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Corporation
A corporation is a legal entity with all rights, privileges and responsibilities of a person. The corporation, and not the owners, is solely liable for all the debts of the business. There are both corporations for profit, and corporations not-for-profit. A corporation incorporated for profit is incorporated for the purpose of making a profit for its shareholders. A not-for-profit or non-profit corporation is not incorporated for a purpose or purposes involving pecuniary profit, incidental or otherwise.
To form a corporation in Pennsylvania, you must file Articles of Incorporation (form DSCB: 15-1306) with the Corporation Bureau, Department of State. Foreign (out of state) corporations must submit an application for a Certificate of Authority (form DSCB: 15-4124) to conduct business in Pennsylvania. Both applications must be accompanied by a Docketing Statement (DSCB: 15-134A).
Publication of either the intent to file or the actual filing of Articles of Incorporation (AIC) or Certificate of Authority (COA) must be made in two newspapers of general circulation, and one legal publication, if possible. The information required to be included in the advertisement is set forth in 15 Pa. C.S. §1307. The advertisements must contain the name of the proposed corporation and a statement that the corporation is to be or has been organized under the provisions of the Business Corporation Law (BCL) of 1988, 15 Pa. C.S. §1101 et seq. (AIC) and 15 Pa.C.S. § 4101 et seq. (COA). Proof of advertisement does not have to be sent to the Department of State, Corporation Bureau, but should be filed with the minutes of the corporation.
The Articles of Incorporation, Certificate of Authority, and the Docketing Statement can be completed online through the Online Business Registration Interview (OBRI).
 Click here to proceed to the OBRI.
The description above is for informational purposes only, and is not intended as legal advice. If you are unsure whether a corporation is the correct business form for you, seek legal advice.
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