What does the articles of incorporation include?
- Articles of incorporation must contain the name of the corporation, the number of authorized shares, the address of the initial registered office, the name of its first registered agent, and the names and addresses of the incorporators.
- The purpose clause should include a clear statement about the primary activities and goals.
- Appoint a registered agent, an individual or entity designated to receive legal documents.
- A registered agent must have a physical address in the state of incorporation.
- Indicate if the company will operate indefinitely or for a period.
- Identify the managing individuals, like the board of directors.
- Update leadership changes.
- Draft compliant articles.
- Shareholders have rights like electing directors, voting, dividends.
- Bylaws govern a corporation, establish roles and duties.
Articles of Incorporation Details
- Terms included: incorporators, corporation’s name and required words, purpose, stock structure, registered office’s address and agent
- Modify articles with a restatement
- Upon incorporation, may receive advantages of legal status
- Should include: name, structure, authorized shares
- Names cannot imply incorrect purpose or contain restricted words
What is Included in the Articles of Incorporation?
- Articles of incorporation legally establish a corporation
- They inform the state of: the corporation’s name and required words like "Inc.", purpose, stock structure, registered office’s address and agent, incorporators
- Modify articles with a restatement
- Should include: name, structure, authorized shares
- Names cannot imply incorrect purpose
- Upon filing, the corporation may receive benefits like favorable tax treatment and capital raising abilities
- The owners also receive limited liability protections
- The articles provide details to legally form the business entity
- Check your state’s requirements as formats vary
- Bylaws govern the corporation and establish directors’ roles
Search for a corporation’s articles of incorporation through your state’s business search website. They are public records. Amend them when major changes occur to stay legally compliant.