How to File Articles of Incorporation in West Virginia

Starting your own business is a big step. To improve your chances for success, you need to make the right decisions. Incorporating your West Virginia business entity may be the smart choice for you. West Virginia Articles of Incorporation are filed with the Secretary of State (SOS) under Section 31D-2-202 of the West Virginia Business Corporation Act.

Once you get approval for your Articles of Incorporation, you can start operating your business as a newly formed corporation. Keep in mind that the information you provide on your form will be in the public domain and available to anyone for review.

How to Complete the Articles of Incorporation Form

The West Virginia Secretary of State requires every domestic (in-state) for-profit entity that wishes to be incorporated to file Articles of Incorporation to conduct business within its borders. The SOS’s office accepts online and mail-in filings.

For Domestic Businesses

The fastest way to register a domestic corporation in West Virginia is to file Articles of Incorporation online. Here are the details you need to provide:

• Your business should have a unique and relevant name to get noticed. You must choose a name that doesn’t match any existing entity in the state. You can do a business name search at WV SOS – Business and Licensing – Corporations – Online Data Services.
• The number of shares that the corporation will be authorized to issue, along with the par value or a statement that the shares will have no listed value.
• Per Section 31-5-501 of the West Virginia Business Corporation Act, every organization in this state should have a registered agent. It may be listed as the Agent of Process on application forms. A registered agent can be an individual or business entity with a street address located in the state. However, your corporation cannot act in this capacity. To reduce your stress and worries about being in the office during standard business hours, use our registered agent services.
• The name and address of each incorporator of the business.
• The specific purpose for the formation of the business entity.
• An email address where notices and reminders to file annual reports may be sent.
• The physical address of your principal office.
• Signature of each incorporator or organizer with the date.

For Foreign Businesses

A foreign business refers to an entity incorporated in another state or country but looking to do business in West Virginia. If your business falls into this category, you need to file an Application for Certificate of Authority with the West Virginia Secretary of State. Per section 31D-15-1501, provide the following information to file this form:

• Name of your foreign corporation.
• State what state it was formed in.
• The date of incorporation and the period of existence.
• The complete address of the registered principal office.
• Name and address of the registered agent.
• Business addresses and details of current managers, officers, and directors.
• Purpose for conducting business in West Virginia.
• Email address for receiving official notices and reminders.

Foreign corporations must also submit a Certificate of Good Standing (or the equivalent) from state where you initially incorporated.

How to Select a Business Name in West Virginia

Find a suitable business name in compliance with section 31D-4-401 at West Virginia Code | §31D-4-401 (wvlegislature.gov). Your business entity should have a distinguishable name that’s not being used by another West Virginia business. If a similar one is in use by another entity, your filing may be rejected by the SOS.

When you find a unique name you like, you’ll need to decide on an official corporation designator to add to it. In West Virginia, you can choose from any of the following approved designators or their abbreviations for your corporate name: Corporation (Corp.); Incorporated (Inc.); Company (Co.); Limited (Ltd.); or Foundation (only for nonprofit corporations).

To check name availability, call the State Business Division or conduct an online search via the official database. If you need more time to register your documents, you may reserve your name. It’ll keep your name available for 120 days from the reservation filing.

Optional Information to File West Virginia Articles of Incorporation

Your Filing for West Virginia incorporation may include some information as defined by Section 31D-2-202. Per the statute, you don’t have to furnish the following:

• Any provisions not covered by the West Virginia Business Corporation Act
• Names and addresses of initial directors
• Company’s bylaws

Include these supplemental forms if they apply

• Provide your state license for incorporating.
• Form SMD-1 if the business is a scrap metal dealer.
• Veterans Affairs Form DD214 for exemption from the filing fee.
• Foreign entities also have to submit a Certificate of Good Standing or Certificate of Existence. This legal document, issued in the state of incorporation, certifies your compliance with state laws there.

How to Submit the Articles of Incorporation Form

The SOS office accepts mail-in filings as well as online filings. Filing online is the quickest method.

Conclusion

Once your Articles of Incorporation are submitted and processed successfully, your business is officially recognized as a corporation by the state of West Virginia. If you’re looking for a little assistance in the process, ZenBusiness can help you complete your articles with our business formation plans.