Homepage Fillable Articles of Incorporation Form Attorney-Approved Articles of Incorporation Document for the State of Tennessee
Table of Contents

In Tennessee, the Articles of Incorporation form serves as a crucial document for anyone looking to establish a corporation within the state. This form outlines essential information about the business, including its name, purpose, and duration. It also requires details about the registered agent, who will be responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the corporation. Additionally, the Articles of Incorporation must specify the number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue and the names and addresses of the initial directors. By completing this form accurately, entrepreneurs can ensure compliance with state regulations, paving the way for their corporation to operate legally and effectively. Understanding the components of this form is essential for anyone embarking on the journey of starting a business in Tennessee.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Tennessee Articles of Incorporation form, it’s important to get it right the first time. Here are some key dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

  • Do ensure that all information is accurate and complete. Double-check names, addresses, and other details.
  • Do include the purpose of your corporation clearly. This helps define what your business will do.
  • Don't leave any required fields blank. Incomplete forms can lead to delays or rejections.
  • Don't forget to sign and date the form. An unsigned form is not valid.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a smoother process for your incorporation in Tennessee.

Tennessee Articles of Incorporation Sample

Tennessee Articles of Incorporation Template

These Articles of Incorporation are established in accordance with the Tennessee Business Corporation Act, TCA Title 48, Chapter 101.

The undersigned hereby forms a corporation under the Tennessee Business Corporation Act. The following provisions are set forth as required by law:

  1. Name of Corporation: _______________________________
  2. Duration: The duration of the corporation is perpetual.
  3. Principal Office: The address of the principal office of the corporation is:
    • _______________________________
  4. Registered Agent: The name and address of the registered agent in Tennessee is:
    • Name: _______________________________
    • Address: ____________________________
  5. Purpose: The purpose of this corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be incorporated in Tennessee.
  6. Incorporator: The name and address of the incorporator is:
    • Name: _______________________________
    • Address: ____________________________
  7. Number of Shares: This corporation is authorized to issue a total of __________ shares of stock.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the incorporator has executed these Articles of Incorporation on this ____ day of __________, 20__.

Incorporator Signature: _______________________________

Incorporator Printed Name: ______________________

Listed Questions and Answers

  1. What are Articles of Incorporation?

    Articles of Incorporation are legal documents that establish a corporation in the state of Tennessee. They outline the basic information about your business, including its name, purpose, and structure. This document is essential for your corporation to be recognized as a separate legal entity.

  2. Why do I need to file Articles of Incorporation?

    Filing Articles of Incorporation is necessary to legally form your corporation. It provides liability protection for the owners and establishes the corporation as a distinct legal entity. This means that the corporation can own property, enter contracts, and be liable for its own debts.

  3. What information is required in the Articles of Incorporation?

    You will need to include several key pieces of information in your Articles of Incorporation:

    • The name of the corporation
    • The purpose of the corporation
    • The registered agent's name and address
    • The number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue
    • The names and addresses of the incorporators
  4. How do I file the Articles of Incorporation in Tennessee?

    To file your Articles of Incorporation, you can submit the form online through the Tennessee Secretary of State's website or send a paper form by mail. Ensure that you include the required filing fee, which varies depending on the type of corporation you are forming.

  5. What is the filing fee for the Articles of Incorporation?

    The filing fee for Articles of Incorporation in Tennessee typically ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the type of corporation. It’s important to check the latest fee schedule on the Tennessee Secretary of State's website to ensure you have the correct amount.

  6. How long does it take for the Articles of Incorporation to be processed?

    Processing times can vary. Generally, online submissions are processed faster than paper filings. You can expect a turnaround time of about 3 to 5 business days for online filings, while paper submissions may take longer. Always check the current processing times for the most accurate information.

  7. Can I amend my Articles of Incorporation after filing?

    Yes, you can amend your Articles of Incorporation after they have been filed. If there are changes to your corporation's name, purpose, or structure, you will need to submit an amendment form to the Tennessee Secretary of State along with the required fee.

  8. What happens if I do not file Articles of Incorporation?

    If you fail to file Articles of Incorporation, your business will not be recognized as a corporation. This means you won’t receive the legal protections that come with incorporation, and you may be personally liable for any debts or legal issues that arise from your business activities.

  9. Do I need a lawyer to file Articles of Incorporation?

    While it is not mandatory to hire a lawyer to file Articles of Incorporation, it can be helpful if you have specific questions or complex circumstances. Many business owners successfully complete the filing process on their own using available resources and guidance.

PDF Characteristics

Fact Name Description
Governing Law The Tennessee Articles of Incorporation are governed by the Tennessee Business Corporation Act.
Purpose The form is used to legally establish a corporation in Tennessee.
Filing Requirement Filing the Articles of Incorporation is mandatory for all corporations wishing to operate in Tennessee.
Information Needed Key information required includes the corporation's name, registered agent, and principal office address.
Filing Fee A filing fee is required when submitting the Articles of Incorporation, which is subject to change.
Approval Timeline Typically, the processing time for the Articles of Incorporation is around 5 to 10 business days.
Amendments Once filed, any changes to the Articles of Incorporation require an amendment process.
Public Record The filed Articles of Incorporation become part of the public record and can be accessed by anyone.