West Virginia Articles of Incorporation: Definition, Purpose

Quick Facts — Articles of Incorporation Lawyers

What are West Virginia Articles of Incorporation?

In West Virginia, articles of incorporation is a legal document that is required to establish a new corporation. This formation document must be filed and approved by the West Virginia Secretary of State before a corporation can begin operations.

The purpose of articles of incorporation are to establish your business as a legally operating corporation. Once your company is incorporated, you can request and EIN, open business bank accounts, and apply for the permits and licenses necessary to run a successful business.

How Do I Find Articles of Incorporation in West Virginia?

You can find an articles of incorporation form for West Virginia corporations by following these steps:

  1. Visit the West Virginia Secretary of State website.
  2. Click the ”Business” tab at the top of the page.
  3. Scroll down to “Forms and Fees” and click “Search Business and Licensing Forms”.
  4. In the search box, type “Articles of Incorporation”.

The search results will provide several forms, but for profit corporations you will need Form CD-1.

Does West Virginia Require Articles of Incorporation?

Yes. In West Virginia, you cannot form a corporation without filing articles of incorporation.

How Do I Fill Out Articles of Incorporation in West Virginia?

West Virginia articles of incorporation can be filled out using the state provided PDF, or by registering your company online on the WV One Stop Business Portal. Your articles of incorporation must include the following information:

  • The corporation name
  • The address of the principal office
  • Registered agent name and address
  • Email address for correspondence
  • Authorized shares
  • The purpose of the corporation
  • The name and address of each incorporator
  • The signature of each incorporator.

If you are unsure how to properly draft articles of incorporation, it is recommended that you hire a lawyer to assist you in drafting and filing these essential formation documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.


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Asked on Mar 28, 2021

When do I need articles of incorporation?

I want to start an LLC in Florida and have read about articles of incorporation. I want to understand what they are used for.

Jane C.

Answered Mar 29, 2021

You need articles of incorporation when you start a business, open a business bank account, and apply for a tax identification number. Disclaimer - This information is provided for general informational purposes only. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

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