06/19/2025
An aged corporation (also called a shelf corporation or shelf company) is a business entity that was legally formed and registered at some point in the past but has had little to no activity since its formation. It’s like a corporation that’s been “sitting on the shelf,” waiting to be used.
Here’s a straight-up breakdown:
🔹 What It Is:
An aged corporation is:
A legally registered business entity (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, etc.).
Formed months or years ago (the older, the better for credibility).
Hasn’t done any business—no contracts, no sales, no debt (ideally).
Is available for purchase from the person or company that formed it.
🔹 Why People Use Them:
1. Instant Credibility
A company formed in 2020 looks more established than one formed last week.
This can help with vendor relationships, contracts, or public trust.
2. Easier to Get Business Credit
Some lenders look at how long the business has existed.
Age can make it easier to qualify for loans, lines of credit, or net-30 accounts.
3. Government or Corporate Contracts
Some opportunities require the business to be a certain age to apply.
4. Speed
You skip the whole formation process and start using the entity right away.
🔹 What to Watch Out For:
1. Clean History
Make sure it has no debt, lawsuits, tax issues, or bad credit.
Get a full report (like a corporate credit report or Secretary of State printout).
2. Name Conflicts
The business name might not match your industry or brand, so you may need to amend it.
3. Costs More
You’re paying for the age and convenience, so expect a higher price tag.
4. Scams & Shady Sellers
Not everyone selling aged corps is honest. Vet the source. Check legal standing, EIN status, and state filings.
🔹 Who Sells Them?
Usually:
Business formation companies
Credit-building firms
Attorneys or CPAs
Private individuals who form corporations and let them “age” for resale
🔹 Aged Corp ≠ Tradelines (but they often get mixed up)
Some people try to attach tradelines (credit accounts) to aged corps to build business credit faster. This can work, but if done wrong, it can get you in hot water with lenders or the IRS.
🔹 Bottom Line
An aged corporation can give you a head start, but it ain’t a magic pill. If it’s clean and you use it right, it can help you build business credit, gain credibility, and speed up growth.
