Meaning
Nominal face value assigned to shares of stock as specified in a certificate of incorporation. Companies issue par value equity to set a minimum floor for the worth of each share in the accounting records. This figure is often set at a tiny fraction of a cent to allow for flexibility in future pricing.
Capitalization Minimum
State laws in certain jurisdictions use this number to determine the base amount of money a corporation must maintain. While par value equity does not reflect the market price, it serves a regulatory function in the structure of the firm. It acts as a safeguard against the issuance of shares for no consideration at all.
Issuance Price
Founders pay the stated amount to acquire their initial stock and establish ownership. Even if the par value equity is set at a fraction of a cent, the payment confirms the legality of the share transfer. This transaction creates the starting point for the tax record of the individual stockholder.
It ensures that the equity is not considered a gift by the tax authorities.
Tax Calculation
Some regional authorities use the total number of shares and their stated value to assess annual franchise fees. If a company has a high volume of par value equity, the resulting tax bill could be unexpectedly high. Managing this number is a standard part of early corporate governance.