Decide if you want to incorporate in your own state or another state. Incorporating in your state of business may be expensive. If you choose to incorporate your business in another state, you must declare your intention to operate as a foreign corporation in states different than the state you incorporate in.

Research the incorporation fees for various states. Delaware, for example, has one of the simplest, most inexpensive incorporation processes. Fees range from $25 to $1,500. Choose the state that has the most inexpensive fee for your purposes.

Consider also the various processes of incorporation in the states you research. Although most states have similar incorporation requirements, some may be more complex than others. Decide which state has the least expensive and easiest process of incorporation for your business.

Download or print, fill out and return the articles of incorporation from the secretary of state in the state where you want to incorporate your business. Properly file your paperwork and return it, along with the incorporation fee.

You may begin operating your business after you conduct a required meeting to establish bylaws and appoint your board of directors. For small businesses, this may simply entail deciding who will be the president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. One person may hold multiple titles.