Pennsylvania Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation
Nonprofit articles of incorporation is the document filed to create
a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation.
Preparing and filing your articles of incorporation is the first step in starting your
nonprofit corporation. Approval of this document secures your corporate name and
creates the legal entity of the
nonprofit. Only after this approval can you apply for 501c, apply for fundraising licenses,
open a bank account, and otherwise conduct business.
Benefits
Incorporating provides many important benefits:
- Limits the liability of directors, officers, and shareholders
- Fulfills statutory requirements to register your organization's
name
- Is a prerequisite for applying for 501(c) tax exemption
- Provides governance and adds credibility to the business or organization
Fast Facts
| Agency: | Pennsylvania Department of State - Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations - Business Program |
| Form: | Articles of Incorporation |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $125 |
| Turnaround: | ~5-10 business days. |
| Law: | 15 Pa.C.S. Subpart C |
| Notes: |
- You need to file a PA docketing statement with your articles.
- The $125 articles of incorporation fee is waived for veterans. Filers requesting a veteran/reservist-owned small business fee exemption should attach proof of the veteran’s or reservist’s status to the Articles of Incorporation form when submitted.
|
Other Helpful Pennsylvania Facts
As you are preparing to incorporate, keep in mind the following requirements specific
to Pennsylvania, keep in mind:
Pennsylvania Directors
- Number: minimum 1; default 3
- Qualifications: Natural person of full age (some exceptions). No residency requirement. No membership requirement.
- Term: 1 year
- Quorum: majority
- Committee: minimum 1 director
Pennsylvania Officers
- A president, a secretary, and a treasurer are required.
- The president and secretary must be natural persons of full age. The treasurer may be a corporation or a natural person of full age.
- Two or more offices may be held by the same individual.
Pennsylvania Members
- Members: If there are no members, then the directors act as members.
- Regular meeting: required annually
- Quorum: majority of entitled votes
Revised February 15, 2023. Complete data last reviewed February 15, 2023.
