How Do You Prepare & File Articles Of Incorporation?
As a start-up business, you should prepare and file articles of incorporation. These legal documents help establish your business in your state and maintain basic information about your new entity. Articles help create the purpose of your business and its structure, based on the laws in the state where you incorporate. Step 1 Find out whether your state offers pre-printed or online documentation for articles of incorporation. Some states, including Illinois and New York, provide a PDF file for easy completion. Step 2 Fill in your business or nonprofit organization’s name and address. Include the names and addresses of people authorized to act as agents, with the power to sign legal documents on behalf of your organization. Write the name, address, and city/state of each incorporator. Have each person sign and print his or her name and address. Step 3 Outline the types of activities in which your business will engage. When drafting your articles of incorporation, you should end your lis