{"id":4879,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:45","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/state-guide-articles-of-incorporation.html"},"modified":"2025-10-27T00:01:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T05:01:00","slug":"state-guide-articles-of-incorporation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/state-guide-articles-of-incorporation.html","title":{"rendered":"State Guide: Articles of Incorporation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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State Guide: Articles of Incorporation<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Articles of incorporation<\/span> are legal documents<\/span> filed typically with the secretary of state<\/span> in your state, that officially create a corporation. This document includes essential business information such as the business name, purpose, authorized <\/span>shares<\/span> of stock<\/span>, and the registered agent. Each state has its own forms for incorporation.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

One of the first steps on your new business<\/span> journey is creating your company\u2019s foundation through the articles of incorporation<\/span>. This document is vital for forming a business entity like a corporation (C corporation<\/span>), This document gives basic information to the state about your business.<\/p>\n

You incorporate your business with the secretary of state<\/span>\u2019s office<\/span> or other state office in the state where you plan to operate your business. You will need to know the laws of your state to file your articles of incorporation<\/span> correctly. This helpful article will provide links to different states\u2019 articles of incorporation<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Need help with business formation? Our trusted partner LegalZoom makes it easy\u2014packages start at $0 + state filing fees.<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Articles of Incorporation<\/span>: A Brief Overview<\/h2>\n

The\u00a0articles of incorporation<\/span><\/a>\u00a0are legal document<\/span> that officially registers your business as a legal entity<\/span> recognized by the state. These documents outline important details like your business name, type of business<\/span>, and registered agent and office. It\u2019s akin to a birth certificate for your company.<\/p>\n

When you file with your state\u2019s Secretary of State<\/span> office<\/span>, it means your business is officially recognized as a separate legal entity<\/span>. This distinction offers liability protection<\/span>, separating your personal assets from the business\u2019s liabilities. Filing the articles of incorporation<\/span> is a very important step for small business owners<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Need help with business formation<\/span>? <\/em><\/strong>Our trusted partner LegalZoom makes it easy\u2014packages start at $0 + state filing fees<\/span>.<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

How To File <\/span>Articles of Incorporation<\/span> in Your State<\/h2>\n

Filing these articles can vary from state to state. Typically, you need to\u00a0decide your business structure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0pick a unique corporate name<\/span><\/a>. You will also need to designate a registered agent. This person will handle legal documents<\/span> on behalf of your business.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also need to describe your business purpose<\/span> and detail the number of <\/span>shares<\/span> of stock<\/span> your corporation<\/a> will have. After preparing these documents, you submit them to the Secretary of State<\/span>\u2019s office<\/span>. You will typically need to pay a filing fee<\/span>, which varies by state.<\/p>\n

Remember, each state has different filing requirements<\/span>. It\u2019s important to check with state agencies<\/span> or the state government<\/span> website about your state\u2019s laws.<\/p>\n

State Laws: Articles of Incorporation<\/span><\/h2>\n

Below are forms for articles of incorporation<\/span> (for a domestic corporation) for each of the 50 states and Washington, DC. A complete set of business organization forms can be found\u00a0here<\/a>. Note that most of the documents listed below are in PDF format, some states only allow filing through their online portals, and some states may call the articles of incorporation<\/span> by a different name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Alabama<\/th>\nCertificate of Formation<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alaska<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Arkansas<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Arizona<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
California<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a> (online portal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Colorado<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Connecticut<\/th>\nCertificate of Incorporation<\/span><\/a> (online portal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Delaware<\/th>\nCertificate of Incorporation<\/span> for Stock Corporation<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
DC<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span> of Domestic Business Corporation<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Florida<\/th>\nProfit Corporation Articles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a> (online portal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Georgia<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hawaii<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span> (Form DC-1)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Idaho<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span> (General Business)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Illinois<\/th>\nCorporation Articles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a> (online portal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Indiana<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span> for For-Profit Corporations (Domestic)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Iowa<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kansas<\/th>\nFor-Profit Corporation Articles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kentucky<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span> for Profit Corporations<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Louisiana<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maine<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maryland<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span> for a Stock Corporation<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Massachusetts<\/th>\nArticles of Organization<\/span> for Domestic Corporations<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Michigan<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Minnesota<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mississippi<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a> (online portal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Missouri<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Montana<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a> (online portal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nebraska<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nevada<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New Hampshire<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New Jersey<\/th>\nCertificate of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New Mexico<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span> for Domestic Profit Corporations<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
New York<\/th>\nCertificate of Incorporation<\/span> for Domestic Business Corporations<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
North Carolina<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
North Dakota<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span> for Business Corporations<\/a> (online portal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ohio<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oklahoma<\/th>\nCertificate of Incorporation<\/span> (For Profit)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oregon<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pennsylvania<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span> for For-Profit Corporations<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rhode Island<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span> for Domestic Business Corporations<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
South Carolina<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
South Dakota<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span> for Domestic Business Corporations<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tennessee<\/th>\nFor-Profit Charter<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Texas<\/th>\nCertificate of Formation for For-Profit Corporations<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Utah<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vermont<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span> of a Vermont General Corporation<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Virginia<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span> of a Virginia Stock Corporation<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
West Virginia<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Washington<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span> of Profit Corporations<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wisconsin<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span> for Business Corporations<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wyoming<\/th>\nArticles of Incorporation<\/span> for Profit Corporations<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

What To Do After Filing the Articles of Incorporation<\/span><\/h2>\n

After successfully filing your incorporation documents<\/span>, you will receive a certificate of incorporation<\/span>. You can then officially start doing business<\/span>. There are several additional steps to setting your business up for success.<\/p>\n

Firstly, obtain an\u00a0employer identification number<\/a>\u00a0(EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS<\/span>). This number is essential for tax purposes. You use this number to file income tax<\/span> and corporate tax returns. Setting up a bank account specifically for your business is also vital to manage finances separately from personal assets. This is essential for reducing personal liability<\/span>, so be sure to do this as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to understand federal tax and state tax obligations for your corporation<\/a>. Stay informed through the IRS<\/span> and the\u00a0Small Business Administration (SBA)<\/a>. The SBA has several resources for small business owners<\/span>. Additionally, if you plan to hire employees, prepare for responsibilities like payroll taxes and compliance with labor laws.<\/p>\n

Next, you will need to assemble your board of directors and draft bylaws<\/a> to outline how your corporation<\/a> will operate. Don\u2019t forget to\u00a0apply for any necessary business licenses<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and permits you may need to operate your business. These steps are essential for laying a strong foundation and ensuring the smooth running of your corporation.<\/p>\n

Finally, you must comply with all state reporting requirements<\/span>, such as filing an annual report<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and paying franchise taxes<\/span>, to maintain good standing<\/span> in your state.<\/p>\n

How a Lawyer Can Help<\/h2>\n

Starting a new business<\/span> can be complex, especially when dealing with legal documents<\/span> and compliance with state and federal laws. As a busy entrepreneur, you likely wear many hats, but being a lawyer may not be one of them. If you have legal questions about how to file <\/span>articles of incorporation<\/span> in your state, speak to a\u00a0business and commercial law attorney<\/a>. If you are ready to form your corporation, you can use our trusted partner, LegalZoom<\/a>, to handle your paperwork.<\/p>\n\n\n

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