{"id":4828,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:45","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/forming-an-llc-writing-and-filing-the-articles-of-organization.html"},"modified":"2025-10-17T22:56:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-18T03:56:00","slug":"forming-an-llc-writing-and-filing-the-articles-of-organization","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/forming-an-llc-writing-and-filing-the-articles-of-organization.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Write and File the Articles of Organization for Your LLC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Write and File the Articles of Organization for Your LLC<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Articles of Organization<\/span> are filed with the Secretary of State<\/span>\u2019s office<\/span> to legally form a limited liability company<\/span> (LLC). The articles include information about the LLC such as its name, business purpose<\/span>, and registered agent<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Starting a small business<\/span> is an exciting journey, and choosing the right business structure<\/span> is a crucial step. Many small-<\/span>business<\/span> owners<\/span> opt for a limited liability company<\/span>, or LLC, because it offers liability protection for personal assets. This is unlike sole proprietorships or partnerships. One key step in forming an LLC is writing and filing the articles of organization<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This guide provides a step-by-step approach to help you through this process. Understanding these formation documents, from the business name<\/span> to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS<\/span>) requirements, is essential for setting up your LLC<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Form your LLC with confidence. <\/em><\/strong>Our trusted partner LegalZoom has packages starting at $0 + filing fees<\/span>.<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

What Are the Articles of Organization<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Your\u00a0limited liability company<\/span>\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0articles of organization<\/span> act as a charter to establish the existence of your LLC in your state. They set forth certain basic information about the new business<\/span>. The articles of organization<\/span> are sometimes called a certificate of formation<\/span> or certificate of organization. This is a critical document for establishing your LLC.<\/p>\n

You will file your articles of organization<\/span> as a single document with the\u00a0secretary of state<\/span>\u2019s office<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(or similar state agency<\/span> that handles business registration). The document describes the fundamental identifying and operating characteristics of the LLC<\/a>. It outlines basic information about your business, such as the business name<\/span>, type of business, and the names of the LLC owners.<\/p>\n

Filing this document ensures your business gains legal recognition and enjoys liability protection. Once filed and approved by the state, the articles of organization<\/span> create the LLC<\/a> as a registered business entity<\/span> within the state.<\/p>\n

What Do the Articles of Organization<\/span> include?<\/h2>\n

The articles of organization<\/span> contain essential details about your LLC. Most states require that an LLC\u2019s <\/span>articles of organization<\/span> include:<\/p>\n