File the correct documents with the state to establish your corporation's existence. Go through the process with our specialized advice and Articles of Incorporation template as a reliable foundation.
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Last Update August 27th, 2024
Certificate of Incorporation
Business Incorporation Papers
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Table of Contents:Articles of Incorporation are legal documents filed with the state to establish a corporation's existence formally.
These documents serve as the starting point for a corporation, defining its:
The documents also outline the rights and responsibilities of the incorporators and directors.
Filing the Articles of Incorporation for an LLC or other type of corporation is an important step.
Using these documents can take your business idea and turn it into a legally recognized entity with the structure needed to accomplish its goals effectively.
Depending on your state or the legal text involved, Articles of Incorporation may also be known by other names, such as:
Use our Articles of Incorporation template as a reliable foundation to make the process of drafting and filing this essential document easier.
When incorporating a business, knowing its benefits and drawbacks is always a good idea.
Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons to consider when drawing up your business Articles of Incorporation:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Protects personal assets from business debts. | More paperwork and formalities. |
| Easier to attract investment through stock sales. | Fees for incorporation and ongoing compliance. |
| Continues independent of ownership changes. | Subject to more stringent state and federal rules. |
| Potential for tax advantages and deductions. | Possible for C corporations due to corporate profits being taxed twice. |
