In Illinois, which document is essential for the formation of a corporation?

The essential document for the formation of a corporation in Illinois is the Articles of Incorporation. This document serves as the primary legal instrument that establishes the existence of the corporation in the eyes of the state. It typically includes important information such as the corporation's name, purpose, duration, and the details of the registered agent. Filing the Articles of Incorporation with the Illinois Secretary of State is a crucial step in legally forming the corporation, allowing it to operate as a recognized entity.

Other documents, while important for various aspects of corporate governance, do not serve as the foundational charter for creating a corporation. For instance, a partnership agreement pertains to partnerships rather than corporations, and an operating agreement is typically used for limited liability companies (LLCs) rather than corporations. Bylaws, on the other hand, outline the internal rules and procedures for governance once a corporation is formed, but they cannot be used to establish the corporation itself. Thus, the Articles of Incorporation are the document specifically required to legally create a corporation in Illinois.