New York Articles of Incorporation

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What Are New York 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:New York Department of State - Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code
Form:

Certificate of Incorporation

Filing Method:

Mail, in-person, fax, or online.

Agency Fee:

$125 + optional $25-150 expedite fee

Turnaround:

~2-4 weeks for standard processing

Law:

New York BSC Law §§ 401-409

Notes:
  • If faxing, use the Credit Card Authorization form.
  • The NY Division of Corporations accepts check, money order or credit card.
  • The Department of State will issue an official filing receipt that contains the filing date, which is also the date of incorporation.

For Domestic Professional Corporations:

Agency:New York Department of State - Division of Corporations, State Records and Uniform Commercial Code
Form:

Certificate of Incorporation (professional service)

Agency Fee:

$125


Other Helpful New York Facts

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


New York Directors

  • Number: One or more required.
  • Qualifications: None.
  • Quorum: Majority of directors, unless articles of incorporation fixes a different number. No less than one third.

New York Officers

  • As stated in the bylaws or as determined by the Board.

New York Bylaws

  • Required: Yes.

New York Annual Shareholder Meeting

  • Required: Yes.
  • Action by written consent: Allowed if by all shareholders entitled to vote on the action.

New York Shareholders

  • Qualifications: N/A
  • Stock Certificate: Required.
  • Voting Trusts Allowed: Yes.

Helpful Tools

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