How to Form a Corporation in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of State offers online and local services for businesses wanting to incorporate a business name. While the incorporation process is straightforward, some variations (i.e. license requirements) exist; verify the specific licensing requirements for your industry with the Department of State. An attorney is not necessary to incorporate a business, but is strongly encouraged to minimize error.
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Things You'll Need
- Business name
- Articles of incorporation
- Docketing statement
- Bylaws
- Licenses
- Board of Directors or Director
- Bank account
- Advertising space
Instructions
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Choose a business name that contains the words "corporation," "company," "incorporated" or "limited". An abbreviation can be used such as "Fictitious Co."
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Go to the Pennsylvania Department of State website and check the Name Availability database.
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3
Click, "Search for a Business Entity." Confirm the business is available.
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Register your business name as a federal and/or state trademark. This step is not compulsory.
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Name a director for the corporation. The person named must be of legal age (18 or older) and a permanent resident of Pennsylvania.
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Complete articles of incorporation. File with the Department of State, Corporations Bureau and pay the filing fee by check, money order or credit card.
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Submit a Docketing Statement to the Department of State. This statement should contain information such as the name and type of business you have incorporated and a description of the business. A filing fee is not required.
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8
Notify the general public of your incorporation. Purchase advertising space in two newspapers of general circulation.
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9
Establish your company's bylaws and hold a company meeting.
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10
Provide the board of directors and all original company members with stock certificates.
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Obtain licensure depending on the type of business you wish to incorporate. Contact the Pennsylvania Department of State about local licenses.
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Open a bank account and begin operating as a business.
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Tips & Warnings
Consult an attorney for additional assistance with your articles of incorporation.
This article is only intended for educational purposes.
