The articles of incorporation must prescribe the classes of shares and the number of shares of each class that the corporation is authorized to issue. You must list the number of shares of stock you are authorizing at formation.Authorizing means the number of shares you are creating. If the business does not have a UBI number, select "No" and continue with the filing. If "No" is selected, the business will be issued a UBI number upon. This guide walks you through preparing and filing your Washington articles of incorporation to get your profit or nonprofit corporation approved. In the area beneath the "Name Of Corporation" box, enter the number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue. Authorized shares is the maximum number of shares that the board of directors is "authorized", or allowed to issue. Find out how to incorporate your business in Washington, including what forms are needed, how to file the paperwork, how long it takes, and more.