What document establishes the corporate entity for the community association?

The articles of incorporation are the foundational document that establishes a corporate entity for a community association. This document is filed with the state and provides essential details such as the association's name, purpose, and the structure of its governance. By incorporating, the community association becomes a legal entity separate from its members, allowing it to enter into contracts, own property, and assume liability.

While the declaration is crucial for outlining the rights and responsibilities of the members and the specific rules of the community, it does not create the corporate entity itself. Bylaws serve as the operating rules for the association, detailing how it will function and the processes for decision-making, but they too are not the initial document that establishes the entity. Similarly, the contract for sale pertains to individual transactions for property within the community and does not relate to the formation of the association.

Therefore, the articles of incorporation are the correct answer as they specifically create the legal structure under which a community association operates.