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Document Sample

California Articles of Incorporation Template

These Articles of Incorporation are prepared in accordance with the California Corporations Code. By completing this document, you can create a corporation that is legally recognized in the state of California. Please fill in the blanks where indicated.

Article I: Name of the Corporation

The name of the corporation is:

Article II: Purpose

The purpose of the corporation is to:

Article III: Business Address

The current address of the corporation's principal office is:

Street Address:

City:

State: CA

Zip Code:

Article IV: Agent for Service of Process

The name and address of the agent for service of process is:

Name:

Street Address:

City:

State: CA

Zip Code:

Article V: Authorized Shares

The total number of shares which this corporation is authorized to issue is:

Article VI: Initial Directors

The number of initial directors and their names and addresses are as follows:

  1. Name: - Address:
  2. Name: - Address:
  3. Name: - Address:

Article VII: Incorporator

The name and address of the incorporator is:

Name:

Street Address:

City:

State: CA

Zip Code:

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the incorporator has executed these Articles of Incorporation on this day of , .

Signature of Incorporator: _________________________

Form Data

Fact Name Description
Purpose The California Articles of Incorporation form is used to establish a corporation in California.
Governing Law This form is governed by the California Corporations Code, specifically Sections 200-220.
Filing Requirement Corporations must file the Articles of Incorporation with the California Secretary of State to legally form the entity.
Information Required The form requires details such as the corporation's name, purpose, agent for service of process, and the number of shares authorized.
Filing Fees A filing fee is required when submitting the Articles of Incorporation, which varies based on the type of corporation.
Processing Time The typical processing time for the Articles of Incorporation can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the workload of the Secretary of State's office.

California Articles of Incorporation - Usage Guidelines

After completing the California Articles of Incorporation form, you will need to file it with the California Secretary of State. This process includes submitting the form along with any required fees. Make sure to keep a copy for your records.

  1. Obtain the California Articles of Incorporation form from the California Secretary of State's website or office.
  2. Fill in the name of your corporation. Ensure it complies with California naming requirements.
  3. Provide the purpose of the corporation. Be clear and concise about the business activities.
  4. Enter the address of the corporation's initial registered office. This must be a physical address in California.
  5. List the name and address of the initial agent for service of process. This person will receive legal documents on behalf of the corporation.
  6. Indicate the number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue. Specify the class of shares if applicable.
  7. Include the names and addresses of the incorporators. These are the individuals responsible for forming the corporation.
  8. Sign and date the form. Ensure that the signature is from one of the incorporators.
  9. Review the completed form for accuracy and completeness.
  10. Submit the form along with the required filing fee to the California Secretary of State.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the California Articles of Incorporation form, it’s essential to get it right. Here’s a helpful list of things to do and avoid:

  • Do ensure you have a clear business name that complies with California naming rules.
  • Do provide accurate information about your business's purpose.
  • Do include the names and addresses of the initial directors.
  • Do specify the type of corporation you are forming (e.g., nonprofit, for-profit).
  • Don’t leave any required fields blank; incomplete forms can delay processing.
  • Don’t forget to sign the form; a missing signature can lead to rejection.
  • Don’t use abbreviations or acronyms in the business name unless they are standard.
  • Don’t ignore the filing fees; ensure you include the correct payment to avoid delays.

Taking these steps will help ensure a smoother incorporation process in California. Good luck with your new venture!

Common mistakes

  1. Failing to provide a specific name for the corporation. The name must be unique and not too similar to existing entities.

  2. Not including the correct business purpose. A vague or overly broad purpose may lead to rejection.

  3. Omitting the agent for service of process. This is crucial for legal notifications.

  4. Incorrectly stating the number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue. Ensure this aligns with your business plan.

  5. Using an inappropriate address for the corporation's initial office. The address must be a physical location in California.

  6. Not signing the form. All incorporators must sign the Articles of Incorporation.

  7. Failing to include the incorporator's information. This includes names and addresses of those forming the corporation.

  8. Ignoring filing fees. Ensure you include the correct payment for processing the form.

  9. Submitting the form without double-checking for errors. Typos or incorrect information can delay processing.

  10. Not considering additional documents that may be required. Depending on the business type, other filings might be necessary.