How to File Articles of Incorporation in Idaho

Completing and filing your Idaho Articles of Incorporation is necessary for forming a corporation. We’ll walk you through the form and show you how to submit it to the state. We’ll also provide you with helpful tips to make the most out of the filing process and overall registration of the business.

The Importance of Filing Idaho Articles of Incorporation

One of the main components of business documents is the Articles of Incorporation. Our section on how to form an Idaho corporation goes into more detail.

You must submit this document to the Idaho Secretary of State’s office. Statute 30 governs these forms and includes Chapters 1 through 40. Chapters 1, 5, 29, and 30 are important when filing Articles of Incorporation.

Once the articles are processed and the business is registered, this information now becomes available to the public. Articles of Incorporation are needed for tax applications, signing long-term agreements such as contracts, and officially conducting business.

How to Complete the Articles of Incorporation Form

In Idaho, the preferred method of submitting is online through the SOSBiz portal.

Applicants can also download their form and submit a hard copy. Note that the hard copy needs to be completed electronically first, as no handwritten forms are accepted. Deliver or mail the forms to the Idaho Secretary of State (SOS).

The state will charge you a filing fee plus an additional fee for manual filings.

Foreign (out-of-state) businesses need to complete a foreign registration certificate.

Step-by-Step Completion of the Form

1. Name: This section requires a unique name for the business. It needs to also include the words corporation, incorporated, company, or limited. The abbreviations for these designations may also be used. If you use the word “company” or its abbreviation, you’re not allowed to precede it with the word “and” or any abbreviation of it. A name search on the SOS should reveal if the name is unique. If available, applicants can reserve the business name for up to four months through the ZenBusiness name reservation service.
2. Shares: This section lists the shares issued. There must be at least one share. Also include the type and classification of the shares. If the share classes aren’t standard, the classification needs to accompany the application.
3. Registered agent: The registered agent acts as a single point of contact for legal documents as well as correspondence from the SOS. This section requires its full name and physical street address. Our service offers a network of registered agents to assist with the process.
4. Incorporator: At least one person needs to handle the incorporation of the business by filing the Articles of Incorporation; this person is the incorporator. Their details are completed in this section. The incorporator doesn’t have to be a director. The incorporator’s duties terminate upon filing.
5. Mailing address: Businesses have the option to list their own addresses.
6. Optional articles: This section is designated to items that don’t need to appear on the Articles of Incorporation. Examples include the director’s information, addresses, and more.

After you file, you’ll want to stay up to date on all your important filings. Take a look at our Worry-Free Compliance service to see how we can put your mind at ease all year round.

How to Submit the Form

The Fees

There’s a filing fee for Idaho Articles of Incorporation forms when done electronically. Filing by mail incurs an additional fee.

The SOS offers expedited processing for an additional fee and same-day services for a higher fee.

Where to Submit

Online submissions take place on the SOSBiz website, but you can also mail or hand-deliver your Articles, depending on restrictions from the SOS’s office. Check their website for the most current filing options.

How long does the filing process take?

It takes around a week after the SOS receives the documents for processing to take place. Expedited services are available; however, applicants need to be aware of the cut-off times.

Conclusion

At ZenBusiness, we offer business formation plans that include the filing of Articles of Incorporation. Once the business is registered, we also offer ongoing services such as filing annual reports.