What are articles of incorporation?

Definition

Articles of incorporation mean the legal documents filed with a government authority to formally establish a corporation. Sometimes referred to as a “certificate of incorporation” or “corporate charter,” these articles define the company’s basic structure, purpose, and governance framework.

They are typically submitted to a state or national corporate registry when the company is first formed.

What articles of incorporation include

While the exact content may vary by jurisdiction, articles of incorporation usually include:

• The corporation’s legal name
• Purpose of the corporation
• Registered office address
• Name and address of the registered agent
• Type and number of authorized shares
• Names of the incorporators
• Initial directors or board members (in some cases)

Once approved, the articles become a public document and serve as the foundation for corporate governance.

Why articles of incorporation matter

These documents:

• Grant the company legal recognition and limited liability
• Establish the company’s right to operate and enter contracts
• Define the company’s legal obligations and structure
• Set the groundwork for creating bylaws and appointing a board of directors

Without properly filed articles of incorporation, a company cannot be considered a legal entity.

Quick summary

• Articles of incorporation mean the official documents used to register a corporation
• They define the company’s structure, purpose, and governance rights
• Filing them is the first legal step in forming a corporation

Related terms

• Bylaws
• Board of directors
• Corporate governance