How to Find and Verify Articles of Incorporation | A Business Owner’s Guide

“The Articles of Incorporation are not just legal paperwork; they are the blueprint that defines your company’s identity and future.”

A recent study by Plaid surveyed over 400 lending leaders, revealing that 61% have experienced document fraud. It is identified as the most significant fraud threat they faced. The rising fraud risks and verifying the authenticity of corporate documents have become more critical than ever. 

The above case highlights the need for businesses and investors to ensure the credibility of corporate filings before making financial decisions. Ensuring legitimacy and transparency depends on the company’s legal documents. 

The articles of incorporation are one of the fundamental documents serving as the foundation of an organization.

What are Articles of Incorporation?

Articles of Incorporation are the legal documents that officially create an organization. They include all the basic information related to the business like company name, purpose, address, owners, and stock details. These documents are filed with the state’s authority when starting a business. 

Once the documents are approved, the firm becomes a legal entity, meaning it can sign contracts, operate as a separate business from its owners, and pay taxes. In order to be recognized legally as a corporation, a business must integrate some rules by opting for certain steps and decisions required under corporate law.

Explore the Role they Play in Establishing a Business Legally

The articles of incorporation are also referred to as “articles of association” and “certificates of incorporation.” They officially establish a business legally, allowing it to operate under the laws. These documents protect personal assets from the company’s debts or lawsuits as they separate the business from its owners.

The company’s articles of incorporation help the company to qualify for tax advantages that a sole proprietorship does not receive. Furthermore, the corporation can issue shares and attract investors to grow. Let’s explore the establishment of the firm with an example:

Imagine a startup – TechGrow Solutions is willing to attract investors, and by filing articles of incorporation, it becomes a legal organization. This enables the firm to sell shares and protect the founder’s personal assets while gaining the client’s trust. Moreover, the investors feel safer knowing that the company is legally registered, helping TechGrow to expand successfully.

Differentiating Articles of Incorporation Vs. Articles of Organization

Articles of incorporation are ideal for businesses planning to raise capital through public and private stock offerings. Whereas articles of organization are favored by smaller or privately held companies that pass through taxation and have less formal management structure.

Explore the following key points illustrating the distinct purposes and benefits of each set of documents while highlighting their roles.

Where to Find Articles of Incorporation?

Finding articles of incorporation can be challenging because not every state provides open-source data to its citizens. However, every state has its own websites, registries, and databases that keep records of all businesses and their legal documents. Some of the available sources include:

• State government websites
• Business registries
• Legal service providers 

These sources help you locate the articles of incorporation for the given business name. Whether an entity is searching for an existing corporation or preparing to file its own documents, government websites, and open sources are the easiest gateway. 

Moreover, businesses that aim to collaborate with other companies can utilize The KYB to access the official business filings.

How to Verify and Check Articles of Incorporation

Accessing the Articles of Incorporation is one step; however, identifying and verifying the legal documents is crucial to any business verification procedure. In order to check articles of incorporation, a business should follow the steps elaborated below:

• Access AOI from official sources like government websites, registries, or databases. Make sure to enter an accurate URL or business name 
• Review the business name, registration number, and  filing date from the documents and database to ensure that the data is current,
• Confirm the incorporation details, share structures, and authorized capitals.
• Cross-check the document’s legitimacy and confirm that the company is reviewing the updated version.
• Use multiple sources to verify the details, including legal service providers or third-party databases.

Businesses can follow the above-discussed steps to verify the articles of incorporation. However, the process can be lengthy and time-consuming. Moreover, in most cases, businesses are required to carry out the procedure manually. 

Therefore, The KYB can be your go-to solution to the problem. It can assist businesses with accessing all the legal documents by just entering the business name. It also ensures that information is accurately verified and assesses the authenticity of a corporation’s article of incorporation while reducing the risk of errors.

Common Pitfalls and Red Flags to Look Out for

Businesses should look for these pitfalls and red flags to avoid any reputational or financial damage. 

• Missing or altered details 
• Outdated information
• Inconsistent data across the sources 
• Unverified sources 
• Non-official copies

AOI’s Purpose and Impact on Business Operations

Legal foundation is one of the primary reasons for a business to file articles of incorporation, as it sets the groundwork for all subsequent corporate actions. These legal documents outline how the business will be governed while specifying the roles and responsibilities of its shareholders, officers, and directors.

The structured approach assists in developing clear decision-making procedures. Moreover, these articles ensure that the business adheres to all the legal requirements. It functions as a public record, enabling regulators, investors, and other stakeholders to validate that the firm complies with all applicable laws.

Verified AOI prevents fraud and misrepresentation of the business while facilitating due diligence. In summary, AOI is not only vital for establishing a business but also for guiding internal operations and ensuring transparency.

Verify Articles of Incorporation with The KYB Solutions 

Are you a business owner looking to attract investors and stakeholders? The KYB solution ensures your articles of incorporation are accurate and up-to-date. With complete business verification, you can validate a corporation’s foundation through The KYB portal. 

Whether you’re a startup positioning to secure investors or an established company streamlining its compliance processes, take action now to protect your firm’s reputation. Our team will assist you through the process.

Proper verification of AOI will foster transparency and reduce risk rates while building strong relationships in the competitive market. Start your business verification journey today and ensure compliance with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Get Articles of Incorporation?

Articles of Incorporation can be obtained by accessing the official business registration website of the relevant state or by contacting the state agency responsible for corporate filings, typically the Secretary of State’s office. 

What Do Articles of Incorporation Look Like?

Articles of Incorporation are formal legal documents that establish a corporation’s existence and outline its fundamental structure, including details such as the company’s name, purpose, registered agent, and share distribution. 

What Is The Difference Between LLCs and Articles Of Incorporation?

Limited liability companies (LLCs) are distinct business entities that offer flexibility in management and pass-through taxation, governed by an operating agreement rather than strict corporate formalities. 

In contrast, Articles of Incorporation are the foundational legal documents filed with state authorities to establish a corporation, outlining key elements such as corporate structure, share issuance, and governance protocols.

Where Do I Find A Company’s Articles Of Incorporation?

A company’s Articles of Incorporation can typically be found on the official website of the state agency responsible for business filings, often the Secretary of State. Additionally, one may obtain these documents by directly contacting the relevant state office to request a certified copy.