🔹 Definition
Articles of Incorporation (AOI) are formal legal documents filed with a government agency—such as a state authority or business registry—to legally form a corporation. This filing is a mandatory step for a business to operate as a legally recognized corporate entity. The document typically includes key corporate information such as the company’s name, registered address, business purpose, share structure, and the identity of its registered agent (agent for service of process).
Filing Articles of Incorporation not only establishes the company’s legal status but also offers important protections and benefits. These include limited liability for company owners in the event of litigation and access to corporate tax advantages. Additionally, filing the AOI is often a prerequisite for activities such as issuing stock, raising capital, or opening a corporate bank account.
Once filed, Articles of Incorporation become part of the public record, allowing regulators, investors, and business partners to verify the company’s basic legal information. This is particularly important in Know Your Business (KYB) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance processes. While the information promotes transparency, it can also be amended after filing—so the original version may not reflect the most current corporate details.
🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is included in the Articles of Incorporation?
The filing typically includes:
- Company name and business purpose
- Registered office address
- Agent for service of process
- Authorized share capital and share types
- Names and addresses of directors and incorporators
Q2: Why is filing the AOI important?
It gives the company legal existence, protects the owners from personal liability, enables fundraising through equity, and allows the company to benefit from corporate tax structures.
Q3: Is the AOI required for KYB or AML compliance?
Yes. Regulatory bodies and financial institutions often request the Articles of Incorporation during KYB or onboarding processes to verify the legitimacy and legal standing of a corporate client.
Q4: Can the Articles of Incorporation be changed after filing?
Yes. Companies can amend their Articles of Incorporation as their structure or operations evolve. However, the original filing remains on public record for reference.
