Tennessee Articles of Incorporation: Definition, Purpose

Quick Facts — Articles of Incorporation Lawyers

What are Tennessee Articles of Incorporation?

Tennessee articles of incorporation, sometimes called a For-Profit Corporation Charter, is a legal document required by law to establish a corporation. Articles of incorporation notify the state that a corporation exists and what purpose the business will serve.

Many business owners choose to incorporate their company because this business entity provides important benefits like liability protection for directors, officers, and shareholders, and tax benefits.

How Do I Find Articles of Incorporation in Tennessee?

To find Tennessee business forms including articles of incorporation, you can visit the Businesses page on Tennessee’s Secretary of State Website. To find articles of incorporation, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the “Businesses page” from the Secretary of State website.
  2. Scroll down and click “Forms”.
  3. Find the form labeled “Charter For-Profit Corporation” and open it.

This brings you to a printable PDF form with detailed instructions on how to properly fill out and submit the form to the state.

Does Tennessee Require Articles of Incorporation?

Yes. Tennessee requires articles of incorporation for any company that is established as a corporation.

How Do I Fill Out Articles of Incorporation in Tennessee?

Articles of incorporation in Tennessee can be filled out by downloading and printing the PDF Charter form provided by the Secretary of State. This form requires the following information about your corporation:

  • Corporation name
  • Name consent or DBA
  • Name and address of the registered agent (must be a physical Tennessee address)
  • Duration of the corporation
  • Effective start date
  • Authorized shares of stock
  • Address of the principal office
  • At least one director’s name and address
  • Name and address of each incorporator

It is encouraged to consult with a business attorney who specializes in articles of incorporation to assist with drafting this legal formation document. Mistakes could result in the Secretary of State rejecting your articles and delaying the start of your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I hire a lawyer to draft articles of incorporation in Tennessee?

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If a company registers to do business in a state where it does not have a physical presence, it must designate a registered agent in that state to accept legal documents. This ensures compliance with state laws and provides a reliable way to receive official communications. A company can appoint itself as its registered agent to receive legal documents if it has a physical address in that state. In that situation, there would be no need to have a separate registered agent. Some business owners who work from home opt for a registered agent service, which can help protect privacy by keeping the individual's home address off public records. Feel free to reach out if you want a consultation or other legal services.

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