What Are Articles Of Organization? Founding LLCs (2026)

What Articles of Organization Are

The articles of organization provide basic information about the company to the state. They also represent the LLC members’ intent to create an LLC.

Why Your LLC Needs Them

All states require LLC members to file with the state to form the company. Most states refer to the filed documents as articles of organization. Some refer to them as certificates of formation or certificates of organization. However, all these documents perform the same function and contain similar information.

Information You Must Include

The exact requirements for the articles of organization will vary by state. However, some common elements include the following:

• LLC’s name and principal address
• Resident agent’s name and address
• LLC type
• Management type

Some types of LLCs that might be identified in the articles include series LLC, professional LLC, and foreign LLC. A professional LLC or PLLC is formed by lawyers, accountants, and other professionals. A foreign LLC is an LLC formed in another state that wishes to do business in a new state. What is a series LLC? A series LLC is a unit within a master LLC.

How to File Articles of Organization

Once the articles of organization are prepared, they are signed and filed by an organizer. The organizer does not need to be an LLC member. The articles are typically filed with the Secretary of State’s office, although commonwealths like Massachusetts have a Secretary of the Commonwealth. A few states have a division or department of corporations.

Filing Costs to Expect

LLC filing fees range from $35 in Montana to $500 in Massachusetts. The agency that handles your state’s corporate filings will likely post its fee schedule online.

Why Filings Get Rejected

Filings are typically rejected for three reasons. First, your articles may be rejected if they are incomplete. For example, you might have unintentionally left a line blank.

Second, your resident agent might not meet the state’s requirements. For example, you might have given a PO Box for the resident agent instead of a physical, in-state address.

Finally, the state can reject LLC articles if your company’s name is already taken. Most states will only reject LLC articles if the name is identical to another company’s name. If your company’s name is rejected, a small adjustment might get it approved.

Steps to Take After Filing

After receiving your LLC filing, the state will usually stamp the articles and return them to you. The stamped articles prove your company’s formation.

Most LLCs will require an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS. Talk to your accountant about obtaining one.

Make sure you understand your state’s annual filing requirements. Although many states send reminders, you should know the schedule in case you do not receive it.