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Official formation document filed with the Secretary of State that creates the entity and lists core information such as name and registered agent.
Accurate organization support speeds filings, reduces rejections, and provides a clear chain of authority. Properly executed documents are enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA laws where adopted, subject to statutory exceptions such as wills and court orders.
Roles vary by size: small companies often use founders and accountants, while larger entities rely on legal and compliance teams.
Official formation document filed with the Secretary of State that creates the entity and lists core information such as name and registered agent.
Internal governance rules describing management structure, voting, capital contributions, and procedures for amendments and meetings.
Board or member resolutions documenting appointments, bank signers, adoption of bylaws, and authorizations for officers or agents.
Written acceptance by the registered agent confirming they will receive service of process and official correspondence on behalf of the entity.
List of members or shareholders with ownership percentages, contribution records, and contact details for recordkeeping and tax purposes.
Employer Identification Number evidence and any initial IRS forms required for payroll and tax registration.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Authentication Method | Email, SMS code, or advanced methods depending on signer risk. |
| Auto-Reminders | Enable scheduled reminders and escalation for unsigned documents. |
| Conditional Fields | Show or hide fields based on entity type or signer role. |
| Templates | Save standardized bundles for repeatable, compliant filing packets. |
Choose delivery channels that maintain tamper evidence, preserve audit trails, and meet regulatory controls.
File articles upon entity creation; some states permit expedited options.
Obtain EIN immediately after formation for payroll and banking setup.
Adopt within 90 days recommended to document governance and capital contributions.
State annual report due dates vary by state; check Secretary of State.
Federal tax deadlines (Form 1040/corporate returns) follow IRS schedules.
Collect and finalize all formation and governance documents.
Obtain signatures from authorized signers with authentication.
Submit formation documents and pay initial filing fees.
File annual reports and register for necessary tax accounts.
| 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 plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies by plan |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/yr | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |