Incorporating in Pennsylvania

For complete and current information concerning Pennsylvania corporations you should go to the state’s official web site and the Pennsylvania Corporations and Business Associations Code. The following is not an attempt to present all you need to know when forming a corporation in Pennsylvania but rather to call your attention to just some of the basic information and requirements you may want to know as you submit information to form your corporation.

The information herein is cited from the state’s official web site and the the Pennsylvania Corporations and Business Associations Code, and while we make every effort to ensure its accuracy, MaxFilings cannot and does not guarantee that all of the information is accurate or complete and/or current and should therefore be independently verified.

What Pennsylvania has to say about incorporating in Pennsylvania:

Here, in part, is what the Pennsylvania Department of State says about starting a business in Pennsylvania.

“The executive staff of the Department of State and the employees of the Corporation Bureau are committed to providing expeditious, courteous and professional service to the business community and general public, in all phases of filing and dissemination of the important records entrusted in its care.

The Corporation Bureau is the repository for the records of more than 1,500,000 companies authorized to do business in Pennsylvania. All records maintained in this office are public and may be inspected upon request.

Our goal is to make Pennsylvania the easiest place in the nation to start a business. Through the PA Open for Business web site, we are doing just that - giving entrepreneurs a one stop shop to start, sustain and expand their businesses.”

Pennsylvania corporation name:

A Pennsylvania corporation’s name cannot be the same as or confusingly similar to another entity’s name that is registered or, with certain exceptions under state law, reserved in accordance with Pennsylvania law. The corporation’s name must contain the word "corporation", "company", or "incorporated", or an abbreviation thereof.

Pennsylvania corporation board of directors:

A Pennsylvania corporation may have one or more directors. The first directors of the corporation may be named in the articles of incorporation or, if not named in the articles of incorporation, elected by the incorporators.

Pennsylvania corporation officers:

A Pennsylvania corporation must have at least a President and a Secretary with one officer responsible for the preparation of directors’ and shareholders’ meetings and certification of corporate documents. The officers are to be listed in the bylaws or elected by the corporation’s board of directors. The same person may simultaneously hold more than one office.

Pennsylvania publication requirements:

The intent to file or the actual filing of Articles of Incorporation must be published in two newspapers of general circulation, one of which is a legal journal, if possible. Proofs of such advertising need not be sent to the Pennsylvania Corporation Bureau but they should be filed with the minutes of the corporation. The corporation’s name and a statement that the corporation either is to be, or has been, organized under the provisions of the BCL of 1988 must be contained in the advertisements.

Pennsylvania taxes:

See the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue web site.

Pennsylvania Registered Agent:

Pennsylvania corporations are required to have a registered agent in Pennsylvania. By having MaxFilings provide you with a professional registered agent, you can be assured that all legal documents, tax documents, annual reports, and correspondence with the state and regulatory agencies will be handled promptly, professionally, and efficiently.

Start forming your corporation now:

If you’re ready to form a Pennsylvania corporation, you can start entering your information now. You’re under no obligation, and there is no charge until you actually place your order.

Incorporate in Pennsylvania