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45 Free LLC Operating Agreement Templates – Word

A Limited Liability Company operating agreement is a legal document that provides bylaws that outline the company’s daily internal operations, management, ownership, and staff duties. More often, LCC can be managed either by a member (or group of members), or a designated manager(s). While it is not a basic requirement for most states, it may be required by financial institutions, such as when opening bank accounts.

Also, you may be requested to provide the LLC operating agreement template by IRS to determine how decisions are made or to establish ownership details.

If you want to take more control over your day to day operations of your company, then you need to consider having an LLC operating agreement written down. Since the LLC provides an agreement for the company’s operations, it helps reduce discrepancies that would otherwise erupt in its absence. Besides, it helps you specify rules which you would want to follow for the effective operation of the company.

Note That

If the LLC operating agreement isn’t put in writing, the company may find it difficult to get legal help when confronted with taxation or legal issues of any sort. At the same time, the company will find it difficult to open a business checking accounts with the bank, secure financing, or even receive investment money as it’s one of the key requirements.

LLC operating agreement by types exist in two forms as described below:

  • Single-member operating agreement: This agreement is often used by LLC under single ownership.
  • Multi-member operating agreement: These agreements are used with LLC with more than one owner.

Required States:

While there is no specific time to create this agreement, it’s advised that you have it created at the beginning of your company’s operation to help guide business decisions. Some of the states where the LLC operating agreement is mandatory are Delaware, Maine, Missouri, New York, and California.

Depending on the state you are in, an LLC operating agreement may also be referred to as Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC), operating agreement, LLC agreement, or LLC partnership agreement.

LLC Operating Agreement Forms (by State)

If you are looking for how to properly monitor your company’s day-to-day operations, then you should invest in creating an LLC operating agreement. Unfortunately, many people find the process of creating the LLC operating agreement time-consuming and effort-draining. However, this shouldn’t worry you. Simply download our free LLC operating agreement templates and get started.

Related: How to Form an LLC in the USA

How to Write an LLC Agreement

The basic considerations of LLC operating agreements include:

Preamble

This is the introductory part of the LLC operating agreement. Usually, a preamble contains the dates on which the agreement was formed. Also, it gives a brief definition of the agreement to make the reader aware of what the document is all about.

Recitals

Just like the preamble, recitals are also part of the introductory statement. However, recitals do consist of basic information about the company. These details may include why the LLC was formed, the reason for its formation.

Binding authority

Binding authority is where one party gives full authority to another to transact on their behalf in accordance with the terms and LLC operating agreement signed.

Duties

This is where all the duties and responsibilities of each member of the company are entered.

Meetings

This will describe how people will assemble to engage in formal discussions about the company. It also describes the frequency of each meeting that should be held and at what intervals.

Members

The members are the particulars of every individual that owns the company. Also, this section explains how new members can join as well as how old ones can leave.

Some of the key information each member should provide include:

  • Name and address
  • Membership class
  • Contribution on capital
  • Ownership percentage
  • Share of profits and losses

Registered agent

Registered agents are individuals or parties who are allowed to accept or process legal documents on behalf of a company or business.

Ownership

This part describes individual(s) with exclusive rights or control over a business or company. The ownership can be the percentage of ownership each member has.  

Term

This refers to the duration in which the LLC operating agreement will take before members decide to dissolve or continue with the engagement.

Transferring interest

Transferring interest simply means a percentage of a member’s ownership that he or she is willing to trade.

Company formation

Company formation-related components of the LLC operating agreement will revolve around the company’s formation and dissolution details.

Typically, these will include the following;

  • Operating agreement amendment: The section on the LLC operating agreement amendment describes whether any alterations made to the operating agreement should be done in writing for it to be valid.
  • Dissolution: The dissolution section gives an in-depth detail of when and how the company will get dissolved. Also, it addresses how individual member will receive their share of company ownership or contributions.

Capital contribution

The components of the LLC operating agreement that will fall under the category of capital contributions will revolve around the guidelines on how capital and all the sub-sectors related to it are established.

Typically, these will include the following;

  • Contributions: Contribution simply refers to the amount of money, assets, or services every individual owner brings at the beginning of the agreement or can be requested to give in the future.
  • Profits and losses: This is where the members/owners discuss how profits and losses will be distributed amongst them. Usually, the mode of distribution can be in the form of percentage ownership, tax brackets, or financial needs.
  • Duty to loyalty: This describes the member’s trust to act solely on the company’s interest or that of beneficiaries. This also describes whether the members can share the business opportunity with the company at their will.

Indemnification

Here, the company agrees to compensate or defend members against any harm or legal claim. However, if the member is a victim of their misconduct or negligence, such compensation won’t be granted.

Liability

Oftentimes, members aren’t subjected to any liability of the company. However, if any of them engages in intentional wrongdoing, then they may be held liable according to the LLC operating agreement.

Life insurance

Under life insurance, the company may promise to compensate its members and relevant parties for minimizing capital gain taxes that may accrue at the time of the individual’s death or when they are selling their interest.

Management structure

Here, the members/owners can decide on the management method of their business or company. For instance, they can decide to manage the business by themselves or hire a professional manager.

Prohibitions

Members can agree not to violate their membership privileges or terms. For instance, they may prohibit delegating their authority to non-members.

Compensation

The components that fall under the compensation category of the LLC operating agreement will typically include the following;

  • Management fees: If the members decide to hire a manager, then they should agree on how much to compensate for the services.
  • Reimbursement: In the reimbursement section of the agreement, the members can agree whether to compensate the managers out of their pockets or to use company assets in doing so.

Bookkeeping

The bookkeeping section of the structure will include any components that pertain to the company accounts’/funds bookkeeping.

These will typically include;

  • Accounting: Accounting is an important aspect for every company. Therefore, members can decide to use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to ensure their accounts are clear, accurate, and updated.
  • Annual report: In order to fast-track the company’s progress, an annual report will come handy. This will show the company’s annual financial progression.
  • Auditing: Auditing is another integral part of financial management. Members can agree to examine their accounts by conducting regular audits.
  • Records: In order to get reliable information for future decision-making, there should be proper records. That’s said, accurate records will be maintained, and a copy is presented upon request.

Tax

Here, members will see to it that the LLC is in full compliance with the federal and state income taxes.

Typically, this section will include the following;

  • Tax matters partner: Depending on the agreement, one member (known as tax partner) can represent the LLC before the IRS when addressing tax issues.
  • Valuation: If the value of the LLC is needed, the members can decide to involve a private entity to carry out the valuation process. The valuation basically will give out the company’s market value at that particular moment.

Transfers

Any components that fall under the category of transfers, in the LLC operating agreement relate to how transfers are to be made in fiscal terms.

These will typically include the following;

  • Buyout: The members will state out whether they are allowed to buy other members’ interests at will for whichever reason.
  • Voting: Voting is an important right that needs to be fulfilled by every member. It’s, however, important to note that this right is only limited to members. Therefore, this section will highlight each member’s voting power and other regulations attached to it.

Other considerations

Any other essential considerations that must be part of the agreement, based on their nature and its relevance to your organization can and should also be added in the form.

These considerations could include;

  • What happens if a member quits, is found incompetent, or dies: If a member dies or is found incompetent, then the members can decide to remain active, terminate the company, or add another eligible member. This decision should be made through a vote after 60 days of the incident.
  • How and when the LLC may be dissolved: Winding up an LLC basically refers to resolving and settling all the company’s liabilities and obligations. In other words, when the business decides to dissolve for whichever reason, the members will decide to wind up the LLC by selling the assets to settle its dues. This helps ensure that all the parties involved are contented and satisfied. Here, members can reach an agreement on situations or factors that may lead to the company’s dissolution. Also, measures on how the assets will be sold out after dissolution are stated. Apart from that, the date and time when the LLC may be dissolved are also specified in this sub-section.

Financial and administrative aspects

Here, members will specify how the company will be managed. This extends to the financial and administrative aspects such as fiscal year reports, yearly report details, and accounting methods. This section will also describe whether the company will be taxed as a disregarded entity or a corporation.

Note That

When categorized as a disregarded entity, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will treat the company as a single-member LLC, which resembles a sole proprietorship. Otherwise, if it’s categorized under a corporation then the LLC will be taxed under the company level. This means that every member will have to pay income tax on any stated contributions.

As a bonus tip, if your LLC has at least two members, then it will be treated as a partnership for taxation purposes. However, it can also decide to be taxed as a corporation if the need arises.

LLC Operating Agreement State Laws

As mentioned earlier, LLC operating agreement does differ from state to state. Depending on the state where you come from or operate, you can always check the requirements just to be sure. States such as Delaware, Wyoming, and Nevada generally have favorable tax regulations as well as business infrastructures. Therefore, members of an LLC can simply operate privately from the public with a single registered agent’s name being made for public records.

If you intend to operate a local business, then you can register it within your state. However, you intend to have a business operating outside the state in which you live; you will have to look for a registered agent that lives in the outside state(s).

AL – Â§ 10A-5A-1.08AK – AS 10.50.095AZ – Â§ 29-3105AR – Â§ 4-32-405CA – Corp Code 17701.10
CO – Â§ 7-80-108CT – Â§ 34-243d
DE – Â§ 18-101 to § 18-1109
FL – Â§ 605.0105

GA – Title 14, Chapter 11
HI – Â§ 428-103ID – Â§ 30-25-105IL –  805 ILCS 180IN – IC 23-18-4-4IA – Â§ 489.110
KS – Â§ 76-7672KY – Â§ 275-180
LA – RS 12:1319ME – Â§ 31-1521MD – Â§ 4A–402
MA – Chapter 156CMI – Â§ 450.4308MN – Â§ 322C.0110MS – Â§ 79-29-123MO – Â§ 347.081
MT – Â§ 35-8-109NE – Â§ 21-110NV – NRS 86.286NH – Â§ 304-C:41NJ – Â§ 42-2C-11
NM – Â§ 53-19-19NY – Â§ 417NC – Â§ 57D-2-30ND – Â§ 10-32.1-13OH – Â§ 1705.081
OK – Â§ 18-2012.2OR – Â§ 63.057PA – Â§ 8916RI – Â§ 7-16-22SC – Â§ 33-44-103
SD – Â§ 47-34A-103TN – Â§ 48-206-101TX – Sec. 101.052UT – Â§ 48-3a-112VT – 11 V.S.A. § 4003
VA – Â§ 13.1-1023WA – RCW 25.15.018WV – Â§ 31B-1-103WI – Chapter 183WY – Â§ 17-29-110

An LLC is a legally binding business agreement that every person seeking to venture into a business should emulate. It will help you define how your company is managed as well as the administrative structures. Furthermore, LLC will come in handy when approaching banks, lenders, or investors for various kinds of services such as opening a business checking account, securing financing, getting investment money, or getting professional legal or tax assistance, and many others.

Generally, this will help improve the success and future developments of your company. Depending on the state you are coming from and the nature of your business, you should make always consider having an LLC for your enterprise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can members amend (change) terms in the LLC Operating Agreement?

LLC members can change the terms in the LLC Operating Agreement. However, this can only be done through majority votes.

What is the difference between a partnership and an LLC?

In partnership, every partner is often liable for obligations and debts. However, in LLC, members combine both the limited liability with the tax advantages associated with the general partnership.

Does an LLC have shares of stock like a corporation?

No. an LLC doesn’t have shares of stock as a corporation does. With LLC, individual members are assigned a percentage of ownership according to their respective contributions to the capital share.

Who is considered a member of an LLC?

An LLC member is a person or party that has ownership shares with the Limited Liability Company (LLC). Before you qualify to be an LLC member, you must have provided capital contributions such as money, property, or services, to mention a few.

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