Articles of incorporation are needed when a business decides to incorporate. They are a set of rules that determines how a corporation should be managed and they are filed with the government in your area. In order for a business to become a corporation, the articles of incorporation must be filed with the appropriate agency. It is important to know that in, they may not be called articles of incorporation in your area. They may also be referred to as Certificate of Organization, Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Organization.

Where do I file the articles of incorporation?

Articles of incorporation must be filed with the government in the area in which you intend to incorporate. Typically the forms are filed with the Secretary of State. However, if approved you may use another regulatory agency or company. There will be a fee associated with filing. It will vary depending on where you live.

The forms needed to file the articles of incorporation should be readily available to you from a variety of venues. You can obtain them by printing them on your computer from the web site of the Secretary of State. You can also obtain the forms needed by writing to or calling your Secretary of State and asking them to mail the form.

What information is contained on the articles of incorporation?

There is a variety of information that is required when you file these forms. These are the basics in all areas. However, your local government may require additional information. It is important that you conduct full research on what your area may require.

The first piece of information to be listed on the articles of incorporation includes the name of the corporation. This will be the legal business name under which the corporation will conduct business. This should include any designators at the end such as Inc. or Corp.

You will also be required to determine the purpose of your corporation as stated by the government in your area. The name and address of the person responsible for accepting any legal notices in regards to the business named, such as an attorney.

Another piece of information that is required on the articles of incorporation includes the number of shares the business is allowed to issue. The type of business the corporation is conducting will determine the amount of shares issued and how many people can hold them.

The final requirement are the signatures. This should be of the incorporator or any directors along with the addresses of all signatories.

Other requirements that may be required in your specific area could include the duration of the corporation, if the corporation will have preemptive right or cumulative voting and if the business will offer various classes of their stock shares. It is important that you research all areas of incorporating and understand what is required and what additional items may be added to your filing.