Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Articles of Incorporation
The process of incorporating a business requires a great deal of preparation3 min read
The process of incorporating a business requires a great deal of preparation. Not only must business structures, funding, strategies, and plans be considered, one must also file the Articles of Incorporation with the state. These articles serve as the legal document that officially registers the business with the State. Before signing and filing the Articles of Incorporation, business owners should familiarize themselves with the frequently asked questions about these documents.
What is a Certificate of Incorporation?
A Certificate of Incorporation is another name for Articles of Incorporation. This document is submitted to a State to register a corporation and is sometimes referred to as a charter document.
What Is the Purpose of Filing Articles of Incorporation?
The main purpose of filing Articles of Incorporation is to form a corporation. Doing so creates a legally distinct business entity in the eyes of the State, allowing the corporation to engage in activities such as entering into contracts, suing and being sued, and owning a bank account.
What Does a Typical Article of Incorporation Contain?
A typical Article of Incorporation contains basic information about the corporation, such as the name of the company, the purpose of the business, the registration date, the names of the incorporators, the nature of the business, the address, and the filing date.
What is a Registered Agent?
A Registered Agent is an individual (usually an attorney) who is designated to act as the point of contact for the corporation if it were ever to receive a notice from the State or other party.
Who Can Serve as the Corporation’s Registered Agent?
Registered Agents must meet several criteria set forth by the State. In Texas for example, a Registered Agent must (1) be a Texas resident and have a physical, street address in the State; (2) have a valid qualified address; and (3) not have any criminal convictions in the last five years.
Do I Need to Submit Filing Fees?
Yes. Fees for registering Articles of Incorporation vary from state to state. In Texas, the fees vary by total authorized capital and range from $25 to $750.
When Does My Corporation Become Active?
Your corporation becomes active when the State accepts and files your Articles of Incorporation. Each state has different regulations regarding how long this process may take. In Texas, the process is usually completed within one to three business days.
Do I Need to File Any Other Documents After Submitting the Articles of Incorporation?
Yes. After filing Articles of Incorporation, one must also file a Declaration of Formation, which contains additional information about the corporation such as its business activities and board members. The Declaration of Formation must also be filed with the State for the corporation to become active.
How Can I Find a Dallas-based Attorney for Assistance with My Articles of Incorporation?
UpCounsel offers experienced attorneys located in the Dallas-Fort Worth region who are knowledgeable about local regulations and can provide tailored legal services for filing Articles of Incorporation. Whether you need a one-time consult or an entire freelance legal department, UpCounsel’s network of experienced lawyers has you covered. From small businesses to the Fortune 1000, groundbreaking companies of all sizes trust UpCounsel and its attorney community to provide high quality, cost-effective legal services.
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