Articles of Incorporation

Articles of Incorporation, also known as the certificate of incorporation or corporate charter, set forth certain information as mandated by statute. The articles must be filed with the Secretary of State of the state where the corporation is formed, accompanied by a filing fee. In South Carolina, the filing fee for articles of incorporation is $110. The corporation starts to exist on the date that the articles of incorporation are filed with the Secretary of State.

The requirements of the articles may vary from state to state, but the basic requirements are generally the same everywhere. The basic articles of incorporation must indicate the name, the purpose of the corporation, the incorporators, the amount and type of stock being issued, and the corporation's registered office. In South Carolina, articles of organization must be reviewed and signed by an attorney to be effective.

Articles of Organization (LLC)

Articles of organization are similar to articles of incorporation. But instead of a corporation, articles of organization must be filed to establish a limited liability company (LLC). Articles of organization set initial statements required by law to form an LLC. Unlike articles of incorporation, however, articles of organization do not have to be signed by an attorney to be effective. The articles are also filed with the Secretary of State's office, accompanied by a filing fee. The filing fee in South Carolina is $110.