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Pennsylvania Preincorporation Agreement

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PREINCORPORATION AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT made this day of , 20 , by and between the following individuals, hereinafter the “Parties”:

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Parties are currently in the pre-incorporation stages of the formation of a corporation to be named , and to be organized pursuant to the laws of the State of Pennsylvania hereinafter "Corporation".

WHEREAS, the Parties believe it is in their best interest to unanimously agree to terms providing for the operation, management and control of the Corporation in order to achieve their aims and purposes.

WHEREAS, the Parties, having agreed that, following the formation of the proposed Corporation, they, acting as Shareholders shall elect, from their number, individuals to serve as Directors.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein, it is agreed by and between the parties as follows:

I.

The Parties agree to form a corporation named under the laws of the State of Pennsylvania. If the proposed name of the Corporation is unavailable, the Parties shall agree on a substitute name.

The Parties further agree that the formation of the Corporation shall be completed no later than the day of , 20 , excepting for time for reasonable delays.

The Articles of Incorporation shall be signed by , who shall promptly call a meeting of the proposed Shareholders and Directors within five (5) days of formation of the corporation.

The Parties agree that the corporation shall be formed for the purpose of engaging in the business of and any other business authorized by the laws governing corporations in the State of Pennsylvania.

shall devote his/her/their full time and efforts to further the business of the corporation until such time as the shareholders relieve such person(s) from this provision.

The following persons shall be engaged by the Corporation in the positions, and for the salary indicated, until such time as a majority of the Shareholders determine otherwise.

Name / Position / Salary per Year

The initial capital contribution of the Shareholders of the Corporation shall, to the extent possible and reasonable to further the business of the Corporation, be allocated by the Officers and Directors of the Corporation as follows: (estimates are annual)

A. Equipment D. Salaries G. Rent

B. Services E. Advertising H. Phones

C. Supplies F. Utilities I. Working Capital

II.

The Parties agree to cause the Corporation to issue stock to the Parties in the following number and for the stated consideration:

Name / # of Shares / Consideration (Cash or Property)

III.

The Parties agree, acting as Shareholders, to elect the following persons as Directors of the Corporation:

IV.

At the initial meeting of the Board of Directors, they shall accept, ratify and acknowledge this Agreement by Resolution as the basis for the operation of the Corporation and shall take all reasonable steps to implement it.

V.

The Parties hereto agree to execute the following documents attached hereto as Exhibits, and incorporated herein as though set forth in full, at the organizational meeting of the Corporation:

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

VI.

The Parties agree to adopt "S" status of the Corporation for federal tax purposes from the date the Corporation is formed and such status shall continue unless percent ( %) of outstanding stock of the Corporation is voted in such a manner as to consent to the revocation of such status.

VII.

Until otherwise agreed, the Directors shall, unless one is either no longer a Director, vote, in person or by proxy, for the following officers:

President

Vice President/Treasurer

Secretary

VIII.

Restrictive Endorsements shall be set forth on all the stock certificates for the Corporation which shall state that such stock is subject to the Exhibits attached hereto as well as to the voting restrictions contained herein.

IX.

The Corporation shall do its banking business at or at such bank, or banks, as determined in the sole discretion of the Directors.

The signature of any officer(s) of the Corporation shall be sufficient for checks or drafts up to the amount of ($ ).

The joint signature of either or as one party, and as the other party will be necessary for any check over the amount of ($ ).

X.

The Shareholders consent that upon the occurrence of a situation whereby the operating capital of the Corporation is not sufficient to meet operating expenses and upon a majority vote by the Shareholders, the required amount of funds shall be set and each Shareholder shall be required to make a contribution to the whole in the same proportion as their shares bears to the number of outstanding shares.

Each Shareholder shall make the required contribution as to such total request within ( ) days of request of a Shareholder in the proportion of their stock ownership interest in the Corporation.

Failure to make such contribution within said ( ) days will result in the then remaining Shareholders having the right to purchase the pro-rata share of the stock held by the Shareholder who has failed to make his capital contribution by purchasing the capital contribution together with interest at the “prime” at the time of purchase as established by plus one percent.

XI.

The Corporation shall utilize the accrual method of accounting with a year ending in December of any given year.

XII.

The initial corporate offices shall be located at until such location is changed by the Shareholders.

A monthly financial operating statement shall be sent to each Shareholder not later than ( ) working days after the last day of the previous month.

XIII.

For transactions involving amounts up to and including ($ ), any officer of the Corporation is authorized to enter into any and all contracts and leases for the improvements, purchase, maintenance, sale, lease or other disposition of corporate property in the form customary for such agreements.

Any transaction of whatever kind, over and above the amount of ($ ) shall be agreed to in writing prior to binding the Corporation to the same by Shareholders holding a minimum of (____%) of the outstanding shares of the Corporation.

XIV.

The Shareholders hereof shall be respectively entitled to reimbursement from the Corporation for all personal out-of-pocket direct costs, including on-site costs incurred by them in furtherance of the Corporation's business. Such Shareholders shall furnish written receipts relative to the same upon request.

No cost over and above ($ ) shall be incurred without the written consent of the Shareholders holding a minimum of seventy-five (75%) of the outstanding shares of the Corporation.

XV.

The Parties hereby agree that, in the event any Party shall elect to relinquish their shares pursuant to the Shareholder’s Agreement to be executed as provided in Paragraph III, they shall execute a reasonable Non-Competition Agreement to be negotiated between the parties.

XVI.

The parties hereto agree to execute any and all necessary documents required to carry out the terms of this Agreement.

XVII.

This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of the parties thereto, their legal representatives, successors and assigns. However, no assignment shall be made of the rights hereunder without the prior written consent of the other parties.

XVIII.

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Pennsylvania.

XIX.

This Agreement embodies and constitutes the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated herein.

XX.

In the event a party to this Agreement must employ an attorney to enforce the provisions hereof or to secure performance by a defaulting party under the terms herein stated, the prevailing party in litigation arising there from shall be entitled to an award of its reasonable attorney's fees both on trial and the appellate level incurred in enforcing this Agreement and/or securing performance of the terms herein stated.

XXI.

This Agreement shall have an initial term of ( ) years and shall be renewed for five (5) year terms automatically and perpetually thereafter unless a Shareholder decides to terminate the same within sixty (60) days of the end of a term.

XXII.

All notices that the parties hereto may desire or be required to give hereunder shall be deemed to have been properly given and shall be effective when and if sent by U.S. regular mail, postage prepaid, U.S. certified mail and/or by personal delivery or by courier, addressed to the following:

Name / Address

This Agreement has been entered into on the date set forth above.

Shareholders:

Type/Print Name

Type/Print Name

Type/Print Name

Type/Print Name

Type/Print Name

ACCEPTANCE, RATIFICATION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By Resolution of the Board of Directors of Corporation, the PREINCORPORATION AGREEMENT, attached hereto, made on the day of , 20 , is hereby accepted, ratified and acknowledged.

ATTEST:

SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT, STOCK TRANFER RESTRICTIONS AND BUY-SELL AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT made this the day of , 20 , by and between the Shareholders of , a corporation of the State of Pennsylvania, hereinafter "Corporation", who own all the outstanding capital stock of the Corporation, and the Corporation.

The purpose of this Agreement is to provide for the sale by a Stockholder during his lifetime, or by a deceased Stockholder's Estate, of his interest in the Corporation, and for the purchase of such interest by the Corporation, at a price fairly established.

I.

At this time of the execution of this agreement, the outstanding capital stock of the Corporation consists of shares, and each Stockholder's interest is as follows:

II.

If a Shareholder desires to sell or transfer of all or any part of his stock during his lifetime, he shall give the Corporation and each of the other Shareholders written notice of his intention.

III.

At this time, the total value of the capital stock of the Corporation for the purposes of this Agreement, is $ , which is $ per share.

IV.

In the event of the death of a shareholder, the Corporation shall tender full payment to the Estate or duly authorized Personal Representative of the deceased Shareholder.

V.

This Agreement may be amended at any time in any particular way by a writing signed by all the Shareholders.

VI.

This Agreement shall be binding upon the Shareholders, their heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns and upon the Corporation, its successors or assigns.

VII.

The Corporation, the Shareholders, the Personal Representative of any deceased Shareholder, and all other parties bound by this Agreement shall promptly execute and deliver any documents necessary and useful to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.

VIII.

If, at any time, the provisions of applicable statutes or of its charter or by-laws prevent the Corporation from making a purchase required hereunder, the Corporation and the Shareholders shall take any action which may be necessary to enable the Corporation to make such purchase.

IX.

Any notice provided for under this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by certified or registered mail to the party entitled to receive such notice at the address of such party contained in the records of the Corporation.

X.

This Agreement shall be construed according to the laws of the State of Pennsylvania.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement the day and year first above written.

By:

Witnesses

Witnesses

Attest:

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT made this the day of , 20 , by and between the Shareholders of , a corporation of the State of Pennsylvania, hereinafter "Corporation", who own all the outstanding capital stock of the Corporation, and the Corporation.

This Confidentiality Agreement (the “Agreement”) is between the following parties:

and

I.

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all information disclosed by customers, one or more of the Parties, to the Company is Confidential Information and shall be protected by the Company and each of the Parties hereto.

II.

Confidential Information shall constitute all information concerning (whether prepared by ), whether furnished before or after the date of this Agreement and regardless of the manner in which it is furnished.

III.

Except as specifically authorized by Resolution of the Board of Directors in writing, a Party hereto shall not reproduce, use, distribute, disclose or otherwise disseminate the Confidential Information.

IV.

The Parties agree that access to Confidential Information will be limited to those employees or other authorized representatives of the Company who need to know such Confidential Information in connection with their work related to this Agreement.

V.

The Parties duty to protect the Confidential Information pursuant to the Agreement extends both during the term of this Agreement and after its expiration or termination.

VI.

Any Confidential Information provided to the Parties shall be used only in furtherance of the Purpose described in this Agreement, and shall be, upon request at any time, returned to the .

VII.

The standard of care for protecting Confidential Information imposed on the Parties will be that degree of care the Party uses to prevent disclosure, publication or dissemination of its own Confidential Information, but no less than reasonable care.

VIII.

In providing any information hereunder a Party makes no representations, either express or implied, as the information’s adequacy, sufficiency, or freedom from defect of any kind.

IX.

This Agreement contains the entire agreement relative to the protection of information to be exchanged hereunder, and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous oral or written understandings or agreements regarding the issue.

X.

Nothing contained in this Agreement shall, by express grant, implication, estoppel or otherwise, create in either party any right, title, interest or license in or to the inventions, patents, technical data, computer software or software documentation of the other party.

XI.

Nothing contained in this Agreement shall grant to a Party the right to make commitments of any kind on behalf of any other Party or the Company without the prior written consent of that other party.

XII.

The effective date of this Agreement shall be the date upon which the last signatory below executes this Agreement.

XIII.

This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the .

XIV.

This Agreement may not be assigned or otherwise transferred by either party in whole or in part without the express prior written consent of the other party.

XV.

This Agreement shall benefit and be binding upon the successors and assignees of the parties hereto.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement the day and year first above written.

By:

Witnesses

Witnesses

Attest:

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What a Pennsylvania Preincorporation Agreement Is

A Pennsylvania Preincorporation Agreement is a written contract among prospective incorporators, founders, or initial shareholders that sets out commitments and arrangements made before a corporation is legally formed. Typical provisions cover capital contributions, allocation of equity, founder responsibilities, vesting schedules, intellectual property assignment, management intent, and the steps required to file Articles of Incorporation with the Pennsylvania Department of State. The agreement clarifies obligations that apply once the company is formed and can include conditions precedent, allocation of formation costs, and dispute resolution procedures to reduce uncertainty during early-stage organization.

Why use a Preincorporation Agreement in Pennsylvania

Use a Pennsylvania Preincorporation Agreement to document founder commitments, define capital and IP arrangements, and set formation steps. It reduces ambiguity during incorporation, protects early contributors, and provides a reference for enforcing post-formation obligations under applicable law such as ESIGN and UETA.

Why use a Preincorporation Agreement in Pennsylvania

Who commonly prepares and signs this agreement

Prospective founders, incorporators, and early investors in Pennsylvania commonly use this agreement to record pre-formation commitments and expectations.

  • Founders documenting equity splits, vesting, and IP assignment before filing articles.
  • Investors requiring founder commitments or capital contribution schedules as a condition of seed funding.
  • Law firms and corporate counsels preparing formation steps and formation expense allocations for clients.

Use the agreement as a practical checklist to guide incorporation and preserve evidence of pre-formation promises for future enforcement.

Core elements included in a professional agreement

A complete Pennsylvania Preincorporation Agreement addresses allocation of ownership, formation steps, and protections for the company and contributors to reduce ambiguity before incorporation.

Founders' Obligations

Defines each founder's duties, time commitments, and restrictions such as noncompete and confidentiality prior to incorporation; creates enforceable expectations and supports later corporate governance decisions.

Capitalization

Specifies initial equity allocation, classes of stock, and how contributions translate into ownership shares; includes mechanisms for future issuance, dilution, and treatment of unpaid contributions.

IP Assignment

Transfers existing inventions, code, and proprietary work to the future corporation; includes assignment language, inventor acknowledgements, and schedules for intellectual property being contributed, with executed assignment exhibits attached.

Vesting Terms

Describe vesting terms, cliff periods, acceleration triggers, and treatment on termination or change of control. Use specific dates and percentages to prevent later ambiguity and ensure predictable outcomes for stakeholders and investors.

Formation Mechanics

Outlines steps, responsible parties, fee allocation, timeline to file Articles of Incorporation with the Pennsylvania Department of State, and closing conditions for formal entity formation.

Dispute Resolution

Specifies governing law, venue, arbitration or court choice, and interim remedies; selecting Pennsylvania law and dispute forum reduces venue uncertainty and aligns enforcement expectations for the parties.

Step-by-step: completing and executing the agreement

Follow these steps to complete and execute a Pennsylvania Preincorporation Agreement correctly and in enforceable form.

  • 01
    Draft Key Terms: Specify equity, contributions, IP assignment, vesting, and governing law.
  • 02
    Assign Consideration: Describe cash, services, or stock issued upon incorporation.
  • 03
    Set Conditions: Include conditions precedent and timing for filing articles.
  • 04
    Execute and Retain: All founders sign; preserve originals and electronic copies with audit trail.

How to amend or update the agreement

Use a formal amendment process to update preincorporation terms, obtain all parties' consent, and record changes in the corporate formation files.

01

Draft Amendment:

Describe changes and effective date.
02

Obtain Consent:

All founders sign the amendment.
03

Notarize if required:

Follow notarization steps when necessary.
04

Update Records:

Attach amendment to originals and electronic copies.
05

Notify Stakeholders:

Inform investors, banks, and advisors of material changes.
06

File Amended Docs:

File any amendments affecting Articles or public filings.

Where to send executed copies and related filings

After execution, route the Pennsylvania Preincorporation Agreement to the appropriate parties, retain master copies, and complete any related filings with state and federal agencies.

  • Distribute Copies: Provide executed copies to all founders and counsel.
  • File with State: Articles filed with Pennsylvania Department of State; agreement is retained privately.
  • Tax Registrations: Use formation details to apply for EIN and state tax IDs.
  • Recordkeeping: Store signed PDF/A with audit trail and backups.

How to set up an online signing workflow

Configure a digital signing workflow to assign fields, set signer order, and enforce authentication and reminders.

Field Configuration
Document Upload PDF, DOCX accepted
Signer Order Sequential or parallel signing
Authentication Email, SMS code, or KBA
Reminders Automated email reminders

Platform and integration considerations for eSigning

For eSigning and eSubmission, ensure the platform supports ESIGN, UETA compliance, RON if notarization required, and integrates with your document storage.

  • File Types: PDF, DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, 2FA options

Common timing and filing checkpoints

Typical timing and deadlines during formation, from agreement execution to state filings and federal registrations.

Agreement Execution:

Immediately upon signing by founders.

Articles Filing:

File with PA Department of State within agreed timeline.

EIN Application:

Apply to IRS after formation for tax reporting.

Stock Issuance:

Record share issuance and update capitalization table promptly.

Bank Account:

Open corporate account after EIN and formation documentation.

Key milestones from agreement to corporation formation

Milestone timeline from agreement signing through formal incorporation and initial capitalization events; stages guide responsibilities and deadlines.

01

Signatures Filed

Founders sign agreement and exchange executed copies for records.

02

File Articles

Incorporator or authorized agent files Articles with PA Department of State.

03

Obtain EIN

Apply to IRS for Employer Identification Number to open accounts.

04

Issue Shares

Issue stock certificates or ledger entries reflecting initial ownership.

Notarization and witness process when required

Notarization and witness procedures protect authenticity; follow state rules for in-person or RON notarization, audio-video recording, and witness counts when required.

01

Determine Need

Check if the agreement or attached deed requires notarization or witnesses.

02

In-Person Notary

Sign before a commissioned notary with ID and certificate.

03

Remote Notarization

Use RON if your state permits permanent RON with identity proofing.

04

Audio-Visual Record

Record sessions where required and retain for statutory period.

05

Witness Presence

Provide required witness signatures and have witnesses print names and addresses.

06

Notary Journal

Notary should log the act with date, signer, and ID used.

07

RON Authentication

Expect multifactor ID, credential analysis, or knowledge-based checks.

08

Record Retention

Keep signed documents and related notarization records per statute.

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

  • Using vague consideration language (e.g., 'reasonable value') without specifying amounts or valuation methods, which leads to disputes over equity allocation and tax treatment.
  • Failing to include clear IP assignment exhibits and inventor acknowledgements, which can leave ownership contested and complicate later investor due diligence.
  • Not documenting vesting schedules, cliffs, or acceleration triggers precisely, resulting in ambiguity when a founder departs or a change-of-control occurs.
  • Neglecting to preserve signed originals and electronic audit trails that show intent, timestamps, and signer authentication for later enforcement or audit.

Potential legal and financial risks of errors

Unclear Ownership: Equity disputes risk
Tax Exposure: Incorrect reporting triggers penalties
Invalid Signatures: Unsigned or improperly signed agreements unenforceable
Missing IP Assignment: Company may lack rights to technology
Notary Errors: Improper notarization undermines evidentiary value
Formation Delays: Errors can delay state filing

Who may sign and what authority they hold

Incorporator

The incorporator or organizer typically signs formation documents and may execute preincorporation agreements on behalf of the future corporation. Confirm authority in the agreement and record who will complete the Pennsylvania Department of State filings and accept service.

Founders

Founders named in the agreement should sign in their individual capacity and, if applicable, as officers or agents of the nascent entity; state any limits on authority and whether unanimous or majority consent governs pre-formation actions.

Real-world examples of practical uses

Practical examples show how a Pennsylvania Preincorporation Agreement resolves common formation issues and protects stakeholder interests during early stages.

Early-Stage Tech Startup

A three-founder software team agreed on equity splits and a four-year vesting schedule before incorporating to prevent later disputes.

  • They also assigned preexisting code to the company.
  • By documenting capital contributions and IP assignments, the founders avoided ambiguity during investor due diligence, enabled clean stock issuance at formation, and provided clear remedies if a founder left before vesting.

Service Provider Conversion

A consultant transitioning to cofounder documented payment-for-equity terms and defined deliverables to establish fair consideration before corporate formation.

  • They recorded milestone payments tied to share issuance.
  • This prevented later disagreements over valuation, ensured proper tax treatment, and supported investor confidence by showing formalized founder arrangements at the point of incorporation and preserving signed records for legal and financial review.

How this agreement compares with a subscription agreement

How a Preincorporation Agreement differs from related instruments like a Subscription Agreement; key distinctions affect timing and enforceability.

Criteria Preincorporation Agreement Subscription Agreement
Purpose record founder commitments investor purchase commitments
Timing pre-formation at or after formation
Parties founders, incorporators investors and company
Consideration equity, services, ip payment for shares

eSignature vendor pricing and feature snapshot

Compare typical entry-level pricing and core features for popular eSignature vendors relevant to managing Pennsylvania Preincorporation Agreement workflows.

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 trial No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No envelope cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Frequently asked questions about execution and enforceability

Answers to common questions about drafting, executing, and enforcing a Pennsylvania Preincorporation Agreement, including e-signature and retention concerns.


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