Writing an LLC Operating Agreement

Forming an LLC is a crucial step for many businesses, but it’s also important to understand the legal documents that come with it - namely the LLC Operating Agreement. This document outlines the rights and responsibilities of all members of the LLC, establishes rules and regulations, defines how profits and losses will be shared, and even outlines how disputes between members are to be handled. It serves as a legally binding document should any disputes arise – making it vital that business owners take the time to understand its content before signing.

At Genie AI we understand just how important this document is – which is why we have developed an open-source legal template library for anyone who needs help in drafting or customizing high-quality LLC Operating Agreements. Our library utilises millions of datapoints so that our AI can figure out what comprises a market-standard agreement, enabling us to provide users with step-by-step guidance in creating their own agreements without having to consult a lawyer.

Since our library launched in 2017, countless people have taken advantage of this free resource to ensure they get their agreements right first time around - no hassle or costly litigation required! And because these documents are ‘living’ documents which require regular updating, you can rest assured knowing your agreement will remain valid when changes occur in your business or amongst its members.

If you want access to our template library today and find out more about creating your own LLC Operating Agreement then read on below!

Definitions

LLC (limited liability company): A business structure that provides limited personal liability for its owners. This means that if the LLC is sued or incurs debt, the members are not personally responsible for the debts or liabilities of the LLC.
Pass-through taxation: A taxation system where the LLC does not pay income tax on its profits, but rather, the profits are passed on to the members and taxed at their individual income tax rate.
Registered agent: A person or business appointed by the LLC to receive legal documents, such as service of process, on behalf of the LLC.
Principal place of business: The address designated by the LLC as its primary location.
EIN (Employer Identification Number): A number used to identify the LLC and is required for the LLC to open a bank account and file taxes.
Articles of Organization: A document that outlines the basic information about the LLC, such as the name, address, and purpose of the LLC.
Licenses and permits: Documents issued by the government that allow the LLC to legally conduct business in a given state.
Operating agreement: A document that outlines the roles and responsibilities of the members, the management structure, the profit and loss distribution, the voting rights, and the rules for meetings and decisions.
Dispute resolution: A process used to resolve disputes between members, such as through arbitration or mediation.

Contents

  1. Overview of LLCs and their benefits
  2. How to Choose the Right State to Form Your LLC
  3. Research state laws and requirements
  4. Consider the state’s taxes and fees
  5. Consider the state’s requirements for LLCs
  6. How to Choose a Name for Your LLC
  7. Check for availability
  8. Choose a unique name that is not already in use
  9. Consider the acronym when choosing a name
  10. Ensure the name is legally compliant
  11. How to Register Your LLC
  12. Gather the required documents
  13. File Articles of Organization
  14. Apply for an EIN
  15. Obtain the required licenses and permits
  16. What to Include in the Operating Agreement
  17. Names of members
  18. Management structure
  19. Profit and loss distribution
  20. Voting rights
  21. Rules for meetings and decisions
  22. What Are the Advantages of an LLC Operating Agreement?
  23. Clarifies ownership of the LLC
  24. Provides clear guidelines for decision-making
  25. Establishes procedures for dispute resolution
  26. Helps maintain the LLC’s limited liability
  27. What Should Be Avoided When Writing an LLC Operating Agreement?
  28. Vague language
  29. Outdated information
  30. Unclear rules or regulations
  31. Unreasonable restrictions
  32. What Are the Best Practices for Writing an LLC Operating Agreement?
  33. Seek professional legal advice
  34. Be aware of applicable state laws
  35. Use clear, concise language
  36. Include provisions for dispute resolution
  37. What Are the Steps to Finalizing Your LLC Operating Agreement?
  38. Draft the agreement
  39. Have all members review and sign the agreement
  40. Notarize the agreement
  41. File the agreement with the Secretary of State
  42. How to Maintain Your LLC Operating Agreement
  43. Review the agreement regularly
  44. Update the agreement as needed
  45. Ensure the agreement remains in compliance with state laws

Get started

Overview of LLCs and their benefits

How to Choose the Right State to Form Your LLC

Research state laws and requirements

Consider the state’s taxes and fees

Consider the state’s requirements for LLCs

How to Choose a Name for Your LLC

Check for availability

Choose a unique name that is not already in use

Consider the acronym when choosing a name

Ensure the name is legally compliant

How to Register Your LLC

Gather the required documents

File Articles of Organization

Apply for an EIN

Obtain the required licenses and permits

What to Include in the Operating Agreement

You will know you have completed this step when all the items from the list above have been included in the Operating Agreement and it is ready for all members to sign.

Names of members

Management structure

When you can check this off your list and move on to the next step:

Profit and loss distribution

Voting rights

Rules for meetings and decisions

Once you’ve established rules for meetings and decisions, you can check this off your list and move on to the next step: What are the advantages of an LLC Operating Agreement?

What Are the Advantages of an LLC Operating Agreement?

Clarifies ownership of the LLC

You can check off this step from your list when you have written out all the details regarding the ownership of the LLC in the Operating Agreement.

Provides clear guidelines for decision-making

When you can check this off your list:

Establishes procedures for dispute resolution

Helps maintain the LLC’s limited liability

What Should Be Avoided When Writing an LLC Operating Agreement?

When you have ensured that the operating agreement avoids all of the above issues, you can move on to the next step.

Vague language

Outdated information

Unclear rules or regulations

Unreasonable restrictions

What Are the Best Practices for Writing an LLC Operating Agreement?

When you can check this off your list and move on to the next step: When you have finished researching state laws, consulting with legal professionals, and including all of the necessary items in the LLC operating agreement.

Seek professional legal advice

Be aware of applicable state laws

Use clear, concise language

Include provisions for dispute resolution

Once you have included provisions for dispute resolution in your LLC Operating Agreement, you can check this off your list and move on to the next step.

What Are the Steps to Finalizing Your LLC Operating Agreement?

Draft the agreement

Have all members review and sign the agreement

Notarize the agreement

File the agreement with the Secretary of State

How to Maintain Your LLC Operating Agreement

Review the agreement regularly

Update the agreement as needed

Ensure the agreement remains in compliance with state laws

• Research the laws, regulations, and requirements in your state to ensure the agreement meets all legal standards.
• Include any provisions that are required by your state, such as the registered agent details, in the agreement.
• Make sure that all the clauses in the agreement are written in accordance with state laws.
• Seek legal counsel if you have any doubts about the legal requirements for your state.

You can check this off your list once you have ensured that everything in the agreement complies with the laws of your state.

FAQ

Q: What are the differences between US and UK LLC Operating Agreements?

Asked by Sarah on 26th April 2022.
A: US and UK LLC Operating Agreements are generally quite similar in terms of their purpose and function, but there are a few key differences. In the US, the LLC Operating Agreement typically governs how members can transfer ownership, how to make decisions, and how to dissolve the LLC. In the UK, an LLC Operating Agreement typically includes additional provisions such as what happens if a business is wound up and how to manage disputes between members. It’s important to be aware of the differences between these two jurisdictions when writing an LLC Operating Agreement.

Q: Are there specific provisions I need to include in my LLC Operating Agreement?

Asked by Jacob on 11th August 2022.
A: Yes, there are certain provisions that should be included in all LLC Operating Agreements, regardless of jurisdiction. These include information about the company’s name and purpose, its registered address, liability protection for members, voting rights for members, and how decisions will be made. Depending on the particular laws of your jurisdiction and the type of business you are operating, there may also be additional provisions that you should include in your LLC Operating Agreement.

Q: How does an LLC Operating Agreement differ from a Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation?

Asked by Emma on 21st December 2022.
A: An LLC Operating Agreement is a legal document that governs the internal management of a limited liability company (LLC), while a Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation is a legal document that sets forth the basic structure and purpose of a corporation. The main difference between these documents is that an LLC Operating Agreement lays out the rights and responsibilities of each member, while a Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation defines the structure of the corporation itself.

Q: Is it necessary to have an attorney write my LLC Operating Agreement?

Asked by Michael on 8th May 2022.
A: While it is not strictly necessary to have an attorney write your LLC Operating Agreement, it is highly recommended. An attorney can help ensure that your agreement is legally sound and follows all applicable laws in your jurisdiction. Additionally, they can provide valuable advice about any special provisions or clauses you may need in order to protect your interests as an owner or member of an LLC.

Q: What happens if I fail to include specific provisions in my LLC Operating Agreement?

Asked by Ashley on 17th October 2022.
A: If you fail to include specific provisions in your LLC Operating Agreement, you could be exposing yourself to costly disputes and liability issues down the line. Depending on the laws in your jurisdiction, certain provisions may be required for your agreement to be legally valid or enforceable. It’s important to consult with a knowledgeable attorney before signing any agreement just to make sure everything is in order.

Q: What other documents do I need for my LLC?

Asked by Joshua on 14th July 2022.
A: Depending on where you live and what kind of business you are operating, there may be other documents that you need for your LLC such as corporate bylaws or operating agreements with partners or shareholders. Additionally, many states require businesses to obtain certain licenses or permits in order to operate legally; these documents can vary depending on the type of business and should be obtained prior to forming an LLC.

Q: Can I change my LLC Operating Agreement after I have signed it?

Asked by Emily on 19th November 2022.
A: Yes, you can change your LLC Operating Agreement after it has been signed; however, it is important to note that any changes must be agreed upon by all members or owners involved in the agreement before they can take effect. If any member objects to changes being made to the agreement, then those changes cannot be enforced until all parties agree on them. Additionally, some changes may require approval from state or local authorities before they can take effect; it’s important to consult with an attorney before making any changes just to make sure everything is done legally and properly.

Example dispute

Suing a Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Templates available (free to use)

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