Entity Name
Exact legal name as approved by the state, including corporate suffix and any required distinguishing words to satisfy name availability rules.
A properly prepared Business Charter Document establishes legal existence, allocates governance authority, and defines ownership rights. Accurate charter language reduces disputes, ensures compliance with state formation rules, and affects tax classification and liability protections for owners.
The Business Charter Document is usually prepared by founders, corporate counsel, or formation services and submitted to the state.
After filing, corporate officers and the board use the charter to adopt bylaws and maintain corporate records.
Typically an incorporator or company founder executes formation paperwork and provides the initial corporate statement; they must supply accurate legal names and addresses matching government ID and entity records.
The corporate secretary or authorized officer often maintains the official charter record, ensures timely annual reports, and certifies copies for banks and regulators when required.
Exact legal name as approved by the state, including corporate suffix and any required distinguishing words to satisfy name availability rules.
Physical address and consent statement for the registered agent who accepts official service and legal notices on behalf of the entity.
A concise description of the business purpose; states allow broad business purpose language but some regulators or licenses may require specificity.
Authorized shares, classes, par value, or member ownership percentages with clear allocation rules to avoid disputes and tax misclassification.
Name and address of the incorporator(s) and the initial board or manager appointments where required by state law.
Specify when the charter takes effect (on filing, on a delayed effective date) to control when corporate protections and obligations begin.
Submit charter when founders decide to form the entity; filing precedes legal existence.
Processing time varies by state and chosen service level.
Apply to IRS for EIN once entity is formed.
File yearly or biennial report per state schedule to remain in good standing.
Pay state franchise or excise taxes by the state’s deadline where applicable.
Obtain and retain the certified stamped copy from the state for banking and contracting requirements; store both physical and digital certified copies.
Attach internal governance documents that set officer duties, board procedures, and member/shareholder rights, kept with the charter record.
Board or incorporator resolutions appoint officers, issue shares, and adopt bylaws; these evidentiary documents support later transactions.
Save documents as PDF/A for long-term archival and keep editable DOCX or DOC copies for internal edits and template reuse.
| Upload Format | PDF or DOCX |
|---|---|
| Signer Roles | Founder, Incorporator, Officer |
| Authentication | Email link or SMS code |
| Conditional Fields | Show fields when specific boxes selected |
| Template Save | Store reusable charter template |
| Document Type | Articles of Incorporation | LLC Operating Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | create legal entity | internal governance |
| Governing Law | state formation statute | contract law, state default rules |
| Public Filing | yes, filed publicly | no, private document |
| Typical Signers | incorporator or officer | members or managers |
| 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 | Yes, 7-day free trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Finalize charter text and obtain board or incorporator approval before signing
Authorized signers execute the charter; collect notarizations or witness signatures if required
File with secretary of state and submit payment to initiate state recording
Order certified copies, apply for EIN, and adopt bylaws or operating agreement