Alabama Articles of Incorporation

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What Are Alabama Articles of Incorporation?

Preparing and filing your articles of incorporation is the first step in starting your business corporation. Approval of this document secures your corporate name and creates the legal entity of the corporation. Only after this approval can the corporation apply for tax IDs, obtain business licenses, sign contracts, and otherwise conduct business.

Incorporating provides many important benefits:

  • Limits the liability of directors, officers, and shareholders
  • Fulfills statutory requirements to register your business name
  • Provides governance and adds credibility

Fast Facts

For Domestic Corporations:

Agency:Alabama Secretary of State - Business Services Division
Form:

Domestic Business Corporation Certificate of Formation

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$200 + $8 processing fee if filing online

Law:

AL Code § 10A-2A-1.01 et seq.

Notes:

For Domestic Professional Corporations:

Agency:Alabama Secretary of State - Business Services Division
Form:

Domestic Business Corporation Certificate of Formation

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$200 + $8 processing fee if filing online

Law:

AL Code § 10A-4-1.01 et seq.


Other Helpful Alabama Facts

As you are preparing to incorporate, keep in mind the following requirements specific to Alabama.


Alabama Directors

  • Number: One or more required.
  • Qualifications: Natural person at least 19 years of age. No shareholder requirement. No residency requirement.
  • Quorum: Majority of directors, unless otherwise fixed in bylaws.

Alabama Officers

  • As provided in the bylaws.

Alabama Bylaws

  • Required: Yes.

Alabama Annual Shareholder Meeting

  • Required: Yes, but no consequence to not holding one.
  • Action by written consent: Allowed if by all shareholders entitled to vote on the action.

Alabama Shareholders

  • Qualifications: N/A
  • Stock Certificate: not required.
  • Voting Trusts Allowed: Yes.

Helpful Tools

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