You can use the Articles of Incorporation to formally incorporate your for-profit corporation in California. Once completed, you need to file this Articles of Incorporation with the California Secretary of State.

This document is for a for-profit corporation and shouldn’t be used if you are wanting to incorporate a limited liability company, partnership or not-for-profit corporation.

What do the Articles of Incorporation cover?

This document contains only the information required by the California Corporations Code for a short form certificate. This includes:

• The name of the corporation - you need to provide a name for the corporation that complies with the naming requirements. Failure to do this will result in your Articles of Incorporations being rejected.

• The purpose of the corporation – This statement of purpose cannot be altered.

• The address of your registered agent for service of process – California law requires you to appoint a California registered agent who accepts legal correspondence and certain tax documents on behalf of your company.

• The corporate address.

• Classes of shares that can be issued.