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articles of incorporation Finance Definition

This is a document that is filed by a company with the Secretary of State in the state where the company wants to incorporate. The articles include the names of the major shareholders, the officers, and the number of authorized shares, and describe the corporation’s purpose. They also list the registered address for the business. Once the articles are approved by the state, the corporation is issued a charter, or right to do business.

articles of incorporation Law Definition

n

A written agreement setting forth the basic structure of a corporation. The document normally includes the name, duration, and purpose of the corporation; the names and addresses of its initial board of directors; and the number and classes of shares of stock that it will be allowed to issue. Normally, the corporation is not legally created until the articles of incorporation are filed with a state government. See also by-law and charter.