If you are forming an LLC in PA, 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 LLC cost comprises filing a Pennsylvania certificate of organization, which we will elaborate on this page.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is a Certificate of Organization?
A Certificate of Organization, also known as an LLC certificate or Articles of Organization in some states, is a document filed with the department of state to form an LLC.
Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. A Certificate 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 a Certificate 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 Pennsylvania LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.
How to File an Pennsylvania Certificate of Organization
These are the simple steps to follow in filing a Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania.
Step 1: Find Forms Online
Go to the Pennsylvania Department of State to download the certificate 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 Pennsylvania 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 Certificate 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 the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations P.O. Box 8722 Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722.
Steps to Register Certificate of Organization Online
Time needed: 5 minutes
To set up your business LLC in the State of Pennsylvania, you must file for the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State of Pennsylvania office. When you apply through online mode, your application also gets the advantage of immediate processing. The cost of registration is $125. The formation guide below will assist you in filing the Certificate of Organization.
- Access the Secretary of State of Pennsylvania website
Visit the Official website of the Pennsylvania Secretary of State. The website hosts a Business One-Stop Shop portal that provides an easier and convenient mode of online business filings. On this page, the login box appears. If you already have an account on the portal, you can proceed by entering your username and password. If you do not have an account, read the next step to know about it.
- Create your account
On the One-Stop shop homepage, beside the login box, the account registration option is also present. Click on the ‘Register’ tab on the screen.
- Account registration information
On the next page, enter all the required information to create your account on the portal. Create your username and password. Next, provide the user information including the first and last name, date of birth, email, and contact details. Further, answer at least three security questions. Click on the ‘Submit’ tab
- Start to file your application
Login to your account on the portal. On the user homepage, select the option of “PENN File” from the dashboard. Scroll down to the option of “Start or manage business filings”. Next, select the option of “Domestic Limited Liability Company” from the list. Next, select the “Certificate of Organization” option. Now, proceed to file your application by entering all the required information about your Pennsylvania business LLC.
- Review your application
Before you proceed to the next step, make sure to review all the details provided by you are correct and accurate.
- Make the payment
After completing your application, you can proceed to the next step to make the payment of $125 as the filing fee of your application. After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive a notification from the Secretary of State office, acknowledging the receipt of your application.
Pennsylvania Certificate of Organization Filing By Mail
If you wish to file your registration application through an offline method, you can do that easily by mail. Follow the instructions below to file the Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania
Follow the instructions below to file the Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania,
- Access the Application form PDF on your device. Download the document.
- Carefully read all the instructions and guidelines mentioned in the form.
- Proceed to fill in the application form accordingly.
- You must attach the name reservation certificate of your business LLC along with the application.
- After filling in all the details, review the application. All the information provided by you should be correct and accurate.
- The office mandated the following documents to be attached with the application: the Docketing Statement, and any necessary governmental approvals.
- Issue a check or money order for $125 as the filing fee of your registration application, payable to the ‘Department of State’.
- Arrange all the documents together and mail to the following address, Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations P.O. Box 8722 Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722
F.A.Qs
A Certificate of Organization is a legal document that will officially make your LLC into existence. This document is needed specifically for Pennsylvania in forming an LLC business structure.
The application form for the Certificate 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 Pennsylvania LLC Certificate of Organization
Certificate of Organization for Pennsylvania LLC can be accessed through the PA one stop-hub website by creating your account. You can also download the PDF from the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website.
But where exactly can you find your Pennsylvania LLC Certificate of Organization once it has been processed and approved? The process of obtaining this document may seem daunting at first, but rest assured, the steps involved are fairly straightforward. Once your LLC application has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of State, you will receive a stamped and approved copy of your Certificate of Organization in the mail.
It is important to keep this official document in a safe and secure location, as it serves as proof of your LLC’s existence and registration with the state. You may need to provide a copy of your Certificate of Organization when opening a business bank account, securing financing, entering into contracts, applying for permits and licenses, or in the event of any legal disputes that may arise.
If you are unable to locate your original Certificate of Organization, you may request a duplicate copy from the Pennsylvania Department of State. The process for obtaining a duplicate certificate typically involves submitting a formal request, along with a nominal fee, to the state agency responsible for LLC registrations.
In addition to keeping a physical copy of your Certificate of Organization on hand, it is also recommended to store a digital copy in a secure location, such as an encrypted file on your computer or a cloud-based storage platform. Having a backup copy readily accessible can save you valuable time and effort in the event that the original document is lost, stolen, or damaged.
In conclusion, your Pennsylvania LLC Certificate of Organization is a vital document that confirms the legal status of your limited liability company. By keeping this official certificate safe and easily accessible, you can ensure that your business remains in compliance with state regulations and properly recognized as a legitimate entity. Remember, the process of obtaining a duplicate certificate is straightforward, so you can always rest easy knowing that your LLC documentation is securely in place.
In Conclusion
Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation is the most important document for your Pennsylvania 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.
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