If you are forming a California LLC, then this page’s content would be vital. As you learn how to start an LLC, you will realize that the bulk of your initial work and cost comprises filing an article of organization, which we will elaborate on this page.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is an Article of Organization?
An Article of Organization, also known as an LLC certificate in some states, is a document filed with the secretary of state to form an LLC.
Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. An Article of Organization usually includes the following:
- The name of the LLC,
- the effective date of the LLC,
- the company’s principal office,
- the business purpose,
- the duration of the business,
- a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
- the name and address of the registered agent, organizers, and
- at least one member of the company.
You can file an Article of Organization online, by mail, or in person.
Note that the certification of formation is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC formation. It even makes up the bulk of your LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.
How to File an California Article of Organization
These are the simple steps to follow in filing an Article of Organization in California.
Step 1: Find Forms Online
Go to the California Secretary of State to download the article of organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.
Step 2: Fill Out Form
When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to California LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.
You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Article of Organization form when filing. You also need to nominate a registered agent. Here are 3 of the best LLC services on our list.
Step 3: File Formation Certificates
File your formation certificate either online or by mail by filling out a form and sending it to P.O. Box 944260 Sacramento, CA 94244–2600.
Article of Organization Online Registration
Time needed: 10 minutes
To register your California LLC online, one has to go to the California Secretary of State Official Website. The online registration process is easy and takes around 10 minutes to complete. The online payment must be done through VISA or MasterCard. Below is the step-by-step process explained.
- Visit the official website of California Secretary of State Online Services.
You will get the information regarding the filing fees and franchise tax to be paid to start a foreign LLC in California.
- Hit “Start”
Hit the “Start” button below to start the process of registering your California foreign LLC. As you will hit the ‘Start’ button you will be directed to the next Privacy and Terms page. Read the Privacy Warning carefully before you accept the terms and conditions. Hit the ‘I Accept’ button and move on.
- Add your LLC name and identifier
You will be directed to the registration form page on the website. There are 7 pages to fill up by the LLC. The first page is about the purpose of the LLC.
- Business Address
On the next page, you will have to enter the information about your business address. Enter the initial and mailing address. Make sure that the address is correct and from California.
- Service of Process
Proceed to the next page where you will have to enter the details of ‘Service of Process’. Whether your agent is an individual or a corporation, details should be given under the specific option.
- Management Structure
On the next page, specify your Management, whether your LLC is a single-member or multiple-members.
- Organizer information
The next page is about the Organizer of your LLC. Enter the name of the organizer, address, and pin code. Also, specify the date of filing.
- Review submission
Once this page is done, the next page will be the review page. Review carefully what information you have entered. If there is anything you want to include or change, you can go back and edit the form.
- Payment
Finally, you will be landed on the Payment page. Enter the payment amount, method, and other information. Hit the submit button to complete the payment and registration process.
Filing California Article of Organization by Mail
If you prefer to send the article of organization by mail, then follow the instructions below:
- Download the article of organization form.
- Fill up the form thoroughly with all the required information
- Get two copies of the Article of organization form.
- Get the certificate of name reservation. Attach with the article of organization forms.
- Send all the documents to the following address, Secretary of State, Business Entities Filings, P.O. Box 944228, Sacramento, CA 94244.
- You can drop the forms at the counter or send them in-person at 1500 11th St. Sacramento, CA 95814, (Mon-Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Cost of Filing a California Formation Certificate
The cost of Filing California LLC is given below. A fixed amount of Franchise Tax should be paid annually along with the formation fee. Whether to file online (recommended) or by mail or in-person. The filing cost is,
- Online filing: $70
- By Mail: $70 + $5 for each certified copy
- In-person: $70 + $15 counter charge
F.A.Qs
An Article of Organization is a legal document that will officially make your LLC into existence. This document is needed specifically for California in forming an LLC business structure.
The application form for the Article of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.
Filing by mail or in person is neither highly recommended nor required; waiting an extra week for your LLC to be approved isn’t that bad. The LLC approval you send in will be returned by mail. Online filing, meanwhile, is more convenient as you won’t have to stay in a queue.
Where Can You Find Your California LLC Articles of Organization
For accessing Articles of Organization online, you can visit the California Secretary of State website. From the same website, you can also download the PDF if you want to file through mail.
First and foremost, it is important to note that the Articles of Organization for your California LLC can be found and filed online through the California Secretary of State’s website. This online process makes it convenient and streamlined for business owners to officially establish their LLC from the comfort of their home or office. All you need is an internet connection and a few essential details about your business.
Alternatively, if you prefer to file your Articles of Organization in person or by mail, you can obtain the necessary forms directly from the California Secretary of State’s office. By visiting their physical location or contacting them via mail, you can request the required paperwork to get started on the formation of your LLC.
In addition to the California Secretary of State’s office, legal service providers and online business formation companies also offer assistance in preparing and filing your Articles of Organization. These professionals can guide you through the process, ensure all necessary information is included, and submit the paperwork on your behalf.
It is crucial to accurately complete your California LLC Articles of Organization with the correct information about your business entity. This includes details such as the name of your LLC, its purpose, the duration of its existence, the address of the principal place of business, and the name and address of the LLC’s registered agent. Failing to provide accurate and complete information can lead to delays in the formation of your business entity.
Once your California LLC Articles of Organization have been filed and approved, your business entity will officially come into existence. You will receive a stamped and approved copy of the document, which serves as proof of your LLC’s formation. This document should be kept in a safe and easily accessible place, as it may be required for various purposes such as opening a bank account, entering into contracts, and filing taxes.
In conclusion, knowing where to find your California LLC Articles of Organization is crucial for successfully establishing your business entity in the state. Whether you choose to file online, in person, by mail, or through a professional service provider, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of your formation paperwork is essential. By following the necessary steps and requirements set forth by the California Secretary of State, you can confidently start your business on the right foot and begin your journey as a proud business owner in the Golden State.
In Conclusion
Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation is the most important document for your California LLC. Before you submit/file the document make sure to provide proper and correct information about your company. If you have any questions, share that below in the comment section.