The rules for Articles of Incorporation vary from state to state, but here are some general guidelines of items that should be featured on every corporation's Articles of Incorporation:
Corporation name: the terms incorporate, corporation, limited or some abbreviation must be included in the corporation's name.
Stock or non-stock: whether the corporation is issuing stock certificates or not. Stock corporations must also list the number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue.
Incorporator: the name of the person or persons organizing the corporation.
Board of Directors: names and contact information of the persons on the board of directors.
Initial Director: the name of the incorporator, registered agent or attorney that is designated as the initial director.
Registered Agent or Registered Office: location where legal papers can be served on the corporation.
You don't necessarily need an attorney to draw up your Articles of Incorporation, and you definitely don't need to struggle to write them on your own. At Rocket Lawyer, you can use our Articles of Incorporation to get it done very quickly and easily. Or, use our Incorporation Service to create your initial Articles of Incorporation and file them with the state. Whenever you need more help, we make it simple and affordable to talk to a lawyer.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.
