How to File Articles of Incorporation Online
In the age of the Internet and computers, filing for articles of incorporation has been streamlined. There are websites dedicated to completing this process efficiently, but it can be cheaper and quicker to do it yourself through your state's small business website.
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Instructions
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Choose the form you want to file electronically by checking your state's official website. It is downloadable from the section devoted to small businesses or corporations.
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2
Choose a unique name for your corporation. Each state has regulations about this step. You may be restricted in choosing a name that is the same as another incorporated business in the state, or it may be required to contain the words "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company," or "Limited," or their abbreviations "Corp.," "Inc.," "Co.," or "Ltd."
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Select the number of shares your corporation will have the authority to issue (initially) and the value of each share. Be sure to talk about this with all (if any) of your business partners and come to a consensus that is stipulated in the company's operating agreement.
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4
Fill out the address where the corporation will be located.
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Fill out the address of the registered agent, who is the person filing for the articles of incorporation. You will need only one registered agent.
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Fill out any additional information as required by the state: additional incorporators, the type of trade the business will be conducting, or other data.
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Determine the fee needed to file the incorporation and remit the money to the state.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to choose a name that has not been trademarked in another state or nationally.
References
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