To get your LLC started, you need to file articles of organization with your state. Your articles will contain information like the company name and address, your purpose and a list of owners or organizers. You will also need to pay your state’s filing fee.
You should also create an operating agreement. This will help you avoid legal issues in the future.
Articles of organization
The articles of organization are a legal document that establishes an LLC. They contain basic information about the company, such as its name and its purpose. They also include the names of its owners and managers, as well as its mailing address. Depending on the state, you may also need to provide a registered agent. The agent must have a physical address in the state where the articles are filed.
The articles of organization are the birth certificate of your business and should be filed with your state’s business filing office. Typically, there will be a fee to file the articles. Once the articles are filed, you can then prepare an operating agreement for your LLC. Operating agreements are more detailed than the articles of organization and cover issues like management, voting rights, and buyout procedures. They are also essential for keeping your business records in order. They can help you avoid potential penalties for failing to file required tax documents.
Bylaws
A limited liability company is a legal business structure that allows its members to limit their personal assets in the event of a lawsuit. To form an LLC, you will need to submit several legal documents to the state. These documents include the Articles of Organization, the Operating Agreement, and an EIN. The Articles of Organization is the official document that establishes a limited liability company in the eyes of the state. This document includes information such as the name of the company, the initial investments of its members, and how the company will be managed.
An operating agreement is a legal document that sets the internal procedures of a company. It can be more detailed than the Articles of Organization and should include information such as how profits will be distributed among members. While only 5 states require LLCs to have an operating agreement, it is a good idea for all companies to have one.
Registered agent
In New York, an LLC’s registered agent must be an individual or company that has a physical street address within the state and is available during business hours to receive service of process (delivery of lawsuit notices) and official mailings on behalf of the business. The agent can be nominated by the business itself, the business owners or a commercial registered agent service.
In addition to the articles of organization, an LLC should have an operating agreement, which sets out how the business will be run and what rights and responsibilities each member has. It also confirms that profits and losses will be distributed among members based on their ownership share.
Lastly, an LLC must get its EIN (Employee Identification Number), which is used instead of the member’s social security number on all tax documents and to open bank accounts. Most states also require annual or biennial reports to confirm basic information about the business.
EIN
An EIN is a unique federal tax ID number for an LLC. It is important to get one if you plan on opening a business bank account or hiring employees. Some investors and suppliers may also feel more comfortable dealing with a company that has an EIN. The application process is fairly simple and can be done online or by fax.
The first step is to fill out the SS-4 form on the IRS website. This form asks for information about your LLC, including its name and address. It also asks for the responsible party, which is usually a managing member or an owner of the LLC. The responsible party’s social security number and the LLC’s mailing address are also required.
In addition, the SS-4 form asks for the county in which the LLC is located. This field is important because the SS-4 form uses the county as the default for all other fields. In New York, for example, this means that all LLCs in Manhattan are in Manhattan County, and all LLCs in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx are in their respective counties.