Articles of Incorporation, often called a Certificate of Incorporation in some states like New York, is the primary legal document filed with a state government to officially create a corporation. Think of it as the birth certificate for your business entity. This document signifies the transition from a business idea to a legally recognized corporate structure, granting it rights and responsibilities separate from its owners. It's a mandatory step for anyone looking to establish a C-corp or S-corp in the United States, setting the stage for its operations, governance, and legal standing. Without properly filing Articles of Incorporation with the relevant Secretary of State's office, your business simply does not exist as a corporation in the eyes of the law. This means you cannot operate as a corporate entity, benefit from limited liability protections, or raise capital through stock issuance. The information contained within the Articles is crucial, as it establishes the fundamental framework of the corporation, including its name, purpose, and structure. It’s the bedrock upon which all subsequent corporate actions and compliance will be built.
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