Pennsylvania Incorporation Information
Incorporation in Pennsylvania may occur with or without the help of an attorney. An Incorporated business in Pennsylvania acts as a statutory creation that requires a company to file the appropriate documents with the state. Shareholders of a corporation in Pennsylvania have personal asset protection against debts and obligations that may arise as a result of operating the company.
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Name
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Incorporation in Pennsylvania requires the business owners to select a unique business name that isn't in use, or held on reserve by another business entity in the state. According to the Citizen Media Law Project website, the name of a Pennsylvania corporation must include a corporate designator such as "corporation," "limited," "incorporated," "company," or the proper abbreviation. Words that suggest an association with a bank, insurance company, or a government agency are forbidden from use in the name of a Pennsylvania corporation. A name availability search may be conducted online or by telephone with the Pennsylvania Department of State.
Directors
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An incorporated business in Pennsylvania requires at least one person to serve as the company's director. Pennsylvania state law doesn't require the director of a Pennsylvania corporation to reside in the state, unless the corporation's bylaws or articles of incorporation indicate otherwise. According to the Citizen Media Law Project website, directors of a Pennsylvania corporation must be at least 18 years of age.
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Articles of Incorporation
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Articles of Incorporation must be filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State to incorporate a business in the state of Pennsylvania. The name and physical address of the corporation must be stated. The number of directors must be indicated in the articles of incorporation. The name and physical address of the Pennsylvania corporation's resident agent must be provided in the company's articles of incorporation. The resident agent must be an adult, or registered business that agrees to accept legal process for a Pennsylvania corporation. The Pennsylvania Department of State's website provides a fill-in the blank articles of incorporation. In other instances, articles of incorporation may be obtained by mail, or in person. As of 2010, it costs $125 to file articles of incorporation in the state of Pennsylvania, as described on the Citizen Media Law Project website.
The Pennsylvania Department of State accepts articles of incorporation by mail, or in person.
Docketing Statement
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The state of Pennsylvania requires newly formed corporations to file a docketing statement along with the company's articles of incorporation. As explained on the Citizen Media Law Project website, a Pennsylvania corporation must include the name of the corporation, description of the company's activities, and the type of business on the docketing statement.
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Pennsylvania state law requires a corporation to publish an intent to file, or an actual filing filing of the company's articles of incorporation. The notice must be published in two publications, one of which may be a local newspaper, and the other a legal journal. The Pennsylvania Department of State may provide a corporation with information regarding what publications are acceptable. Proof of advertising should be kept amongst the Pennsylvania corporation's business records.
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