What Are the Steps to Get the Certificate of Incorporation?
If you are creating a new corporation in your state, you are required to register the business with the state regulatory office. Registration is done via the certificate of incorporation. In some states, it is called the “articles of incorporation” instead. The certificate of incorporation is only filed in the state where you incorporate the business.
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Paperwork Required
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A single form is generally all the paperwork that is required to obtain your certificate of incorporation. The form is actually called “certification of incorporation” or “articles of incorporation,” as it varies by state. You can obtain the form from your state’s Secretary of State office in person or by visiting the office’s website.
Filing Procedure
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The form must be completely filled out by one of the owners of the new business. Information required on the form usually includes the name of the corporation, the registered office and agent of the corporation, the lifespan of the corporation, the names of the directors of the corporation, the total number and value of stock shares authorized and the type of business that will be conducted by the organization. The form must be signed by the owner and submitted to the Secretary of State office.
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Fees
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When you are ready to file your certification of corporation form, you must pay a filing fee. The fee varies by state and must be paid to your Secretary of State office. Usually a minimum filing fee is listed. This is because the fee amount is typically based on the number of authorized shares you list on the form. For example, in Oklahoma the minimum fee is $50 with a fee calculation of $1 per $1,000 in share value. Once the form is filed with the fee, you will receive a stamped, filed copy for your records.
Other Requirements
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The registered office listed on your certificate of corporation must be the same office where you conduct business. It must also be a physical address and not a post office box. However, the registered agent can be anyone in the state. Unless you state otherwise, the lifespan of the corporation will be perpetual. A minimum of one director is required to be listed on the form.
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