Entity Name
Exact legal name including corporate suffix where required. Verify name availability before filing to avoid rejection and hold requests.
Accurate articles create the legal entity, establish limited liability, and set governance expectations. An error can delay formation, incur fees, or create ambiguity about authority and tax treatment.
Founders, corporate counsel, and registered agents most often complete the filing; third-party formation services also prepare filings on behalf of clients.
Each role has different responsibilities: founders supply core business details, lawyers review governing provisions, and registered agents accept official service of process.
Typically the person who forms the entity or the organizer named in the articles. They supply the entity name, principal address, organizer contact details, and must sign where required; inaccurate founder data can complicate later banking and tax registrations.
An individual or business appointed to receive official notices and service of process. The registered agent must provide a physical address in the state of formation and remain continuously available; incorrect agent information can lead to missed legal notices.
Exact legal name including corporate suffix where required. Verify name availability before filing to avoid rejection and hold requests.
A concise statement of purpose; many states permit broad purposes but some require specificity for regulated activities.
Agent name and physical address in the state. Use a continuous street address; P.O. boxes are typically insufficient.
Specify manager-managed vs member-managed for LLCs or director/officer structure for corporations; this affects later authority and filings.
Choose immediate effect or a delayed effective date; this determines when statutory duties and tax periods begin.
Organizer signature(s), printed name, and date. Include notarization only when the state or filing type requires it.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signing Order | Sequential signing to preserve authority order. |
| Authentication | Email plus optional SMS code for signer identity. |
| Reminders | Automated reminders at 3 and 7 days. |
| Storage | Save PDF/A with audit trail attached. |
Ensure the platform supports required file formats, authenticated signing, and secure storage before eSubmission.
Choose immediate or a future date on the form.
Varies by state; commonly 1–10 business days for standard filings.
Many states offer same-day or 24-hour processing for extra fee.
Secretary of State issues articles or certificates on acceptance.
Required annually or biennially depending on state rules.
| 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 | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes (bulk on Premium) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Brian Fitzgibbons found the online interface simpler than paper filings and reduced turnaround time by eliminating in-person steps.
Tim Martin processed and executed formation documents remotely to close real estate deals without office visits.