Meeting Minutes and the Protection of Assets

Each time the corporation holds an annual meeting or any special conferences, the secretary should keep minutes of the meeting discussions. The minutes may be simple, but should specify the following:

• Voting results for each resolution
• Written consents before or soon after the approved actions

If the corporation does not keep updated minutes, the IRS may look at discrepancies between the corporate resolutions adopted by the board of directors (and shareholders, if applicable) and the actions of the corporation. It may also reclassify expense reimbursement as dividends and insider loans as additional capital. Both will result in additional taxes and penalties, because the reclassification moves certain things to "income."

During lawsuits, the plaintiff?s attorneys can ask for corporate meeting minutes as part of the discovery process. If the minutes are not updated, it can be inferred that the officers and shareholders acted without authorization of a corporate resolution. It may also "pierce the corporate veil", allowing the winner of a lawsuit access to personal assets of the officers and shareholders.

Laws on this topic may vary from state to state. This content is not meant to provide you with complete information and it is not intended to be legal or tax advice. It is recommended that you consult with your own attorney, accountant or other advisor regarding your specific situation.