What is Articles of Incorporation?

Incorporating a business requires drafting and filing legal documents called articles of incorporation. These documents must include the name of the corporation, the business address, the number of authorized shares and the face value of each share, the in-state registered agent’s name, and the names and addresses of the incorporators and initial directors. The articles also must state how many shares of each class of stock the corporation has and the rights of each class of shares.

Legal documents used to form a corporation

A certificate of incorporation is the only legally required document for most states. In addition to this, there are also other legal documents that need to be filed to form a corporation. Contacting an attorney in your state can help you understand your specific filing requirements. In many cases, the incorporation of a corporation will be associated with a particular transaction, so it’s important to find out if the parties involved are willing and able to sign on documents.

Once incorporated, every corporation will need to file its bylaws. These documents specify the company’s governance, including the number of board members, what they can and cannot do, when they must meet, and how they vote. They also outline who will be elected to office. Corporations must hold at least one annual board meeting, which is documented in the corporation’s minutes. These minutes should also include information about the rights and responsibilities of each shareholder.

When incorporating a company, a corporation must choose a name and designate a person or company to serve as the agent for process. Those named as agent must be within the United States and keep their address up to date. In addition, a corporation must designate an agent for service of process, which means the papers that acquire jurisdiction over the corporation in a legal action. The incorporator must sign the certificate of incorporation and type his or her name and address on it.

After you have selected the name and chosen a registered agent, the next step in forming a corporation is to file the Articles of Incorporation and establish bylaws. Once these are filed, you can issue stock certificates to your initial shareholders and begin the process of forming your corporation. All these steps are required for any business to get off the ground. If you don’t file the documents in time, the incorporator may not be able to continue.

When preparing a corporation’s incorporation documents, be sure to list the purpose of the business. If you are a stock corporation, you will want to include the authority to issue shares and choose the class of shares that the shareholders can own. Listed purposes are a must for any corporation. A corporation’s purpose is listed in the Articles of Incorporation, and each state has its own requirements.

Information required to be included in them

The information required to be included in an Articles of Incorporation varies depending on your state, but most will include the same information. The purpose of your company is typically listed, along with the name, address, and phone number of the corporation’s registered agent. The articles should also specify the number of shares authorized and the names of the owners. You must also include information regarding how many stockholders your corporation will have, as well as the names and addresses of the individuals who will hold shares.

The articles of incorporation must also list the names and addresses of the primary directors and officers, as well as any other officers who will hold high-level authority in the corporation. The primary directors and chief officers of a company are elected by the shareholders. The officers will oversee day-to-day business operations. The articles of incorporation must also include a statement of how the corporation will pay dividends, distribute profits, and perform other essential tasks.

The Articles of incorporation should also include the name of the corporation. You must choose a name that is available and adheres to the naming conventions of your state. You may also add an abbreviation or identifier to the name. And you must include a physical address. If you are considering filing in another state, you may want to consider using an online database for your Articles of Incorporation.

The information required to be included in an Articles of Incorporation differs from state to state, but most have similar requirements. When filing your incorporation documents with the secretary of state or the attorney general’s office, be sure to research your specific requirements and check the website of the attorney general’s office. You can also use the online services of LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer to prepare the articles of incorporation.

Cost

The cost of articles of incorporation varies by state and the type of entity you want. In Delaware, it is close to the median for incorporation costs and the annual fees are among the lowest in the country. However, when shopping for a state, be sure to include other factors, such as the type of entity you want and its complexity, to ensure you are getting the most affordable service. Here are some tips for determining the cost of articles of incorporation in Delaware.

When hiring an attorney, make sure you consider fees and the type of organization you are creating. Small law firms will typically charge between $100 and $300 per hour, plus state filing fees. You may also need to pay a retainer or flat fee. If you don’t want to pay an hourly rate, consider a flat-fee option or negotiate a fee cap. Small firms will generally charge $100 to $300 for articles of incorporation, while large law firms may charge as much as $1,500 or more.

Once you have the basics of a business model in place, you’re ready to begin the filing process. There are many options when it comes to the legal entity of a company, but S-Corps require fewer steps than C-corps. In addition to choosing a unique name for your company, you also need to select a physical location and check local codes and regulations. It’s important to contact a corporate lawyer if you have any questions about the specific requirements in your state.

Whether to file them with the Secretary of State

One question that often arises after a business chooses to incorporate is whether to file articles of incorporation with the Secretary’s office. Fortunately, filing articles of incorporation with the SOS is not as difficult as it may sound. In most states, there are preprinted forms available on the Secretary of State’s website. Even if you decide to file your own documents, there are some things to keep in mind before filing articles of incorporation.

Depending on which state you live in, filing documents with the Secretary of State can be completed online or in person. In either case, filing documents online will require you to pay a filing fee. You can use a Visa, Master Card, American Express, or Discover to make the payment. In either case, make sure you have an e-mail address because your credit card processor will require this.

The Secretary of State will issue a certificate of existence or good standing, which will confirm the legal existence of your business. While you must file articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State if you plan to do business in Washington, you can file amended forms with them, too. You can also file an annual report with the Secretary of State’s Corporations and Charities Filing System to keep up with the legal requirements for incorporation.

There are several different types of corporations, each with a different set of benefits. For example, you may choose to incorporate your business in a state that has no corporate-level laws. In these states, the incorporators will need to have their names and addresses listed on the articles of incorporation. If you choose to incorporate in Missouri, you can also opt for a one-shareholder corporation. If you choose to incorporate in a state that has a two-shareholder limit, you’ll have to go through the process of filing articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State.

There are many ways to obtain copies of your documents. You can request copies from the Division of Corporations, which is part of the Department of State. You can request copies of documents, but you need to provide your DOS ID number, and you’ll have to pay a fee of five dollars for a plain copy and ten dollars for a certified copy. You should also keep in mind that you cannot order copies of filing receipts from the Secretary of State over the Internet.

In conclusion, articles of incorporation are an important legal document for any business. By understanding the basics of what they are and what they do, you can make sure your business is set up for success. If you have any questions about articles of incorporation or would like help filing them, be sure to contact an attorney or accountant.