Company Name
Exact legal name including corporate suffix (Inc., Corp., Ltd.). Confirm name availability with the state before filing to avoid rejection or delayed processing.
Accurate Articles create legal existence, preserve limited liability, and set governance defaults. They protect founders by documenting ownership, share classes, and the registered agent while enabling compliance with state incorporation statutes and federal tax registration.
Several stakeholders prepare, file, or depend on the Articles during formation and ongoing corporate administration.
Each party needs accurate data: mistakes often lead to filing rejections, delayed recognition, or unintended governance outcomes.
The incorporator is the person or entity that executes and submits the Articles to the Secretary of State. The incorporator signs the initial filing and may be an attorney, founder, or agent; signature authority must match the name shown in the filing to avoid rejection.
After formation, corporate officers (president, CEO, corporate secretary) execute official corporate actions and maintain records. The Articles initially rely on the incorporator's signature; subsequent filings or amendments normally require an officer's or board-authorized signature per state rules.
Exact legal name including corporate suffix (Inc., Corp., Ltd.). Confirm name availability with the state before filing to avoid rejection or delayed processing.
Name and street address of the registered agent for service of process. Use a physical address in the filing state; P.O. boxes are typically unacceptable.
Total number of authorized shares and par value per share or statement of no par value. Specify classes of shares and any special rights or preferences.
Name and address of incorporator(s). Include signature block and date; incorporator must sign the filing form required by the state.
Short standard-purpose clause is usually sufficient. Some states allow a broad general-purpose statement; regulated industries may need more specific language.
State the corporation's duration if not perpetual and identify initial director(s) if required by state law; include any special organizational provisions.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Authentication | Use email plus SMS code or stronger MFA for signer verification |
| Notifications | Enable signer reminders and completion notices to all parties |
| Template Reuse | Save a template for repeat filings and state-specific variants |
| Attachments | Attach ID, filing cover letters, or supplemental exhibits as needed |
Prepare the document in a state-accepted file format and choose an eSignature workflow that preserves an audit trail.
Use platform features that capture timestamps, IP addresses, and an audit trail to support enforceability and administrative recordkeeping.
State processing times vary from same-day to several weeks depending on service level.
Specify immediate or delayed effective date per state form options.
Apply to the IRS after state acceptance to obtain employer identification.
Hold initial director meeting promptly to adopt bylaws and issue shares.
File articles amendments when share structure, name, or registered agent changes occur.
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 |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |