Entity Name
Exact legal name including entity type designation (LLC, Inc., Ltd.). Name availability and reserved name rules vary by state.
A correct document creates the entity legally, protects limited liability, and allocates authority among owners. It prevents delays in obtaining an EIN, opening bank accounts, and entering contracts while establishing public notice and default governance rules under state law.
Typical preparers and recipients include founders, corporate officers, company attorneys, registered agents, and state filing offices.
Parties should confirm signatory authority and retain an executed copy for corporate records and tax registration.
A managing member typically signs on behalf of an LLC when local statute and the operating agreement grant management authority. If the entity is manager-managed, only the named manager or an authorized agent should sign formation documents to avoid internal disputes.
For corporations the incorporator or an officer (e.g., president or secretary) signs the Articles. State filing rules and corporate bylaws determine whether the incorporator, board resolution, or specific officer must execute the filing.
Exact legal name including entity type designation (LLC, Inc., Ltd.). Name availability and reserved name rules vary by state.
Name and street address of the agent authorized to accept service of process within the state where the entity registers.
A concise business purpose or general-purpose clause depending on state requirements and business preferences.
Indicate member-managed or manager-managed for LLCs, or officer/director structure for corporations.
Initial member or shareholder contributions and classes of ownership, if applicable, to document equity and voting rights.
Authorized signatures with printed names, titles, and execution dates to validate the filing and trigger statutory effects.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Type | ESIGN-compliant electronic signature |
| Authentication | Email link or SMS code |
| Template | Reusable form with locked fields |
| Storage | PDF/A with audit trail |
Use a platform that supports eSignature standards, secure storage, and common integrations to streamline filing.
Confirm the chosen service meets any industry compliance needs (for example, HIPAA BAA for healthcare) and preserves a tamper-evident audit trail.
Varies by state; same-day to several weeks
IRS issues EIN immediately online in most cases
Some states require an initial report within 30–90 days
Many states require annual reports and fees
Federal tax returns follow standard IRS deadlines
Collect required identity and contact information before drafting.
Submit articles and pay the filing fee to create the entity.
Apply for an EIN and register for applicable taxes.
File required initial reports and set up annual reminders.
The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.
I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security.
| 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 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |