INSTRUCTIONS – NONPROFIT ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
Please complete all sections of the Articles of Incorporation. . USE DARK INK ONLY. For an electronic, fillable version of
this form, please visit our website at www.sos.wa.gov/corps or email corps@sos.wa.gov for more information.
Article 1:
Enter the name of the corporation. In accordance with Chapter 24.03 RCW a nonprofit corporation may not contain any
of the following designations or abbreviations of: Corporation, Company, Incorporated, Limited, Limited Partnership,
Limited Liability Company, or Limited Liability Partnership, but may use "club," "league," "association," "services,"
"committee," "fund," "society," "foundation," a nonprofit corporation," or any name of like import . If one of the prohibited
designations is used, it will be removed when processed
. A nonprofit corporate name must be distinguishable upon the
records of the Secretary of State from any other formally organized entity registered with the Secretary of State’s office.
It’s advised that you contact the Secretary of State to check for name availability before filing at 360-725-0377.
Article 2:
An effective date may be specified. The effective date can be up to 30 days AFTER the Articles of Incorporation have
been filed by the Office of the Secretary of State.
Article 3:
Please indicate whether the term of existence for nonprofit corporation is perpetual (i.e. ongoing until dissolved) or if it will
have a specific term of existence, in which case indicate the number of years it will exist.
Article 4:
Indicate the purpose for which the nonprofit is being organized. You may attach additional information if needed. Do not
attach or refer to the bylaws.
Article 5:
Indicate how any assets will be distributed if the nonprofit voluntarily dissolves. Do not attach or refer to the bylaws.
Article 6:
List the names and address of all initial directors of the nonprofit corporation. If necessary you may attach a sheet with
additional names and addresses. Do not include social security numbers, federal tax identification or other personal
identifiers.
Article 7:
All corporations must have a Registered Agent in Washington State. The Registered Agent may be an individual who is a
resident of Washington State, or a business entity registered with the Secretary of State’s office. The agent must have a
physical address in Washington State where personal service of process may be made. An alternative mailing address
may be used in addition to the physical address. The Registered Agent must print their name and sign the consent to
serve as Registered Agent.
Article 8:
An Incorporator is a person(s) forming the corporation. Please provide the full name, signature and address of each
Incorporator. All incorporators must sign the articles of incorporation. If necessary you may attach a sheet with additional
names, signatures and addresses. Do not include social security numbers, federal tax identification or other personal
identifiers.
Additional Information: You may attach any optional provisions to these articles (please do not attach bylaws or
minutes, these items are not filed with this office).
FEES: The filing fee for Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation is $30.00. If expedited service is requested, include an
additional $50.00 and write “EXPEDITE” on the outside of the envelope. Make the checks or money orders payable to
“Secretary of State”. All payments must be received in US Dollars. All fees are non-refundable.
Mail completed forms and payment to:
Secretary of State
Corporations Division
801 Capitol Way S
PO Box 40234
Olympia WA 98504-0234
If
you have questions, need assistance, or would like to provide feedback please visit the Corporations Division website
at www.sos.wa.gov/corps
or call 360-725-0377.
NonProfit Corporation - Incorporation Washington Secretary of State Revised 7/14