Startup Terms Glossary
What is a Certificate of Incorporation?
Certificates of incorporation, sometimes called articles of incorporation , are startup business filings registered within the state. They serve as official records of the startup’s formation.
The following elements are usually included in a certificate of incorporation:
- Element 1. Business name and principal address
- Element 2. Number of stock shares issued
- Element 3. Startup officer names
- Element 4. Purpose of the startup
- Element 5. Duration of the startup’s formation
You do not have to file your operating agreement when submitting your certificate of incorporation form. Your operating agreement is an internal company document that your startup doesn’t have to share with your local secretary of state’s office.
Certificate of Incorporation Examples
Examples of when startups need a certificate of incorporation include:
- Example 1. Legally operate in the state of business
- Example 2. Open and use a business bank account
- Example 3. Apply for professional permits and licenses
- Example 4. Hire and pay part-time and full-time employees
- Example 5. File and pay business and employer-related taxes
Check out this article about certificates of incorporation.
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Christopher N.
Christopher Nuneviller has practiced in the securities, venture capital, corporate and emerging business sectors, and as a contract-advisor to the federal government, a federal government senior level executive, and as Army Judge Advocate. Like you, he also he is a partner in other business ventures and faces the same pressure to succeed, be profitable, and stay sane, all while making his clients, employees, family and business partners happy. As the managing partner for Philadelphia's MNB Meridian Law, Ltd., his focus is on assisting small and mid-sized businesses grow and thrive. As a business generalist, Christopher provides advice and counsel to businesses, their owners, investors and shareholders on matters ranging from formation, organization, governance, routine and special operations, and growth toward IPO. Christopher is also a former U.S. Army Judge Advocate having served seven years in Washington, D.C. where he gained significant experience with "above the fold" matters of great import and an unhealthy insight into the internal workings of the "beltway" underbelly. Mr. Nuneviller is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and before the Supreme Court of the United States, the Court of Federal Claims, and the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
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I've been a Real Estate attorney for over 25 years. I handle real estate transactions, commercial collections, foreclosures, replevins, landlord tenant issues and small business matter.
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