Incorporate

Incorporate — Business Formation Document Generator

Generate all legal documents needed to incorporate a business entity from a single configuration.

Supported Entity Types & States

Quick Start

1. Ask the user for their company details (or have them fill out the config)
2. Read references/config-template.md — this is the input format
3. Read the appropriate state + entity reference file (see table above)
4. Read the document templates from assets/templates/ (use de-* for Delaware, llc-* for LLCs)
5. Generate all documents using the config values
6. Upload to Google Drive (or output as .docx files)

Workflow

Step 1: Gather Configuration

Ask the user these questions (or accept a pre-filled config):

Required:

• Company name
• Entity type (C-Corp, LLC)
• State of incorporation
• Registered agent name + address
• Directors/managers (names, titles)
• Shareholders/members (names, share counts or %)
• Stock structure (classes, authorized shares, par value, voting rights)

Optional (defaults provided):

• Par value (default: $0.00001)
• Fiscal year end (default: December 31)
• Consideration type (default: "Services")
• Principal office address (default: registered agent address)

Validate the config: share percentages must total 100%, authorized shares must cover all issuances.

Step 2: Select Entity + State References

Based on entity type and state, read the appropriate reference file:

• Nevada C-Corp → references/nevada-corp.md
• Delaware C-Corp → references/delaware-corp.md
• Nevada LLC → references/nevada-llc.md
• Delaware LLC → references/delaware-llc.md

Key decision guidance for the user:

• C-Corp vs LLC: C-Corp for VC fundraising, multiple stock classes, going public. LLC for simpler businesses, pass-through taxation, flexible profit distribution.
• Delaware vs Nevada: Delaware for investor expectations, Court of Chancery, VC-standard docs. Nevada for no franchise tax, lower annual costs, privacy.
• Delaware C-Corp warning: Franchise tax can be very high with many authorized shares — always use the Assumed Par Value Capital Method (see delaware-corp.md).

Step 3: Generate Documents

Read each template from assets/templates/ and replace all {{VARIABLES}} with config values. Templates are in Markdown — convert to .docx for final output.

Documents generated (C-Corp):

1. Articles of Incorporation — filed with Secretary of State
2. Bylaws — internal governance rules
3. Action of Incorporator — appoints initial board
4. Organizational Resolutions — board adopts bylaws, elects officers, authorizes stock
5. Stock Ledger — records all share ownership + voting power summary
6. Filing Checklist — step-by-step guide with links to each document

Documents generated (LLC):

1. Articles of Organization — filed with Secretary of State (template: llc-01-articles-of-organization.md)
2. Operating Agreement — governance, economics, member rights (template: llc-02-operating-agreement.md)
3. Membership Ledger — records ownership and transfers (template: llc-03-membership-ledger.md)
4. Filing Checklist — step-by-step guide (template: llc-04-filing-checklist.md)

Delaware C-Corp uses different template for Articles:

• Use de-01-certificate-of-incorporation.md instead of 01-articles-of-incorporation.md
• Delaware calls it "Certificate of Incorporation" not "Articles"
• Includes exculpation clause (DGCL §102(b)(7)) and blank check preferred authorization
• All other C-Corp documents (Bylaws, Action, Resolutions, Stock Ledger, Checklist) are the same with state-specific adjustments

Step 4: Format + Deliver

• All text: Times New Roman, black, 12pt headers, 11pt body
• Tables: bordered, alternating row shading, dark blue headers
• Highlight in yellow any fields that still need manual input
• Upload to Google Drive or save as local .docx files
• Link each document from the Filing Checklist

Step 5: Walk Through Next Steps

After generating docs, brief the user on filing sequence:

1. File Articles with Secretary of State (online if available)
2. Sign Action of Incorporator (after filing confirmed)
3. Hold organizational meeting / sign resolutions
4. Issue stock / record in ledger
5. File Initial List of Officers (if required by state, within deadline)
6. Obtain EIN from IRS
7. Open bank account

Important Notes

• These are standard formation documents, not legal advice
• Complex structures (convertible notes, vesting schedules, multiple preferred series) should involve a lawyer
• State-specific requirements vary — always check the state reference file
• Annual maintenance requirements differ by state — included in checklist
• Delaware franchise tax can be very expensive — see references/delaware-corp.md for the Assumed Par Value method
• LLC operating agreements are highly customizable — the template covers standard provisions but complex arrangements (waterfall distributions, vesting, drag-along rights) need legal review