Forms and Templates

Forms and Templates

Homepage Attorney-Approved Articles of Incorporation Document Printable Articles of Incorporation Form for the State of Pennsylvania

Guide to Writing Pennsylvania Articles of Incorporation

After completing the Pennsylvania Articles of Incorporation form, you will need to submit it to the Pennsylvania Department of State. This process involves ensuring that all required information is accurate and that the filing fee is included. Once submitted, the state will review your form and, if everything is in order, officially recognize your corporation.

  1. Obtain the Articles of Incorporation form from the Pennsylvania Department of State website or your local office.
  2. Fill in the name of your corporation. Ensure it complies with Pennsylvania naming requirements.
  3. Provide the registered office address in Pennsylvania. This must be a physical address, not a P.O. Box.
  4. List the names and addresses of the incorporators. These are individuals responsible for setting up the corporation.
  5. Indicate the purpose of your corporation. Be clear and concise about what your business will do.
  6. Specify the number of shares your corporation is authorized to issue, if applicable.
  7. Include any additional provisions that you wish to include in the Articles of Incorporation.
  8. Review the completed form for accuracy. Ensure all required sections are filled out correctly.
  9. Sign and date the form. Incorporators must sign to validate the document.
  10. Prepare the filing fee. Check the current fee amount on the Pennsylvania Department of State website.
  11. Submit the completed form along with the filing fee to the Pennsylvania Department of State. This can typically be done by mail or in person.

PDF Form Specs

Fact Name Description
Governing Law The Pennsylvania Articles of Incorporation are governed by the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988.
Purpose The form is used to legally establish a corporation in the state of Pennsylvania.
Filing Requirement To create a corporation, the Articles of Incorporation must be filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State.
Information Needed Essential information includes the corporation's name, address, and the names of its initial directors.
Duration The corporation can have a perpetual duration unless a specific duration is stated in the Articles.
Registered Office A registered office address in Pennsylvania is required for the corporation.
Signature Requirement The Articles must be signed by an incorporator, who can be an individual or an entity.
Filing Fee A filing fee is required when submitting the Articles of Incorporation, which varies based on the type of corporation.
Amendments Amendments to the Articles can be made, but they must be filed with the Department of State.
Public Access Once filed, the Articles of Incorporation become public records and can be accessed by anyone.

FAQ

What are the Pennsylvania Articles of Incorporation?

The Pennsylvania Articles of Incorporation is a legal document that establishes a corporation in the state of Pennsylvania. This form is essential for anyone looking to create a corporation, as it provides the state with basic information about the business, including its name, purpose, and structure. Filing this document is the first step in forming a corporation and is required by the Pennsylvania Department of State.

What information is required to complete the Articles of Incorporation?

To successfully complete the Articles of Incorporation, you will need to provide several key pieces of information:

  • The name of the corporation, which must be unique and not already in use by another business in Pennsylvania.
  • The purpose of the corporation, which can be general or specific.
  • The registered office address, which must be a physical address in Pennsylvania.
  • The names and addresses of the incorporators, who are the individuals responsible for setting up the corporation.
  • The number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue, if applicable.

How do I file the Articles of Incorporation?

Filing the Articles of Incorporation can be done online or by mail. If you choose to file online, you can visit the Pennsylvania Department of State's website and complete the form electronically. For mail submissions, print the completed form, sign it, and send it to the appropriate address along with the required filing fee. Make sure to keep a copy of the submitted form for your records.

What is the filing fee for the Articles of Incorporation?

The filing fee for the Articles of Incorporation in Pennsylvania varies depending on the type of corporation being formed. Generally, the fee ranges from $125 to $250. It is important to check the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website for the most current fee schedule, as fees may change over time.

How long does it take for the Articles of Incorporation to be processed?

The processing time for the Articles of Incorporation can vary. Typically, if filed online, you may receive confirmation within a few business days. Mail submissions may take longer, often up to two weeks or more, depending on the volume of applications being processed. To expedite your application, consider filing online.

What happens after my Articles of Incorporation are approved?

Once your Articles of Incorporation are approved, your corporation is officially formed. You will receive a Certificate of Incorporation from the Pennsylvania Department of State. With this certificate, you can open a business bank account, apply for necessary licenses and permits, and conduct business under your corporation's name. Remember to also comply with ongoing requirements, such as filing annual reports and maintaining good standing with the state.

Pennsylvania Articles of Incorporation Example

Pennsylvania Articles of Incorporation Template

These Articles of Incorporation are being executed in accordance with the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. This document is essential for establishing a corporation in the state of Pennsylvania.

Article I: Name

The name of the corporation is:

Article II: Duration

The duration of the corporation is:

Article III: Purpose

The purpose of the corporation is to:

Article IV: Registered Office

The address of the registered office in Pennsylvania is:

  • Street Address:
  • City:
  • County:
  • Zip Code:

Article V: Incorporators

The name and address of each incorporator are as follows:

  1. Name:
  2. Address:
  3. Name:
  4. Address:
  5. Name:
  6. Address:

Article VI: Directors

The number of directors of the corporation shall be:

Article VII: Additional Provisions

You may include additional provisions here:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the incorporator(s) have executed these Articles of Incorporation on this day of , .

Signature: _________________________

Name of Incorporator: