{"id":4919,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:49","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/writing-and-filing-the-articles-of-incorporation.html"},"modified":"2025-10-25T00:45:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-25T05:45:00","slug":"writing-and-filing-the-articles-of-incorporation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/writing-and-filing-the-articles-of-incorporation.html","title":{"rendered":"Writing and Filing the Articles of Incorporation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Writing and Filing the 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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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Articles of incorporation<\/span> are legal documents<\/span> filed with the secretary of state<\/span> to establish a corporation as a distinct legal entity<\/span>. The articles have business information<\/span> about the corporation such as the business name<\/span>, registered agent<\/span> and address, business purpose<\/span>, and stock shares and value.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Starting a small business<\/span> is an exciting venture for entrepreneurs. One critical step in setting up a new business is deciding on the business structure. Many business owners<\/span> choose to form a corporation for liability protection, among other benefits. At the heart of this decision is the articles of incorporation<\/span>, a document that formally establishes a business as a legal entity<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Your\u00a0articles of incorporation<\/span><\/a>\u00a0act as a charter. It establishes the existence of your corporation in your state. It sets forth certain basic information about the new business. It describes the fundamental identifying and operating characteristics of your corporation. Once filed and approved by the state, the articles legally create the corporation as a registered business entity<\/span>.<\/p>\n

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What Do\u00a0the Articles of Incorporation<\/span> Include?<\/h2>\n

The Articles of Incorporation<\/span> are critical documents for startups wanting to become a corporation<\/a>. The articles of incorporation<\/span> must, at least, include the following information<\/span>:<\/p>\n