Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement

Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a business structure that enables its members to have limited liability protection against business debts and obligations. LLC can either be a single-member or multi-member. Since creating an LLC operating agreement is part of the entire LLC registration and membership process, the LLC must be in an active status first before writing down the agreement. Many professional services are giving people the assistance they need in creating an LLC agreement, but it’s an addition to the expenses. In contrast, creating this agreement is reasonably easy. One has to know the common parts that this form comprises, just like some of which presented below. Read More

What is a Limited Liability Company (LLC) Operating Agreement?

An LLC operating agreement is a document that presents the ownership percentage of the company. This comes in two types: the single-member LLC and multi-member LLC operating agreement. Hence, its coverage in use varies based on its types. However, its standard sections include the names and signatures of the members, the percentage interest, capital contributions, and the date of annual meetings. Every part of this agreement must be simple and comprehensive enough for the members to understand.

Based on a 2017 NSBA year-end economic demographics, 35% of small businesses are LLCs. As this explains the majority of business structures functioning in the United States, then what does this figure imply in its broader perspective? What makes multiple LLCs for a business beneficial? An article from entrepreneur.com has mentioned three benefits with its primary advantage in limit liability. For instance, if you have four businesses and each is members of separate LLCs, and one of them fails, then your remaining business is out of risk of potential costs. Thus, it is beyond essential to consider every detail of the agreement.

How Do You Create an LLC Operating Agreement?

When you create an LLC operating agreement on your own, you must know the essential parts. The following steps may help you with it. Take some time to read the following.

1. Choose a Particular Type

Right after checking on the name and state of jurisdiction, you may now select your type of LLC operating agreement. Are you joining a single-member LLC or a multi-member LLC? There are available forms that contain both, and you have to choose and check which you need. However, you can directly create your LLC out of the specific context of each type. 

2. Present the Name, Principal Address, and State of Jurisdiction

This agreement is lengthy since this offers two options for member-managed and multi-member LLCs. Before you use a particular name for your LLC, you must search for the title you wanted within the state’s Secretary of State’s office. You make sure that your name has no duplicate. Also, your LLC must include your business’s principal address and must be under the State’s jurisdiction. In every state, there are some with separate considerations. So, you have to check for it as well. More importantly, this part has to highlight the words Limited Liability Company.

3. Add other Necessary Sections and Explain the Content Further

Be mindful that the proceeding sections of this agreement will depend on the type of LLC you want to engage your business with. LLCs for sole proprietorship may include the registered agent and office, the member contributions including the bank accounts and the management of the company, ownership of company property, indemnification, and the miscellaneous. On the other hand, a multi-member LLC operating agreement may comprise the registered agent and office, member contributions, member meetings, assignment of interests, right of first refusal, admission of new members, withdrawal events, amendments, and miscellaneous. Take note that these sections may be subjected to more or fewer parts as needed.

4. Affix the Signature

The crucial part of certifying whatever included in this form is the signature that member(s) affix in it. Signatures in any document are necessary to validate whatever information is included in the agreement. Before signing this agreement, the member(s) has to know and understand each part.

Is an LLC operating agreement a part of the Articles of Organization?

No. An LLC operating agreement is an agreement between the member(s) of the LLC. The Articles of Organization is referred to as the filing document. This includes the initial statements needed to form an LLC in the United States. Even if creating an LLC operating agreement is part of the LLC registration process, it is a separate sheet drafted by the member(s) to outline the terms and conditions to follow.

Can I produce my LLC operating agreement?

Yes, you can create your LLC operating agreement, given that drafting comes after merged ideas between members. In particular states such as California, New York, and Delaware, an LLC operating agreement is part of the requirements. Thus, creating this agreement is beneficial in outlining the business operations.

Do I need to notarize my LLC operating agreement?

Notarizing your LLC operating agreement is not required. However, it is highly recommended to do.

LLC operating agreements are necessary forms used in certifying the limited liability that this document guarantees. These are most often used among real estate investors and small business owners. The good thing about this structure is that if you wish to include your businesses in multiple LLCs, you may. In this way, you may prevent your remaining business from knocking-on when others fail.