Articles of Organization
The Articles of Organization are a formal document required to establish a limited liability company (LLC) in the United States. This document is filed with the appropriate state authority, typically the Secretary of State, and serves as the official record of the LLC’s creation.
The Articles of Organization generally include essential information such as:
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Name of the LLC: The chosen name must comply with state naming regulations and be distinguishable from existing entities.
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Principal Office Address: The primary location where the business will operate.
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Registered Agent: The individual or business entity designated to receive legal documents on behalf of the LLC.
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Purpose of the LLC: A brief description of the nature of the business, although many states allow a general statement of purpose.
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Duration: The intended duration of the LLC, which can be perpetual or for a specific time period.
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Management Structure: Indication of whether the LLC will be managed by members or managers.
Filing the Articles of Organization is a crucial step in forming an LLC, as it provides legal recognition and limited liability protections to its owners (members). Once approved, the LLC can commence business operations, enter contracts, and conduct its affairs as a separate legal entity. For example, if a group of entrepreneurs wants to start a catering business, they would file the Articles of Organization to officially form their LLC, protecting their personal assets from business liabilities.
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