Editable Articles of Incorporation Template [PDF & Word]

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Article of Incorporation Overview

An Article of Incorporation is an essential piece of paperwork required to form your corporation. The document outlines the purpose of your business, its corporate structure, the par value of any shares, and much more relevant information, depending on the state, that makes your business official.

Most importantly, all your information must be formatted and packaged for quicker processing by relevant authorities. Customization and innovation are essential tenants of opening up new businesses, but your Articles of Incorporation should be easily digestible and professional to help simplify the process.

Your business officially begins when the state accepts and files your Article of Incorporation, so you want to get it right the first time. We make it easy to fill out your Articles of Incorporation according to your needs by answering a few questions. Once you’ve selected your preferred format, you can fill everything out, sign your document, and download your Articles of Incorporation in minutes.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Articles of Incorporation are legal documents that establish a corporation and its structure.
  2. You need Articles of Incorporation when you want to form a corporation.
  3. Components of Articles of Incorporation may include the corporation's name, purpose, stock information, and registered agent details.
Pro Tip:
Articles of Incorporation should be clear, specific, and detailed, incl. name, purpose, shares, and rights/responsibilities of shareholders.

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What is an Articles of Incorporation?

Articles of Incorporation are legal documents that provide the foundation for a corporation’s existence. These documents outline the company’s fundamental structure, including its purpose, ownership, and operations – but specific contents will vary depending on the state.
The purpose of the Articles of Incorporation is to establish a clear and concise set of rules and guidelines for how a corporation will be run. This document sets forth the basic framework for how the company will be structured, outlining the roles and responsibilities of its shareholders, directors, and officers. Additionally, it defines the nature of the corporation’s business and provides legal protection for the business owners. Your Articles of Incorporation are essentially your business’s constitution, and if you want your business to be recognized by the state, you’ll need to submit these articles first.

When Do I Need an Articles of Incorporation?

You must file Articles of Incorporation any time you’re starting a corporation, whether big or small. Also known as a certificate of incorporation or corporate charter, these files establish a C corporation or an S corporation. In addition to it’s necessity, creating quality Articles of Incorporation help lay the groundwork for a successful company. This document will define your coproprations legal structure for the state, for your employees, and for your customers, so taking care of the little details on this document will help your buisness go a long way.
A clear understanding of the purpose and contents of the Articles of Incorporation is crucial when filing them. LegalSimpli will talk you through the process to make sure all necessary information is on your Articles of Incorporation, and we’ll also help format your document for faster confirmation.

How To Fill Out a Articles of Incorporation Using Our FREE Wizard Template?

Simplify the process of completing an Articles of Incorporation form

  • 1Select your preferred format and color.
  • 2Fill in the required information.
  • 3Add or request electronic signatures.
  • 4Download, print, or send your customized legal document.
Pro Tip:
Ensure Articles of Incorporation comply with state laws; each state has its own requirements. This will prevent rejection.

Components of an Articles of Incorporation

The specific information you’ll need to include in your Articles of Incorporation vary state by state, but here are a few standard details that every document should include:
  • The name of your corporation.
  • The purpose of your corporation.
  • The registered agent and their address.
  • Type of Corporate Structure
  • The number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue
  • The names and addresses of the initial directors
  • The name and address of the incorporator
Our website offers a free articles of incorporation template with all of these components included, as well as sample articles of incorporation and printable articles of incorporation form to make the process as easy as possible.

What are the Advantages of using an Articles of Incorporation fillable template?

Anytime you’re dealing with paperwork that must go to government bodies, filling in the details can be tedious. LegalSimpli’s templates clearly outline the contents required in the incorporation articles, including the corporation’s purpose, the number and types of shares, and the management structure. We’ll take the trouble out of creating legally sound document, so you can get your corporation off the ground without hiring an attorney or spending hours researching the requirements for your state. Our site also has real examples of legal documents so you can better understand how to fill out your own Articles of Incorporation. The sample articles of incorporation provided in the template will also give you an idea of what to expect when filing your document.

LegalSimpli’s free articles of incorporation template saves time and money. Instead of paying an attorney to draft your articles of incorporation from scratch, you can simply download a printable article of incorporation form and fill in the required information. The whole process is designed to help you finish this task faster so you can focus on other aspects of starting your business.

Filing articles of incorporation is an essential step in forming a corporation, and using a template is an efficient and cost-effective way to create a legally sound document that meets all of your state’s requirements.

Disclaimer:
Please be advised that LegalSimpli does not offer any legal services. The information on LegalSimpli's site, including downloadable content like legal articles and templates, should not be regarded as legal advice and isn't guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current. If you require legal advice for your situation, we recommend consulting a competent attorney licensed in your state. You assume all responsibility for any consequences, damages, and costs associated with using any content from LegalSimpli's services available on LegalSimpli's site. By using LegalSimpli's site, you agree with the above and provide your unalterable consent to comply with and be bound by the terms of LegalSimpli's services.

Consequences of not Having an Articles of Incorporation

You only have a business if you have Articles of Incorporation. The Articles of Incorporation is a legal document that outlines a corporation’s purpose, structure, and regulations. Without this document, a corporation cannot officially exist, leading to legal issues, financial consequences, and difficulty building the recognition you need to get your business off the ground.

Many investors will want to see that a business has a solid legal foundation and structure before committing to get involved financially. Without Articles of Incorporation, convincing investors that the business is a legitimate and trustworthy investment opportunity may be difficult. It can also be difficult internally to help share responsibility without the clear corporate structure that the Articles of Incorporation help define.

Not having Articles of Incorporation will also put personal assets at risk because without an official corporation to take the fall, the individuals will be on the hook for any issues. Without the protection of limited liability, shareholders and directors will be held personally liable for any debts or legal trouble that arise within the business. This can lead to financial ruin for those involved and may even result in bankruptcy. Any business must have an Articles of Incorporation in place to put a barrier between the individual and the company.

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Pro Tip:
Incorporating a business can be complex; legal requirements vary by state. An Articles of Incorporation draft can provide guidance throughout the process.

FAQCommon Questions About Articles of Incorporation Templates

We've got you covered.

Articles of Incorporation is a legal document that defines the structure and purpose of a corporation. It outlines the name, location, business purpose, and ownership structure of the corporation. It also includes important information about the board of directors, shareholders, and officers. With LegalSimpli you can easily create and customize an Articles of Incorporation template to fit your needs without spending money and time hiring a lawyer. Just choose the legal form you need and start adding the information.

The contents of Articles of Incorporation typically include the name of the corporation, its purpose, the names and addresses of its directors, the number and type of shares authorized to be issued, and any restrictions on transferability. LegalSimpli has hundreds of forms and templates that you can easily edit and customize to help you solve all your legal matters.

Articles of Incorporation is important because it legally establishes a corporation as a separate legal entity from its owners. It protects the owners from personal liability for the debts and obligations of the corporation. It also provides clarity and transparency to potential investors, creditors, and customers. Try LegalSimpli now and see how easy it is to create an Articles of Incorporation with just a few clicks.

LegalSimpli offers free Articles of Incorporation templates and examples that you can edit and customize in no time. Make sure to choose a template or example that is specific to your state's laws and regulations and then follow our simple, step-by-step instructions to fill out the form.

Yes, you can file your own Articles of Incorporation by filling out the appropriate form and submitting it to your state's Secretary of State office. Just browse from LegalSimpli's library of forms and templates and edit the document with all the required information. You can even add your electronic signature to the document.

Most states require corporations to include a specific business purpose in their Articles of Incorporation. However, some states allow for a broader purpose statement such as "to engage in any lawful business activity." It is important to research your state's requirements before drafting your Articles of Incorporation. Choose a template from LegalSimpli and customize your Articles of Incorporation in just a few minutes!