The below records should be maintained. It is best practice to maintain these records in an organized electronic fashion. Please note that some of these records may only apply to corporations, only apply to LLCs, or apply to both.
Certificate of Incorporation (corporation)/Certificate of Formation (LLC) (file stamped by the state), including all filed amendments
Bylaws (corporation)/Operating Agreement (LLC)
Qualifications to do business in states other than the state of incorporation
Action of Incorporator (appointing initial Board members and adopting the Bylaws)
Organizational Resolutions of the Board (appointing initial officers and authorizing any other actions that require formal approval such as issuance shares to founders or parent of subsidiary)
Stock Purchase Agreements and any other agreements among stockholders
Evidence of any filings under securities laws
Copies of minutes from all Board meetings and stockholder meetings
Copies of all Board and stockholder resolutions, adopted either at meetings or by written consents
Stock Ledger
Option Ledger (listing every option holder, type of options held, number of options, vesting schedule and exercise price)
Capitalization table that includes all stockholders and holders of other securities that are convertible into stock such as options, warrants and convertible promissory notes
Copies of all issued stock certificates
Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreements (in which founders, employees and contractors have assigned all intellectual property rights to the company)
Evidence of intellectual property filings/registrations (for any trademarks, copyrights, patents and domain names)
All contracts and amendments, including non-disclosure agreements, employment agreements and contractor agreements (fully signed and complete copies)
Option or equity incentive grant documentation (including Board approvals)
Financial statements and tax records
Annual or reports or statements of information filed with any states and any other documents filed with states