Articles of Incorporation Template for Contractors

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
FOR CONTRACTING CORPORATION

Alliance for Contractors Integration Note: This template is designed to be customized based on your contracting specialty and state requirements. Replace all bracketed placeholders with your specific information. Consult with legal counsel and your state's Secretary of State office before filing.

ARTICLE I - CORPORATE NAME

The name of the corporation shall be [COMPANY NAME], Inc.

Customization Guide: Choose a name that reflects your contracting specialty. Examples:
  • General Contractors: "[City Name] Construction Corp."
  • Electrical: "[Name] Electric Services, Inc."
  • Plumbing: "[Name] Plumbing Solutions Corporation"
  • HVAC: "[Name] Heating & Cooling, Inc."
  • Roofing: "[Name] Roofing Contractors Corp."
State-Specific Requirements: Some states require specific designators (Corp., Inc., Corporation, Company). Check your state's naming requirements and perform a name availability search before filing.

ARTICLE II - DURATION

The period of duration of the corporation is perpetual.

Alternative for certain states: Some states may require specific duration language. Consult your state's requirements.

ARTICLE III - PURPOSE AND POWERS

The purpose for which the corporation is organized is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the laws of the State of [STATE NAME], including but not limited to:

  1. To engage in general contracting and construction services;
  2. To provide [SPECIFIC CONTRACTING SERVICES];
  3. To obtain and maintain all necessary licenses, permits, and certifications required for contracting operations;
  4. To enter into contracts for construction, renovation, repair, and maintenance services;
  5. To purchase, lease, own, and dispose of real and personal property necessary for business operations;
  6. To employ personnel, subcontractors, and consultants;
  7. To obtain surety bonds, insurance, and other financial instruments;
  8. To engage in any other lawful business activity incidental to the foregoing purposes.
Specialty-Specific Language Examples:
Contracting Specialty Specific Purpose Language
General Contractor "residential and commercial construction, remodeling, and general contracting services"
Electrical Contractor "electrical installation, maintenance, and repair services for residential, commercial, and industrial properties"
Plumbing Contractor "plumbing installation, repair, maintenance, and related services including water and sewer line work"
HVAC Contractor "heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration services including installation, repair, and maintenance"
Roofing Contractor "roofing installation, repair, replacement, and waterproofing services for residential and commercial properties"
Specialty Trade "[specific trade] services including but not limited to [detailed services]"

ARTICLE IV - REGISTERED OFFICE AND AGENT

The address of the registered office is:

[STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]

The name of the registered agent at such address is [REGISTERED AGENT NAME].

State Requirements: The registered agent must be a resident of the state of incorporation or a corporation authorized to do business in the state. Some states have specific requirements for registered agent services.

ARTICLE V - AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK

The aggregate number of shares which the corporation shall have authority to issue is [NUMBER OF SHARES] shares of common stock, each with a par value of [PAR VALUE] per share.

Common Configurations for Contractors:
  • Small contracting business: 1,000 shares at $1.00 par value
  • Medium contracting business: 10,000 shares at $0.01 par value
  • Large contracting business: 100,000 shares at $0.001 par value
  • No par value option: "[NUMBER] shares of common stock without par value"

ARTICLE VI - INCORPORATOR

The name and address of the incorporator is:

[INCORPORATOR NAME]
[INCORPORATOR ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]

ARTICLE VII - INITIAL DIRECTORS

The number of directors constituting the initial board of directors is [NUMBER], and the names and addresses of the persons who are to serve as directors until the first annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are elected and qualified are:

Name Address
[DIRECTOR 1 NAME] [DIRECTOR 1 ADDRESS]
[DIRECTOR 2 NAME] [DIRECTOR 2 ADDRESS]
[DIRECTOR 3 NAME] [DIRECTOR 3 ADDRESS]
State Variations: Minimum director requirements vary by state. Some states require only one director, while others may require three. Check your state's specific requirements.

ARTICLE VIII - LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of [STATE NAME], no director of the corporation shall be personally liable to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.

Important for Contractors: This provision helps protect directors from personal liability, which is particularly important in the contracting industry where business risks can be significant. However, this does not eliminate liability for licensing violations or professional negligence.

ARTICLE IX - INDEMNIFICATION

The corporation shall indemnify its directors, officers, employees, and agents to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of [STATE NAME].

ARTICLE X - ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

Optional Contractor-Specific Provisions: Consider adding provisions specific to your contracting business, such as:
  • Requirements for maintaining contractor's licenses
  • Provisions for handling surety bond requirements
  • Restrictions on business activities outside of contracting
  • Requirements for maintaining professional liability insurance

[INSERT ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS AS NEEDED]

INCORPORATOR SIGNATURE

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned incorporator has executed these Articles of Incorporation on [DATE].

[INCORPORATOR NAME], Incorporator

STATE-SPECIFIC FILING REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST

Before filing, ensure you have:

  • ☐ Verified corporate name availability in your state
  • ☐ Confirmed registered agent requirements
  • ☐ Obtained required contractor's license (if needed before incorporation)
  • ☐ Prepared filing fee (varies by state, typically $50-$300)
  • ☐ Reviewed state-specific article requirements
  • ☐ Considered tax elections (S-Corp, etc.)
  • ☐ Planned for required corporate records and bylaws

POST-INCORPORATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTRACTORS

After incorporation, contractors typically need to:

  • Obtain Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number)
  • Transfer or obtain contractor's licenses in corporate name
  • Update surety bonds and insurance policies
  • Open corporate bank accounts
  • Adopt corporate bylaws and hold organizational meeting
  • Issue stock certificates
  • Register for state and local taxes
  • Update business registrations and permits
  • Notify clients and vendors of corporate structure

Alliance for Contractors
Supporting Professional Contractors with Business Formation Resources
This template is provided for informational purposes. Consult with legal and tax professionals before filing.