Pennsylvania Articles of Incorporation: Definition, Purpose

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What are Pennsylvania Articles of Incorporation?

Pennsylvania articles of incorporation is a formation document that must be filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State to legally establish a new corporation. Articles of incorporation serve as legal proof that your business has been registered with the state and in compliance with all business laws.

Once articles of incorporation are filed, you can run your business as corporation which includes distributing shares, drafting corporate bylaws, and appointing a board of directors.

Corporations provide shareholders and directors several benefits and it is a very popular business structure for new companies. Some benefits of establishing a corporation include:

How Do I Find Articles of Incorporation in Pennsylvania?

To find the articles of incorporation form for the state of Pennsylvania, you can follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of State website.
  2. Click on "Business & Charities” and select “Business" from the dropdown menu.
  3. In the menu on the right, click “Registration Forms”.

This brings you to a page with all the forms you will need to establish and run a corporation in Pennsylvania including articles of incorporation, name reservation, annual benefit report, and many more.

Each corporation and business entity will require different forms so it is important to understand which entity is right for your needs. If you are unsure which type of corporation or entity you should establish, it is always recommended to consult with a business attorney. An attorney can help you weigh the pros and cons of each business structure and help you choose the entity that suits your business needs.

Does Pennsylvania Require Articles of Incorporation?

Yes. In Pennsylvania articles of incorporation are mandatory to establish a new corporation. Pennsylvania also requires the following forms to accompany the articles of incorporation:

These forms should be submitted together with the articles if incorporation along with the appropriate filing fee.

Pennsylvania Articles of Incorporation Example

[Your Company Name]

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

[YOUR COMPANY NAME]

A Pennsylvania For-Profit Corporation

The name of this corporation is [Your Company Name].

The purpose for which this corporation is organized is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which a corporation may be organized under the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law.

This corporation is authorized to issue two classes of shares designated as "Common Stock" and "Preferred Stock." The total number of shares that this corporation is authorized to issue is [Total Number of Shares], of which [Number of Common Shares] shall be Common Stock, and [Number of Preferred Shares] shall be Preferred Stock.

  1. Voting Rights: Each holder of Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders.

B. Preferred Stock

  1. The Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series, each with such designation, rights, preferences, and limitations as the Board of Directors may determine by resolution. The Board of Directors is expressly granted the authority to determine and alter the rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions granted to or imposed upon any wholly unissued series of Preferred Stock.

IV. REGISTERED OFFICE

The address of the initial registered office of this corporation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is:

[Registered Office Street Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

The name and address of the incorporator are:

[Incorporator's Name] [Incorporator's Street Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

The number of directors constituting the initial board of directors is [Number of Directors], and the names and addresses of the persons who are to serve as the initial directors are:

[Director 1's Name] [Director 1's Street Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

[Director 2's Name] [Director 2's Street Address] [City, State, Zip Code]

[Additional Directors, if applicable]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being the incorporator hereinbefore named, has executed these Articles of Incorporation on this [Day] day of [Month], [Year].

[Note: This is a basic example of Articles of Incorporation for a for-profit business in Pennsylvania. Depending on the specific circumstances and requirements of your company, additional provisions may need to be included. It is always recommended to consult with an attorney or other qualified professional to ensure your Articles of Incorporation comply with all applicable laws and regulations.]

How Do I Fill Out Articles of Incorporation in Pennsylvania?

All articles of incorporation in Pennsylvania must include the following information:

Article 7 provides the option to add any other provisions which the corporation elects to include. If you are unsure if you need additional articles or have any questions about drafting this legal document, it is encouraged that you seek the advice of a business attorney. An attorney can provide drafting and review services and ensure that your articles of incorporation are free from mistakes and ready for filing.

Relevant Laws

See Articles of Incorporation by State

ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.

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Meet some of our Pennsylvania Articles of Incorporation Lawyers

Anand A.

Free Consultation Member Since:
July 17, 2022

Anand A.

Free Consultation Philadelphia, PA 10 Yrs Experience Licensed in NJ, PA Rutgers University School of Law

Anand is an entrepreneur and attorney with a wide-ranging background. In his legal capacity, Anand has represented parties in (i) commercial finance, (ii) corporate, and (iii) real estate matters throughout the country, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Arizona, and Georgia. He is well-versed in business formation and management, reviewing and negotiating contracts, advising clients on financing strategy, and various other arenas in which individuals and businesses commonly find themselves. As an entrepreneur, Anand is involved in the hospitality industry and commercial real estate. His approach to the legal practice is to treat clients fairly and provide the highest quality representation possible. Anand received his law degree from Rutgers University School of Law in 2013 and his Bachelor of Business Administration from Pace University, Lubin School of Business in 2007.

Angela H.

Attorney/Owner Free Consultation Member Since:
May 23, 2023

Angela H.

Attorney/Owner Free Consultation Pennsylvania 14 Yrs Experience Licensed in DC, PA University of Dayton

Angela Hayden is an accomplished and driven attorney with a diverse professional background that sets her apart. Having served as a former Assistant Public Defender in Allegheny County, Angela acquired invaluable expertise in navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system. Her trial experience spans a wide range of cases, from minor retail theft to complex criminal homicide, demonstrating her ability to deliver successful outcomes for her clients. Prior to her focus on criminal defense, Angela honed her skills in public policy and political consulting through her work with both the Pennsylvania and United States House of Representatives. This experience provided her with a deep understanding of the intricacies of public policy and the ability to offer strategic guidance to clients. Angela's career also took her to a civil defense firm, where she traveled across the country, defending clients in litigation. This experience enhanced her ability to handle complex civil matters and strengthened her litigation skills. In addition to her expertise in criminal defense and civil litigation, Angela has demonstrated her proficiency in employment law, providing guidance and consultation to small businesses and non-profit organizations. Her keen insight into employment law matters ensures that businesses operate within legal boundaries while fostering a positive work environment. Furthermore, Angela is a licensed realtor, well-versed in residential real estate transactions. This additional knowledge allows her to offer comprehensive legal support to clients involved in real estate matters, ensuring their interests are protected throughout the process. Angela holds a degree from Hampton University and obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law. She is pursuing a Master of Business Administration. She is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia, demonstrating her commitment to providing exceptional legal services in multiple jurisdictions. With her extensive experience and passion for achieving favorable outcomes for her clients, Angela Hayden is a dedicated advocate ready to guide you through your legal journey.