Articles of Incorporation
Kentucky requires that new corporations file articles of incorporation with the Commonwealth Secretary of State. The articles are delivered by one or more incorporators (only one is required), whose primary duties are to sign the articles and deliver the original and two copies of the articles to the state office. The incorporator does not need to be a director, officer, or shareholder of the corporation.
The articles must include the following information:
- The name and address of each incorporator
- The number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue
- The address of the corporation’s principal office
- The signature of the registered agent accepting appointment as such, or a separately signed consent document
The Commonwealth of Kentucky allows corporations to be formed for any lawful business activity. There is no need to state a business purpose in the articles.
Kentucky does not require a statement of par value for stocks. To create one class of common shares with equal rights and preferences, simply state the number of shares. Incorporators typically authorize 1,000 shares in order to pay the minimum filing fee of $50. If you want to create special classes of shares, you must list them, together with the rights and restrictions associated with each.
It’s also allowable to include other optional provisions into the articles of incorporation for those who want to formalize additional criteria, such as:
- The names and addresses of the initial directors
- The corporate purpose(s)
- Regulating the powers of the corporation, its board, and shareholders
- A par value for authorized shares or classes of shares
- Personal liability of shareholders for corporate debts in certain situations
- Limitation of director liability to the corporation or its shareholders in certain situations
After the corporation has been formed, one copy of the articles of incorporation must be filed in the county where the corporation has its registered office.