How to Become Incorporated in Pennsylvania
A corporation is formed to establish a separate legal entity. Incorporating the business limits the liability of the owners in regards to the corporation's debts and legal affairs. Applicants for business incorporation need to contact the Pennsylvania Department of State to register their business. An Articles of Incorporation application and docketing statement must be filed. Additionally, a notice of your intent to form a corporation must be published in two newspapers.
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Instructions
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Ensure that the name you are registering is not already registered. Corporation names must be different from previously registered corporations. If your name is already taken, you can contact the registered corporation and ask them to complete the Consent to Appropriation or Use of Similar Name. This form is submitted with your application.
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Publish your intent to file for incorporation in two newspapers. Your publication must contain the corporation name and a statement that the corporation has been organized under provisions of the BCL of 1988. If possible, the Secretary of State prefers one publication be a legal journal.
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Register online or by mail. Only one method is necessary.
Register Online
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Register an account with the Online Business Registration Interview system. You should select the link provided to register on the OBRI system. Once you are registered, log in to the system.
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Select the option to register a new business. You need to provide your business structure, share information, legal name, address and date of operation.
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Print the signature form and mail it to the address on the form. Provide additional documentation if requested such as the docketing statement or proof of publication. As of 2010, there is a $125 fee, which can be paid electronically by credit card. Pay an additional $52 fee if you want a certificate to be generated. You receive free confirmation by mail that your registration is processed. Allow 7 to 10 business days for your registration to be processed.
Register by Mail
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Fill out the Articles of Incorporation. This form is available on the Department of State website. You need to provide your business name, address, share information, contact information for each incorporator, the date the corporation goes into effect and a registered office address. This office address is required information in order to be served legal documents.
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Complete the docketing statement. You need to provide your entity name, individual responsible for tax reports, employer identification number, effective date and date your fiscal year ends.
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Mail your application, docketing statement, proof of publication and the $125 fee to:
Department of State
Corporation Bureau
P.O. Box 8722
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722Make your check or money order payable to the Department of State. Mail an additional $52 fee if you want a certificate to be generated. You receive free confirmation by mail that your registration is processed. Allow 7 to 10 business days for your registration to be processed.
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Tips & Warnings
You can contact the Department of State at 717-787-1057 with additional questions.
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Comments
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I just called the PA Dept of State and asked about the total fee for incorporating. She said it was $125 and you DID NOT have to pay an additional $52 to receive a certificate. They send you the certificate at no charge after you have paid the $125.
