What is an Incorporator and What are Their Responsibilities?

An incorporator is a person or entity that forms a corporation by filing the articles of incorporation with the state. The incorporator is responsible for creating and submitting the articles of incorporation, which outline the basic structure and purpose of the corporation. Once the articles of incorporation are filed, the incorporator's role typically ends, and the corporation's board of directors or shareholders take over the management of the company.

Incorporators are often lawyers or other professionals who specialize in business formation and corporate law. They can help guide the incorporator through the process of forming a corporation and ensure that all legal requirements are met. In some cases, the incorporator may be a founder or key member of the corporation, but this is not always the case.

Some of the key responsibilities of an incorporator include:

1. Preparing and filing the articles of incorporation with the state.
2. Obtaining any necessary licenses and permits for the corporation.
3. Electing the initial board of directors.
4. Issuing stock to the initial shareholders.
5. Filing annual reports and other required documents with the state.

It's important to note that the specific responsibilities of an incorporator can vary depending on the state and the specific needs of the corporation. However, in general, the incorporator plays a key role in the formation and early stages of a corporation, and their actions can have a significant impact on the success and stability of the company.