What you need for your LLC
If you are considering forming a limited liability company, one question you may have is, what information is required to file? Knowing this ahead of time makes processing your application snap!
The formation document for an LLC is called the articles of organization. While each state has its own version of this document, they generally request similar information. This article outlines the most common information requested by the states.
Company Name: The desired name of the LLC is required. That name must typically contain an LLC identifier, such as Limited Liability Company, or an abbreviation, such as LLC or L.L.C. IncorporateMyself.net will conduct a preliminary name search prior to submitting the articles of organization to see if your desired name is available. Keep in mind that the state holds final approval rights on the desired name to ensure it is not already in use by another company in that state or is not deceptively similar to a name already in use.
Business Purpose: The business purpose is an explanation of type of business the company will pursue.
General business purpose some states will accept a general-purpose clause, which basically states that the company is formed to engage in all lawful business.
Specific business purpose some states require a more complete explanation the types of products and/or services the company will provide.
Registered Agent: All states require LLCs to have a registered agent in the state of formation. The registered agent is the party responsible for receiving official State notices for the LLC. The registered agent must have a physical address (no P.O. boxes) in the state of formation and must be available during normal business hours.
Examples of documents sent to the registered agent include Service of Process (or notice of litigation), which is the notice that a suit has been filed; mail from the state; and often taxation documentation from the states department of taxation.
One thing to note is the registered agent address is a matter of public record. In states that do not require the legal address of the business to be included in the formation documents, the registered agent address is the only address on file for the company. Many small businesses list one of the owners (LLC Members) as the Registered Agent.
Organizer: The organizer is the person or company preparing and filing the articles of organization with the state. Most states require the name and signature of the organizer to be included in the formation documents and some also require the organizers address be included.
Management Structure: LLCs can be managed by members or by managers, and the articles of organization must state which group will manage the company. When an LLC is managed by members (owners), it more closely resembles a partnership. When an LLC is managed by managers, it more closely resembles a corporation since the owners will not be involved in the daily business decisions of the company.
Members or Managers: Many states require the names and addresses of the initial members (if the LLC is member-managed) or managers (if the LLC is manager-managed) be included on the formation documents.
Legal Address of the Company: Supplying the legal address, or the principal address, is less common, but a few states do require it.
The formation document for an LLC is called the articles of organization. While each state has its own version of this document, they generally request similar information. This article outlines the most common information requested by the states.
Company Name: The desired name of the LLC is required. That name must typically contain an LLC identifier, such as Limited Liability Company, or an abbreviation, such as LLC or L.L.C. IncorporateMyself.net will conduct a preliminary name search prior to submitting the articles of organization to see if your desired name is available. Keep in mind that the state holds final approval rights on the desired name to ensure it is not already in use by another company in that state or is not deceptively similar to a name already in use.
Business Purpose: The business purpose is an explanation of type of business the company will pursue.
General business purpose some states will accept a general-purpose clause, which basically states that the company is formed to engage in all lawful business.
Specific business purpose some states require a more complete explanation the types of products and/or services the company will provide.
Registered Agent: All states require LLCs to have a registered agent in the state of formation. The registered agent is the party responsible for receiving official State notices for the LLC. The registered agent must have a physical address (no P.O. boxes) in the state of formation and must be available during normal business hours.
Examples of documents sent to the registered agent include Service of Process (or notice of litigation), which is the notice that a suit has been filed; mail from the state; and often taxation documentation from the states department of taxation.
One thing to note is the registered agent address is a matter of public record. In states that do not require the legal address of the business to be included in the formation documents, the registered agent address is the only address on file for the company. Many small businesses list one of the owners (LLC Members) as the Registered Agent.
Organizer: The organizer is the person or company preparing and filing the articles of organization with the state. Most states require the name and signature of the organizer to be included in the formation documents and some also require the organizers address be included.
Management Structure: LLCs can be managed by members or by managers, and the articles of organization must state which group will manage the company. When an LLC is managed by members (owners), it more closely resembles a partnership. When an LLC is managed by managers, it more closely resembles a corporation since the owners will not be involved in the daily business decisions of the company.
Members or Managers: Many states require the names and addresses of the initial members (if the LLC is member-managed) or managers (if the LLC is manager-managed) be included on the formation documents.
Legal Address of the Company: Supplying the legal address, or the principal address, is less common, but a few states do require it.