How to Write Articles of Organization for an LLC

LLCs are required to file Articles of Organization in order to do business.

Limited liability companies or LLCs blend the flexibility of the partnership business structure with the protections of a corporation. LLCs are not required to seat a board of directors or hold annual meetings, but the partners enjoy pass-through taxation and limited liability for the LLC's debts. To properly organize an LLC, a form known as the Articles of Organization must be filed with the Secretary of State in the state in which the LLC will be located. The Articles include general information about the business, its owners and the nature of the business.

Instructions

1. State the name and address of the LLC. The formal business name and address should be in the first paragraph. If the business will be known by more than one name, include that name in quotations. For example, if the LLC's formal name is ABC Products and Services, but the business cards or store sign will state ABC Etc., put "ABC Etc." in quotes after the formal name.

2. Give a brief description of the nature of the business. Using the example in Step 1, if ABC Etc. is a bookkeeping and accounting software business, state something such as, "ABC Etc. will provide bookkeeping services and software consultation and any other lawful business activity."

3. Provide the name and address of the Registered Agent. A Registered Agent is a person designated by the LLC to accept legal documents on behalf of the LLC. Most LLCs pick a principal partner for the position, but anyone in the organization can be chosen.

4. List the names of all the partners in the LLC. Managers who are not necessarily partners, but still considered of importance to the LLC, should be included as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Most Secretaries of State offices have preprinted forms for the Articles of Organization. This saves time in formatting and ensures that all needed information is included in the Articles.

• Remember to include all necessary filing fees when submitting the Articles of Organization. These fees vary by state, but generally are between $50 and $100.

• Do not miss your renewal date for the LLC. The renewal date varies from state to state, but generally is either the beginning of a fiscal year (July 1) or the calendar year (January 1). If you miss the renewal period, the LLC's articles may have to be refiled or reinstated, for additional fees.

References

• Small Business - Find Law: Forming an LLC: Writing and Filing the Articles of Organization