Back To: BUSINESS ENTITIES, CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, & OWNERSHIP

What is a Corporate Charter?

A charter is a legal document authorized by a state to recognize the creation of a corporate business entity. Some states issue a Certificate of incorporation, rather than a charter. The charter generally bears the seal of the state of organization, the name of the company, its entity designation (such as Inc., Ltd, Corp.), for-profit or non-profit status, and the date of incorporation.

How Does a Corporate Charter Work?

Incorporating a business generally begins with filing the appropriate forms with the secretary of states office in the state of incorporation. This application generally requires the following information:

• Business name;
• Entity designation;
• Business purpose (or statement of any lawful purpose);
• For-profit or non-profit status;
• Principal address;
• Name and address of registered agent;
• Types of shares being issued (if a for-profit entity);
• Par value of common shares; and
• Any specific governance restrictions (such as board composition, governance procedures, shareholder voting rights, etc.)

Any information recorded in the application concerning the entity's characteristics will generally be indicated in the charter, once approved and accepted by the secretary of states office.

Related Topics

• Corporate Charter
• Shareholder Register
• Common Stock
• Preferred Stock
• Par Value
• Authorized Shares
• Issued Shares of Stock
• Unissued Shares of Stock
• Outstanding Shares
• Institutional Shares
• Dual Class Shares