is the standard template. It leaves room for an option pool and future rounds.

Authorizing more does not help and raises franchise tax under Delaware's default calculation method.

We handle this for founders running US companies.

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Check your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575) first. If that is gone, look at a previously filed tax return, a business bank account application, or any 1099 you have issued. Your bank or your payroll provider will also have it on file.

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