Nearly all small businesses should form entities to limit their exposure to civil liability in the form of lawsuits. In forming an entity, certain documents have to be filed with the state in question.
States
To the surprise of some, state law instead of federal law governs business entities. When form an entity, you should look to the Secretary of State for your jurisdiction to find out the filing requirements. Some states provide clear and concise information. Other states seem to enjoy making the process difficult and complex. Regardless, all of them have a web site for the Secretary of State.
Corporations
In most states, forming a corporation requires the filing of articles of incorporation. Articles of incorporation requirements differ by state, but typically require a statement of the name of the corporation, the number of authorized shares, the name and address of a registered agent and the name of the incorporator. The incorporator is typically the person signing the articles of incorporation. Once created, the articles are filed with the Secretary of State, which eventually will approve and return them to you. In most states, there is no...