Business incorporation records document the legal formation of companies and partnerships. These records can reveal occupations, financial activity, associates, and community standing, and often include specialized legal and business terminology.
| Term | Definition |
| Articles of Incorporation | Legal document establishing a corporation. |
| Assets | Property or resources owned by business. |
| Board of Directors | Group managing corporate decisions. |
| Bylaws | Rules governing operation of corporation. |
| Capital | Funds invested in business. |
| Charter | Official authorization to operate as corporation. |
| Corporation | Legal entity separate from its owners. |
| Director | Person responsible for corporate governance. |
| Dissolution | Legal termination of corporation. |
| Dividend | Distribution of profits to shareholders. |
| Incorporator | Person filing to create corporation. |
| Incorporation | Legal process of forming a corporation. |
| Liability | Legal responsibility for debts or obligations. |
| Limited Liability | Protection of personal assets from business debts. |
| Minutes | Official record of corporate meetings. |
| Officer | Individual holding executive position in corporation. |
| Partnership | Business owned by two or more individuals. |
| Registered Agent | Person authorized to receive legal documents. |
| Shareholder | Owner of shares in corporation. |
| Stock | Ownership units in corporation. |
| Stock Certificate | Document proving ownership of shares. |
| Subscription | Agreement to purchase shares. |
| Treasurer | Officer responsible for financial management. |
| Secretary | Officer maintaining corporate records. |
| Franchise | Right granted to operate business under specific terms. |
| Trade Name | Name under which business operates. |
| License | Authorization to conduct business. |
| Filing | Submission of documents to government office. |
| Corporate Seal | Official stamp of corporation. |
| Annual Report | Yearly filing detailing business status. |
| Quorum | Minimum number required for official decisions. |
| Amendment | Change to corporate documents. |
| Articles of Amendment | Filing updating incorporation details. |
| Certificate of Good Standing | Proof business complies with regulations. |
| Authorized Shares | Maximum number of shares corporation may issue. |
| Issued Shares | Shares actually distributed to owners. |
| Capital Stock | Total shares representing ownership. |
| Incorporation Date | Date corporation legally formed. |
| Principal Office | Main location of business operations. |
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