Forms
Articles of Organization, explained
The Articles of Organization is the one-page form that legally creates your LLC. Every state has one, all named slightly differently — Certificate of Formation in Delaware and Texas, Certificate of Organization in Massachusetts, Articles of Organization everywhere else. The required fields are remarkably consistent.
Required on every state's form
- LLC name — must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company". Cannot duplicate an existing entity in the state.
- Registered agent name + physical address — must be a street address in the state of formation. PO boxes not allowed.
- Principal office address — the LLC's main business address. Often the same as the registered agent in single-member LLCs.
- Organizer signature — the person filing the paperwork. Doesn't have to be a member.
Required in some states
- Member or manager names — required in CA, FL, NY, TX, others. Skipped in WY, NM, NV (privacy states).
- Purpose statement — most states accept "any lawful purpose"; a few want specifics.
- Dissolution date — only required if the LLC has a fixed end date. Default: perpetual.
After filing, you get back a Certificate of Formation (DE/TX) or Acknowledgment of Filing (most other states) — proof the LLC exists. Banks ask for this when you open the business account.