3 Steps to Starting Your Acupuncture Corporation

Why Acupuncturists Must Form a Professional Corporation?

If you’re a licensed acupuncturist in California, you are not allowed to form an LLC or a traditional corporation for your acupuncture practice.

Under the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act (California Corporations Code §§13400–13410), acupuncturists must register as a Professional Corporation to legally operate in the state.

Filing incorrectly can lead to rejection by the Secretary of State, fines from regulatory agencies, and possible disciplinary actions from the California Acupuncture Board.

At All-in-Juan Business Consultancy Services, we’ve helped thousands of licensed California professionals — including acupuncturists — successfully form their Professional Corporations while ensuring full compliance with state laws.

📩 Email: [email protected]

What Is an Acupuncture Professional Corporation?

An Acupuncture Professional Corporation is a business entity registered with the California Secretary of State and certified by the California Acupuncture Board.

This type of corporation allows licensed acupuncturists to operate their practice legally while protecting personal assets and optimizing tax benefits.

All California Professional Corporations must register with their specific licensing board and comply with the Moscone-Knox Act, which governs naming, ownership, and professional structure.

Why Elect S-Corporation Tax Status

While Professional Corporations are automatically taxed as C-Corporations, many acupuncturists elect S-Corporation status to:
✅ Reduce self-employment taxes
✅ Avoid double taxation
✅ Simplify payroll and profit distribution
✅ Increase take-home income

3 Steps to Start an Acupuncture Professional Corporation in California

Step 1: File Your Articles of Incorporation

Submit your Articles of Incorporation for a Professional Corporation to the California Secretary of State, clearly identifying your practice as an acupuncture professional entity.

Step 2: Complete Required Registrations

After incorporation, you must:

• Apply for your EIN from the IRS

• Appoint Directors

• Draft your corporate bylaws

• File your Statement of Information with the Secretary of State

• File Form 2553 to elect S-Corporation tax status

• Pay annual taxes to the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB)

• Register with the Employment Development Department (EDD) if you pay salaries

• Apply for local business licenses or permits

Step 3: Let All-in-Juan Handle It for You

We manage every step — filing, documentation, and compliance — so you can focus on your patients while we ensure your Acupuncture Professional Corporation is established correctly.

📩 Email: [email protected]

Benefits of Starting an Acupuncture Professional Corporation

Forming your Acupuncture Corporation gives you:
✅ Limited Personal Liability – Protects personal assets from business debts or lawsuits.
✅ Tax Efficiency – Elect S-Corporation status to reduce self-employment taxes.
✅ Professional Credibility – Operate under California’s Moscone-Knox compliance.
✅ Business Growth – Build business credit and establish a professional entity.

Naming Requirements for an Acupuncture Professional Corporation

Your corporation’s name must include either:

• “Acupuncture,” or

• “Acupuncturist”

and must also end with one of the following corporate designations:

• “A Professional Corporation”

• “Professional Corporation”

• “APC” or “A.P.C.”

• “PC” or “P.C.”

• “Prof. Corp.”

• “Inc.” or “Incorporated”

• “Corporation” or “A California Professional Corporation”

❌ The term “LLC” is prohibited, as California law does not allow acupuncturists to form Limited Liability Companies.

Who Can Be a Shareholder in an Acupuncture Professional Corporation

Ownership rules require that at least 51% of the corporation’s shares be owned by licensed acupuncturists.

The remaining up to 49% may be owned by other licensed California professionals, such as:

• Physicians and Surgeons

• Doctors of Podiatric Medicine

• Psychologists

• Registered Nurses

• Optometrists

• Marriage and Family Therapists

• Clinical Social Workers

• Physician Assistants

• Chiropractors

• Naturopathic Doctors

• Professional Clinical Counselors

• Licensed Midwives

However, non-acupuncturist shareholders cannot collectively own more than 49% of the total shares.

If any shareholder becomes ineligible or disqualified, their shares must be transferred to a qualified professional within 90 days to maintain compliance.

Can an Acupuncture Corporation Be Formed as an LLC in California?

No.
California law prohibits acupuncturists from forming or operating under an LLC structure.

The California Corporations Code explicitly requires acupuncturists to form a Professional Corporation registered with the Secretary of State and the California Acupuncture Board.

Can an Acupuncture Professional Corporation Use a DBA or Fictitious Name?

Yes, a Professional Acupuncture Corporation may use a fictitious business name (DBA) if it complies with these rules:

• The name must not be misleading or deceptive

• A Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed within 40 days of starting your corporation

• You must file the DBA in each county where your practice operates

Start Your Acupuncture Corporation with Confidence

At All-in-Juan Business Consultancy Services, we take care of the entire process — from filing your Articles of Incorporation to S-Corp election and compliance with the California Acupuncture Board.

We’ve helped hundreds of acupuncturists across California build legally compliant Professional Corporations.

📞 Contact Number: +1 424 407-3686

📩 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.all-in-juanbusinessconsultancyservices.com

All-in-Juan Business Consultancy Services — Your trusted partner for forming California Professional Corporations the right way.