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Legally form your corporation in any US state with professionally drafted Articles of Incorporation. Define your stock structure, appoint directors, designate a registered agent, and establish governance provisions with our comprehensive template.
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Articles of Incorporation are the foundational legal document filed with a U.S. state government to formally create a corporation. Also known as a Certificate of Incorporation or Corporate Charter in some American states, this document establishes the corporation as a separate legal entity with its own rights, obligations, and liability protections. Filing articles is the first step in the incorporation process and is required in every US state.
The articles define the essential characteristics of the U.S. corporation, including its name, purpose, stock structure, registered agent, and initial directors. They serve as the corporation's constitutional document, setting the framework for how the business will be governed. Once filed and approved by the American Secretary of State, the corporation can open bank accounts, enter into contracts, issue stock, and conduct business as a legal entity separate from its owners.
Properly drafted Articles of Incorporation protect U.S. founders by establishing clear ownership structures, limiting director liability, and providing indemnification provisions. They are especially important for corporations seeking outside investment, as American venture capitalists and institutional investors require specific stock provisions, preferred share classes, and governance protections before funding a U.S. startup.
Doxuno's Articles of Incorporation template includes all essential sections required to form a corporation in any US state. Each section is customizable to match your specific business needs, state requirements, and governance preferences.
Filing Articles of Incorporation involves several key decisions about your corporation's structure and governance. Our template walks you through each requirement step by step, ensuring your filing meets state requirements and establishes a strong legal foundation for your business.
Select the state where you want to incorporate and choose a unique corporation name. Verify name availability through your state's Secretary of State website. Include the required corporate designator such as Inc., Corp., Incorporated, Corporation, or Ltd. as required by state law. Consider Delaware or Nevada if you want specialized corporate law benefits.
Appoint a registered agent who will accept legal documents, tax notices, and official correspondence on behalf of the corporation. The agent must have a physical street address in the state of incorporation and be available during normal business hours. You can use an individual, an attorney, or a professional registered agent service.
Specify the total number of authorized shares, par value per share, and whether you will have a single class of common stock or add preferred shares. Lower par values reduce filing fees in many states. If you plan to raise venture capital, including a class of preferred stock is strongly recommended for investor requirements.
Name the initial board of directors and designate corporate officers such as President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Define governance provisions including director indemnification, limitation of liability, preemptive rights, cumulative voting, and the process for amending the articles. These provisions establish your corporate governance framework from day one.
Submit the completed Articles of Incorporation to the Secretary of State in your chosen state along with the required filing fee. Filing fees vary by state, ranging from approximately $50 to $500. Many states offer online filing for faster processing. Keep copies of all filed documents, the stamped approval, and your filing receipt for your corporate records.
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Drafted with legal expertise for each jurisdiction, far more thorough than AI-generated drafts that copy generic clauses across borders.
Templates carrying statute references are continuously updated as the law changes. Your document always reflects the current legal framework.
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Articles of Incorporation are governed by each state's business corporation act, with most states following the Model Business Corporation Act (MBCA) as a framework. Understanding the legal requirements and strategic considerations ensures your corporation is properly formed and positioned for growth.
This template is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For complex corporate structures, multi-class stock arrangements, or professional corporations, consult a licensed business attorney in your jurisdiction.
Reviewed by legal professionals. The content on this page and the template clauses have been reviewed by licensed attorneys in the United States to ensure accuracy and legal soundness for standard corporate formation scenarios.
Each U.S. state has its own requirements for Articles of Incorporation, though most American states follow the Model Business Corporation Act (MBCA). Delaware uses its own General Corporation Law (DGCL), which offers unique advantages such as the Court of Chancery for resolving corporate disputes. Filing fees, required provisions, and processing times vary significantly between U.S. states. Always verify your chosen state's specific requirements before filing.
The stock structure defined in your articles has significant legal and financial implications. Authorized shares set the maximum number of shares the corporation can issue. Par value affects state filing fees and franchise taxes in some states. Many startups use a low par value like $0.001 per share to minimize initial costs. If you plan to seek venture capital, including preferred stock provisions from the start avoids the need for costly amendments later.
Most U.S. states allow corporations to include provisions in their articles that limit or eliminate director liability for monetary damages arising from breaches of fiduciary duty, except in cases involving intentional misconduct or knowing violations of law. Broad American indemnification provisions help attract qualified directors and officers by protecting them from personal liability when acting in good faith on behalf of the U.S. corporation.
Create professional Articles of Incorporation in minutes. Our template covers everything from stock structure and directors to governance provisions and state-specific requirements.
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