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The Certificate of Amendment in New York is a crucial document for corporations looking to modify their existing Certificate of Incorporation. This form, officially designated as DOS-1554-f, is filed with the New York State Department of State and serves to officially record changes such as a corporation's name or other fundamental aspects of its structure. To initiate the amendment process, the corporation must provide its current name and, if applicable, the name under which it was originally formed. Additionally, the date of the initial filing of the Certificate of Incorporation must be included. The form requires a detailed description of the amendments being made, ensuring that the full text of each changed paragraph is clearly stated. For instance, if a corporation is changing its name, the form would specify how the relevant paragraph in the original Certificate of Incorporation is being revised. Furthermore, the amendment must be authorized by either a board vote followed by a majority shareholder vote or by unanimous written consent from all shareholders. Important notes accompany the form, emphasizing the necessity for accuracy in the information provided, the option to draft a custom form, and the recommendation to seek legal guidance during the preparation process. Lastly, a filing fee of $60 is required to submit the amendment, making it essential for corporations to be aware of both the procedural and financial aspects involved in this important legal process.

Sample - Certificate Of Amendment Ny Sample Form

New York State

Department of State

DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS,

STATE RECORDS AND

UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE

One Commerce Plaza

99 Washington Ave.

Albany, NY 12231-0001

www.dos.ny.gov

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

OF THE

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

(Insert the Current Name of Domestic Corporation)

Under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law

FIRST: The current name of the corporation is:

.

If the name of the corporation has been previously changed, the name under which it was originally formed is:

.

SECOND: The date of filing of the certificate of incorporation with the Department of State is:

.

THIRD: The amendment effected by this certificate of amendment is as follows:

The subject matter and full text of each amended paragraph must be stated.

FOR EXAMPLE, a certificate of amendment changing the name of the corporation would read as follows:

Paragraph FIRST of the Certificate of Incorporation relating to the name of the corporation is amended to read in its entirety as follows:

FIRST: The name of the corporation is (….new name….).

Paragraph

 

of the Certificate of Incorporation relating to

 

 

 

 

 

 

is amended to read in its entirety as follows:

.

DOS-1554-f (Rev. 03/17)

Page 1 of 3

Paragraph

 

of the Certificate of Incorporation relating to

is amended to read in its entirety as follows:

.

FOURTH: The certificate of amendment was authorized by: (Check the appropriate box)

The vote of the board of directors followed by a vote of a majority of all outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon at a meeting of shareholders.

The vote of the board of directors followed by the unanimous written consent of the holders of all outstanding shares.

X

(Signature)

(Name of Signer)

(Title of Signer)

DOS-1554-f (Rev. 03/17)

Page 2 of 3

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

OF THE

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

(Insert Current Name of Domestic Corporation)

Under Section 805 of the Business Corporation Law

Filer’s Name and Mailing Address:

Name:

Company, if Applicable:

Mailing Address:

City, State and Zip Code:

NOTES:

1.The name of the corporation and its date of incorporation provided on this certificate must exactly match the records of the Department of State. This information should be verified on the Department of State’s website at www.dos.ny.gov.

2.This form was prepared by the New York State Department of State. It does not contain all optional provisions under the law. You are not required to use this form. You may draft your own form or use forms available at legal stationery stores.

3.The Department of State recommends that all documents be prepared under the guidance of an attorney.

4.The certificate must be submitted with a $60 filing fee.

For Office Use Only

DOS-1554-f (Rev. 03/17)

Page 3 of 3

File Specs

Fact Name Fact Details
Governing Law The Certificate of Amendment is governed by Section 805 of the New York Business Corporation Law.
Purpose This form is used to amend the Certificate of Incorporation of a domestic corporation in New York.
Filing Fee A filing fee of $60 must accompany the submission of the Certificate of Amendment.
Current Name Requirement The form requires the current name of the corporation to be provided, matching the records of the Department of State.
Original Name If applicable, the form must include the original name under which the corporation was formed.
Amendment Details The full text of each amended paragraph must be clearly stated in the form.
Authorization The amendment must be authorized either by a board vote followed by a shareholder vote or by unanimous written consent of shareholders.
Preparation Guidance The Department of State recommends preparing documents under the guidance of an attorney.
Document Verification Information provided on the form must be verified against the Department of State’s records before submission.

Certificate Of Amendment Ny Sample - Usage Guidelines

Once the Certificate of Amendment form is filled out, it must be submitted to the New York State Department of State along with a filing fee. This process is essential for officially documenting any changes made to the corporation's original certificate of incorporation. Follow these steps carefully to ensure all necessary information is included and accurate.

  1. Begin by entering the current name of the corporation in the designated space at the top of the form.
  2. If the corporation has changed its name before, provide the original name in the specified area.
  3. Next, indicate the date the original certificate of incorporation was filed with the Department of State.
  4. In the section labeled "THIRD," describe the amendment being made. Include the full text of each amended paragraph, clearly stating how the changes will read.
  5. For example, if changing the corporation's name, write: "Paragraph FIRST of the Certificate of Incorporation relating to the name of the corporation is amended to read in its entirety as follows: FIRST: The name of the corporation is (..new name..)." Repeat this for any other paragraphs being amended.
  6. Move to the "FOURTH" section and check the appropriate box to indicate how the amendment was authorized. You can choose between a board vote followed by a majority shareholder vote or a board vote followed by unanimous written consent.
  7. Sign the form where indicated, and print the name and title of the signer below the signature.
  8. Fill in the filer’s name and mailing address, including the company name if applicable, and the city, state, and zip code.
  9. Before submitting, double-check that all names and dates match the records on the Department of State's website to avoid any discrepancies.
  10. Prepare a payment of $60 for the filing fee, which must accompany the form when it is submitted.

Your Questions, Answered

What is a Certificate of Amendment in New York?

A Certificate of Amendment is a legal document that allows a corporation in New York to make changes to its Certificate of Incorporation. This can include altering the corporation's name, changing its purpose, or modifying other key details. The amendment must comply with the New York Business Corporation Law, specifically Section 805.

What information is required to complete the Certificate of Amendment?

To complete the Certificate of Amendment, you need to provide the current name of the corporation, the original name if it has changed, the date of filing of the original Certificate of Incorporation, and the specific amendments being made. Each amended section must be clearly stated to ensure clarity and compliance with legal requirements.

How do I submit the Certificate of Amendment?

The completed Certificate of Amendment can be submitted to the New York State Department of State, Division of Corporations. You must include a filing fee of $60 along with the document. It is advisable to check the Department of State's website for any additional submission guidelines.

Can I draft my own Certificate of Amendment?

Yes, you are not required to use the standard form provided by the New York State Department of State. You can draft your own Certificate of Amendment or use forms available at legal stationery stores. However, ensure that your document complies with the legal requirements set forth in the Business Corporation Law.

Is legal assistance recommended when preparing the Certificate of Amendment?

It is highly recommended to seek legal assistance when preparing the Certificate of Amendment. An attorney can help ensure that the document meets all legal standards and that your corporation's interests are adequately protected.

What happens if the information on the Certificate of Amendment is incorrect?

If the information provided in the Certificate of Amendment does not match the records of the Department of State, it could lead to delays or rejection of the amendment. It is crucial to verify all details against the Department's records before submission.

What is the filing fee for the Certificate of Amendment?

The filing fee for submitting a Certificate of Amendment in New York is $60. This fee must accompany the document at the time of filing to ensure that the amendment is processed.

How can I check the status of my Certificate of Amendment after submission?

After submitting your Certificate of Amendment, you can check its status by visiting the New York State Department of State's website. They provide resources to track the processing of filed documents, ensuring you can stay informed about your amendment.

Common mistakes

  1. Incorrect Corporation Name: Failing to provide the exact current name of the corporation as registered with the Department of State can lead to rejection of the form. Always double-check the spelling and format.

  2. Missing Original Name: If the corporation has changed its name previously, neglecting to include the original name can cause confusion and delay. This information is crucial for proper identification.

  3. Improper Filing Date: The date of filing for the original certificate of incorporation must be accurate. Providing an incorrect date can invalidate the amendment process.

  4. Incomplete Amendment Description: The amendment must be clearly stated, including the full text of any changes. Omitting details or providing vague descriptions can result in the form being rejected.

  5. Signature Issues: The certificate must be signed by an authorized individual. Failing to include a signature or having an unauthorized person sign can lead to complications.

  6. Incorrect Authorization Method: It is essential to check the appropriate box indicating how the amendment was authorized. Misrepresenting this can lead to legal issues down the line.

  7. Omitting Filer’s Information: The form requires the name and mailing address of the filer. Leaving this section blank can cause delays in processing.

  8. Ignoring Filing Fee: The $60 filing fee must accompany the submission. Not including payment can result in the form being returned or rejected.

Documents used along the form

When filing a Certificate of Amendment in New York, several other forms and documents may be necessary to ensure compliance with state regulations. Each of these documents plays a crucial role in the amendment process, providing additional information or fulfilling specific legal requirements. Here’s a brief overview of some commonly used forms that accompany the Certificate of Amendment.

  • Certificate of Incorporation: This is the foundational document that establishes a corporation's existence in New York. It includes essential details such as the corporation's name, purpose, and the address of its registered office. The Certificate of Amendment will reference this document to clarify any changes made.
  • Bylaws: Bylaws outline the internal rules governing a corporation's operations. They detail the rights and responsibilities of shareholders, directors, and officers. If amendments affect governance, updated bylaws may need to be filed or referenced alongside the Certificate of Amendment.
  • Minutes of the Meeting: These are the official records of discussions and decisions made during board meetings or shareholder meetings. They serve as proof that the necessary votes were taken to authorize the amendment, which is often a requirement for filing the Certificate of Amendment.
  • Shareholder Consent Form: If the amendment is approved through written consent rather than a meeting, this form records the agreement of shareholders. It demonstrates that the necessary approvals were obtained, which is vital for the amendment's validity.
  • Certificate of Good Standing: This document verifies that the corporation is compliant with state regulations and has paid all necessary fees and taxes. It may be required to confirm that the corporation is in good standing before any amendments can be processed.
  • Filing Fee Payment: A payment must accompany the Certificate of Amendment. This fee is typically $60 in New York. The payment confirmation may need to be included with the filing to ensure that the amendment is processed without delay.

Understanding these additional forms can simplify the amendment process and help ensure that all legal requirements are met. Always consider consulting with a legal professional to navigate the specifics of your situation effectively.

Similar forms

The Certificate of Incorporation is a foundational document for a corporation, similar to the Certificate of Amendment. It establishes the existence of the corporation in New York and outlines key details such as the corporation's name, purpose, and structure. While the Certificate of Amendment modifies existing provisions, the Certificate of Incorporation is the initial filing that creates the entity. Both documents require accurate information and adherence to state regulations to ensure legal compliance.

The Bylaws serve as the internal rules governing a corporation's operations. Like the Certificate of Amendment, Bylaws can be amended to reflect changes in governance or operational procedures. While the Certificate of Amendment is filed with the state, Bylaws are typically maintained internally and do not require state approval. Both documents are essential for effective corporate management and must align with state laws.

The Articles of Organization is a similar document for Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). This document establishes the LLC's existence and outlines its basic structure. Like the Certificate of Amendment, it can be amended to reflect changes such as a new name or purpose. The filing process and requirements differ between corporations and LLCs, but both documents serve to formalize the entity's legal standing.

The Certificate of Dissolution is another related document, used when a corporation decides to cease operations. This document formally dissolves the corporation and requires filing with the state. Like the Certificate of Amendment, it involves specific procedures and must meet state requirements. Both documents ensure that changes in the status of a corporation are officially recognized.

The Certificate of Authority allows a foreign corporation to conduct business in New York. Similar to the Certificate of Amendment, this document is required for compliance with state laws. It provides proof that the foreign entity is authorized to operate within the state. Both documents require accurate information and filing with the Department of State.

The Statement of Information is a document that corporations file periodically to update their information with the state. It is similar to the Certificate of Amendment in that it ensures the state has current data regarding the corporation. While the Certificate of Amendment is used for specific changes, the Statement of Information serves as a regular update mechanism, helping maintain transparency and compliance.

The Annual Report is a similar document that corporations must file to provide an overview of their activities and financial status. While the Certificate of Amendment focuses on specific changes, the Annual Report offers a broader view of the corporation's operations over the past year. Both documents are essential for maintaining good standing with the state and ensuring ongoing compliance with legal requirements.

The Certificate of Good Standing is a document that verifies a corporation's compliance with state regulations. It is similar to the Certificate of Amendment in that it reflects the corporation's legal status. While the Certificate of Amendment modifies specific details, the Certificate of Good Standing confirms that the corporation is authorized to conduct business and has met all necessary requirements. Both documents play a vital role in establishing the legitimacy of a corporation.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Certificate of Amendment form in New York, there are several important dos and don’ts to keep in mind. These guidelines will help ensure that your submission is accurate and meets all necessary requirements.

  • Do verify that the current name of the corporation matches exactly with the records of the Department of State.
  • Do include the full text of any amendments you are making, as required by the form.
  • Do ensure that the date of incorporation is accurately filled out.
  • Do check the appropriate box to indicate how the amendment was authorized.
  • Don't leave any sections of the form blank; every part must be completed.
  • Don't forget to include the $60 filing fee when submitting the form.
  • Don't attempt to draft your own form without consulting an attorney, as this could lead to errors.

Following these guidelines will help streamline the amendment process and reduce the likelihood of complications. Always take the time to review your submission before sending it to ensure everything is in order.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the Certificate of Amendment NY Sample form can lead to confusion. Here are eight common misunderstandings:

  • It's only for name changes. Many believe this form is solely for changing the corporation's name. In reality, it can also amend other details in the certificate of incorporation.
  • You must use the state form. Some think they are required to use the official form provided by the state. However, you can create your own amendment document as long as it meets legal requirements.
  • Filing is optional. There is a misconception that filing an amendment is optional. If you want to change your corporation's details, you must file this certificate.
  • Only large corporations need to file. Smaller businesses often assume they don’t need to file amendments. All corporations, regardless of size, must file if they are changing their incorporation details.
  • The filing fee is negotiable. Some believe they can negotiate the $60 filing fee. This fee is set by the state and is non-negotiable.
  • Legal assistance is unnecessary. Some think they can handle the process without help. While it’s possible, the state recommends consulting an attorney to ensure everything is done correctly.
  • Amendments can be filed anytime. People often think they can file amendments whenever they want. However, there are specific timelines and procedures that must be followed.
  • All amendments are automatically approved. There’s a belief that all submitted amendments will be approved without question. The Department of State reviews each submission and may reject those that do not comply with legal standards.

Key takeaways

Filling out the Certificate of Amendment form in New York can be straightforward if you keep a few key points in mind. Here are some essential takeaways to help you navigate the process:

  • Accurate Information is Crucial: Ensure that the current name of the corporation and its date of incorporation match exactly with the records held by the Department of State.
  • Check the Original Name: If the corporation has changed its name before, include the original name in the form.
  • State the Amendment Clearly: Clearly outline the amendment being made, including the full text of any changes to the certificate of incorporation.
  • Follow the Example: Use the provided example in the form as a guide for how to format your amendments.
  • Authorization Matters: Indicate how the amendment was authorized, either through a board vote or unanimous written consent of shareholders.
  • Signature Required: The form must be signed by an authorized individual, including their name and title.
  • Filing Fee: Be prepared to submit a $60 filing fee along with your completed form.
  • Consider Legal Guidance: While the form can be filled out independently, consulting with an attorney is recommended to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
  • Alternative Forms: You are not limited to this specific form; you can draft your own or use other forms available at legal stationery stores.
  • Online Verification: Before submitting, verify the corporation's information on the Department of State’s website to avoid any discrepancies.

By keeping these points in mind, you can confidently complete and submit your Certificate of Amendment, ensuring that your corporation’s records are accurate and up-to-date.