You have made the decision to form your company becoming as an LLC. Before moving forward in this venture, there are several important steps that need to be taken.
One of the first matters at hand is to develop your LLC’s Article of Organization.
There are several important items that need to be listed in this document. It is important to start your business out on the right foot by having appropriate and accurate documents.
What is an article of organization? An article of organization is a document that outlines valid information regarding your LLC. Most states require that this be filed with the Secretary of State. You need to check with your state to see if they require it to be filed differently. Also, do not get confused if your state calls it an “article of formation.” These are the same documents that are actually relatively simple but do require certain types of information.
LLC specialists at MaxFilings will be able to help you determine the requirements for your particular state.
Below are general items that should be included in any LLC Article of Organization
- Provide the name of your business – Easy enough, right? Although it may seem easy, it is imperative that you have checked and double checked that no other business in your state has the same name. You want to be original and the state requires originality as well. So, just when you thought you had been innovative with that unusual and catchy name, someone else could have already had your same brilliant idea.
- Your registered agent’s name and address – This agent is the person that will receive all of your important company documents including any legal items. Each state requires that you have an agent and that a physical address in the state can be provided. You have the freedom to choose if you want your agent to be a member of your LLC, and have the same address as your business, or you can choose a different entity such as a lawyer’s office as your agent.
Besides helping you with forming your LLC, MaxFilings can also serve as your registered agent. Click here for more information about these services.
And check out our article on choosing a registered agent on things you will need to consider.
- The manager of your LLC – This is stating whether your LLC will be managed by members of your LLC or other managers. Some states require the actual address of the managers.
- The Length of time your LLC will operate – This may seem a little odd. You certainly hope your business lasts forever. Many people may list “perpetual” which means ongoing while some companies may plan to exist for 5 years for a particular reason.
- Your LLC’s purpose of statement – you basically are stating that you plan to abide by all lawful activity as an LLC. Most states don’t expect you to list an exact purpose of your LLC.
- Where is the LLC’s principal place of business – This is saying where your – actual business will be located and operated.
- Authorized signatures – A date and signature of one of the managers of the LLC is generally required by the state. If various members of the LLC are managers, generally all will sign the document.
If you have yet to make the decision to form an LLC or still have a variety of questions, please visit our knowledge center to learn more about the pros and cons of different business structures.
If you’re ready to take the step and form your LLC, click here to get the ball rolling. MaxFilings’ user-friendly system allows you to save your work and come back later.
At Maxfilings, we wish you the best in your business venture and hope we can be of service to you.