Change to Articles of Incorporation forms in How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation in California, 14th edition

The Articles of Incorporation forms for a public benefit corporation and religious corporation that are in How to Form a Nonprofit in California (14th edition and prior editions) should be changed as described below. Otherwise, your articles may be rejected by the Secretary of State’s office.

Also, see California Secretary of State Changes Articles of Incorporation Requirements for additional new requirements for filing articles of incorporation in California effective January 1, 2013.

For all articles of incorporation filed with the California Secretary of State, the heading on the articles of incorporation form at the top of the page should state "Articles of Incorporation" only. Do not include the name of the corporation or the phrase “a California Public Benefit Corporation” or “a California Religious Corporation.” Then in Article ONE, state the exact name of the corporation only. Again, do not include the phrase “a California Public Benefit Corporation” or “a California Religious Corporation.” 

Your articles should appear as follows:

Articles of Incorporation

ONE: The name of the corporation is (name of corporation).

DO NOT submit articles with the following language:

Articles of Incorporation of (name of corporation),

a California Public Benefit Corporation

OR

Articles of Incorporation of (name of corporation),

a California Religious Corporation

Effective January 1, 2013, there are other new requirements for articles of incorporation filed with the California Secretary of State. See California Secretary of State Changes Articles of Incorporation Requirements.