State Guide: Articles of Incorporation

One of the first steps on your new business journey is creating your company’s foundation through the articles of incorporation. This document is vital for forming a business entity like a corporation (C corporation), This document gives basic information to the state about your business.

You incorporate your business with the secretary of state’s office 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 correctly. This helpful article will provide links to different states’ articles of incorporation.

Need help with business formation? Our trusted partner LegalZoom makes it easy—packages start at $0 + state filing fees.

Articles of Incorporation: A Brief Overview

The articles of incorporation are legal document that officially registers your business as a legal entity recognized by the state. These documents outline important details like your business name, type of business, and registered agent and office. It’s akin to a birth certificate for your company.

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

Need help with business formation? Our trusted partner LegalZoom makes it easy—packages start at $0 + state filing fees.

How To File Articles of Incorporation in Your State

Filing these articles can vary from state to state. Typically, you need to decide your business structure and pick a unique corporate name. You will also need to designate a registered agent. This person will handle legal documents on behalf of your business.

You’ll also need to describe your business purpose and detail the number of shares of stock your corporation will have. After preparing these documents, you submit them to the Secretary of State’s office. You will typically need to pay a filing fee, which varies by state.

Remember, each state has different filing requirements. It’s important to check with state agencies or the state government website about your state’s laws.

State Laws: Articles of Incorporation

Below are forms for articles of incorporation (for a domestic corporation) for each of the 50 states and Washington, DC. A complete set of business organization forms can be found here. 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 by a different name.

What To Do After Filing the Articles of Incorporation

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

Firstly, obtain an employer identification number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This number is essential for tax purposes. You use this number to file income tax 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, so be sure to do this as soon as possible.

It’s important to understand federal tax and state tax obligations for your corporation. Stay informed through the IRS and the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA has several resources for small business owners. Additionally, if you plan to hire employees, prepare for responsibilities like payroll taxes and compliance with labor laws.

Next, you will need to assemble your board of directors and draft bylaws to outline how your corporation will operate. Don’t forget to apply for any necessary business licenses and 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.

Finally, you must comply with all state reporting requirements, such as filing an annual report and paying franchise taxes, to maintain good standing in your state.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Starting a new business can be complex, especially when dealing with legal documents 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 articles of incorporation in your state, speak to a business and commercial law attorney. If you are ready to form your corporation, you can use our trusted partner, LegalZoom, to handle your paperwork.