Short answer: In the United States, articles of incorporation are filed with the state agency that handles business registrations for the state where you choose to form the corporation. In most states this is the Secretary of State (SOS). Some states use a different agency but still publish the forms and filing fees on their official site. The common habit is to file in the state where the business is physically located or where you intend to operate, though you can choose to form in another state if desired. Details to consider
- Where to file
- Primary option: Secretary of State or equivalent business filing agency in the state of formation.
- Alternatives: Some states use a dedicated corporate filing office or a state department of commerce; check the official state site for the exact agency name.
- How to file
- Most states provide an online filing platform; paper forms are typically available as well.
- Required information generally includes: proposed corporate name, principal office address, registered agent with address in the state, number of authorized shares, par value (if any), purpose of the corporation, and names and addresses of incorporators.
- Filing can be done by the incorporator or a designated attorney/agent; one or more incorporators are typically needed.
- Fees and processing
- Filing fees vary by state, commonly in the range of roughly $100–$300, with potential additional fees for expedited processing, amendments, or name reservations.
- After filing
- Once approved, the state issues a certificate of incorporation or articles of incorporation, and the corporation becomes a legal entity.
- You may need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS and fulfill any state or local licensing or tax registration requirements.
State-specific steps (typical path)
- Choose state of formation (home state vs. a different state with favorable laws).
- Prepare articles of incorporation per state form and instructions.
- File online or by mail with the designated state office (often the SOS).
- Pay the filing fee and wait for confirmation.
- Receive the issued certificate of incorporation and record it in your corporate records.
If you’d like, provide your target state (or whether you want to form in your home state or a different one), and I can give a concise, state-specific outline of the exact filing office, required forms, typical information requested, and current fee range.
