What should I put in my Articles of Incorporation?

 Creating articles of incorporation involves including essential information to ensure your business is legally recognized and compliant. Here’s a general outline of what you should include:

1. Company Name: The official name of your business. Ensure it is unique and complies with your state's naming requirements.

2. Business Purpose: A brief statement of the purpose of your business. Some states allow for a general business purpose, while others require a specific purpose.

3. Principal Office Address: The physical address of your business's main office.

4. Registered Agent: The name and address of the person or business entity authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of the company.

5. Incorporator Information: The name and address of the person(s) responsible for creating the corporation. This could be you or someone you hire.

6. Corporate Structure:

   • Share Structure: Details on the classes and number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue.
   • Par Value: The nominal value of each share, if applicable.

7. Directors: The names and addresses of the initial directors of the corporation.

8. Duration: If not perpetual, state the duration of the corporation.

9. Additional Provisions: Any other lawful provisions for the regulation of the internal affairs of the corporation, such as indemnification of directors, limitations on director liability, and the method of amending the articles.

10. Signature: The signature of the incorporator(s).

Here is a sample structure for your articles of incorporation:

Sample Articles of Incorporation

Article I: Name The name of the corporation is [Your Company Name].

Article II: Purpose The purpose of the corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the [State] General Corporation Law.

Article III: Principal Office The address of the principal office of the corporation is [Your Business Address].

Article IV: Registered Agent The name and address of the corporation's registered agent is: [Agent Name] [Agent Address]

Article V: Incorporator The name and address of the incorporator is: [Your Name] [Your Address]

Article VI: Directors The initial directors of the corporation are: [Director Name 1] [Director Address 1] [Director Name 2] [Director Address 2]

Article VII: Share Structure The total number of shares of stock which the corporation shall have authority to issue is [Number of Shares], all of which shall be [Class of Shares] with a par value of [Par Value] per share.

Article VIII: Duration The duration of the corporation shall be perpetual.

Article IX: Additional Provisions [Any additional provisions specific to your corporation]

Article X: Signature [Incorporator's Signature] [Incorporator's Printed Name] [Date]

Make sure to check your state’s specific requirements, as they can vary. It's also wise to consult with a legal professional to ensure everything is correct and complete.