Articles of Incorporation
State‑required statutory statement including corporation name, purpose (broad or specific), and the initial registered office or agent; accuracy here determines the registered legal identity.
Filing the Application for Registration of Corporate creates the entity that can hold assets, enter contracts, and shield owners from personal liability. Proper completion ensures compliance with state incorporation statutes and enables tax registration, bank accounts, and licensing. Accurate filing reduces risk of delays, rejection, or penalties while establishing the corporation’s official record with the state.
The application is usually prepared by founders, corporate counsel, or third‑party formation services acting on behalf of the entity.
Final filers often coordinate with a registered agent and keep a copy of the filed articles for corporate records and compliance.
A founder or initial officer signs articles and confirms corporate details. They must provide accurate legal name, address, incorporator information, and attest to authorized share structure for formation and future bank or tax registrations.
A corporate paralegal prepares and reviews filing documents, ensures compliance with state form requirements, submits the application online or by mail, and retains the certificate of incorporation and related filings in the corporate records.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Authentication | Email verification, optional SMS code, or stronger MFA |
| Notifications | Automatic reminders and confirmation emails to signers |
| Attachments | Permit PDFs, DOCX, and notarized supplements |
| Templates | Save reusable templates for repeat filings |
Ensure chosen platform supports required authentication, audit trails, and export formats so records meet state and federal retention rules.
Varies from same day to several weeks depending on state and service level
State‑specific; many states require yearly or biennial filings
Often due annually; due dates differ by jurisdiction
Some states require public notice after formation; check local rules
You may choose immediate or delayed effective date in most states
Confirm availability, set share structure, and prepare articles.
File online or by mail with payment and proper signatures.
State reviews form for compliance and completeness.
State issues formal proof of registration upon acceptance.
State‑required statutory statement including corporation name, purpose (broad or specific), and the initial registered office or agent; accuracy here determines the registered legal identity.
Designate an agent for service of process with a physical street address in the filing state; failure to maintain an agent risks loss of good standing.
Declare number of authorized shares, classes, and par value if applicable; this determines initial capitalization and impacts shareholder rights.
Provide incorporator name(s) and signature(s); incorporator executes the articles and often appoints initial directors, which should be documented.
Specify immediate or delayed effective date. Choosing a delayed effective date can align fiscal year and tax planning.
Include optional clauses like duration, indemnification, and director liability limits when state statutes permit such provisions.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Verify with vendor | Verify with vendor | Verify with vendor | Verify with vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium) | Check vendor plans | Check vendor plans | Check vendor plans | Check vendor plans |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |