Articles / Certificate
Formal formation filing that establishes the entity with the state and contains the legal name, registered agent, and business purpose.
Clear, well-executed company documents define ownership, management authority, and compliance obligations; they reduce legal risk, enable banking and tax registrations, and support investor and creditor diligence.
Primary users include business owners, company secretaries, corporate counsel, accountants, and formation service providers who prepare or sign corporate records.
Formal formation filing that establishes the entity with the state and contains the legal name, registered agent, and business purpose.
Internal governance rules describing management structure, voting, profit distribution, and procedures for meetings and officer appointments.
Named agent and address for service of process and official state correspondence; must meet state residency or commercial agent rules.
Snapshot of ownership stakes, classes of stock or membership interests, and outstanding authorization for equity issuance or units.
Board or member actions recorded to approve contracts, opening bank accounts, appoint officers, or authorize specific transactions.
State-specific periodic filings or statements that update officers, addresses, franchise taxes, and keep the entity in good standing.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signers | Define roles and signing order for officers, organizers, and witnesses |
| Required Fields | Mark legal name, EIN, signature, and date as mandatory |
| Authentication | Choose email or SMS code verification; consider KBA for high-risk signers |
| Retention | Enable PDF/A export and download signed certificate of completion |
Ensure the platform supports required authentication, audit trails, and PDF-compatible exports before e-signing legal company documents.
File articles with the state as soon as incorporation is authorized
Obtain EIN before hiring or opening business bank accounts
State-specific due date; many states require annual or biennial reports
Corporate and pass-through returns generally due April 15 (see IRS guidance)
Retain for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination, whichever is later
| 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 | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Premium+) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |