How to File an LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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articles of organization

The Certificate of Organization is one of the main documents required while forming an LLC in Iowa. The document needs to be filed with the Secretary of State in Iowa to share all the important information related to the limited liability company that is going to be established.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Certificate of Organization in Iowa. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in Iowa to file the Certificate of Organization while forming the LLC.

What is an LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa?

The Certificate of Organization for an LLC is the most important document among all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures such as corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, Certificate of Organization is one of the main papers.

By submitting the Certificate of Organization, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with Iowa Secretary of State.

Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. The Certificate of Organization usually includes the following:

  • The name of the LLC in Iowa,
  • 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

Note that the Certificate of Organization in Iowa is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC. It even makes up the bulk of your Iowa LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File Iowa LLC Certificate of Organization

Filing an LLC Certificate of Organization with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). Statewise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In Iowa, the following methods are available.

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Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the Iowa Secretary 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 Iowa 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 mention the name and address of the Iowa Registered Agent. We recommend the best LLC services in Iowa that you can choose to form your LLC, hire the Registered Agent, and file the Certificate of Organization with the SOS.

If you plan to start an LLC in states other than Iowa, you must file a foreign LLC in other states. For filing a foreign LLC you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states along with Iowa.

What information does the Certificate of Organization application need in Iowa?

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.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the Lucas State Office Building, 321 E 12th St, Des Moines, IA 50319. For online filing, you must log in to the Iowa Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in cash (if available).

Cost of Filing Iowa Certificate of Organization

cost

LLC cost in Iowa includes all types of fees starting from name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($5), Registered Agent costs, and Certificate of Organization fee. In Iowa, the filing fee of a formation document is $50 (by mail and online). The standard fee for filing the Certificate of Organization allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while filing an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring ZenBusiness as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend Iowa Certificate of Organization: If you make any changes to your LLC, you must file the changes with the Secretary of State. To do so, you must Amend Iowa Certificate of Organization. LLCs can get the amendment form, fill it out with the changed/updated information, and send it back to the SOS online or offline.

FAQs

What is an LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa?
An LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa is a document filed with the Iowa Secretary of State to officially form a limited liability company.
How much does it cost to file an LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa?
The filing fee for an LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa is $50.
Can I file my LLC Certificate of Organization online in Iowa?
Yes, you can file your LLC Certificate of Organization online through the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.
What information is required on an LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa?
The LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa typically requires the name of the LLC, the address of the LLC’s principal office, the name and address of the LLC’s registered agent, and the names and addresses of the LLC’s members or managers.
How long does it take to process an LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa?
The processing time for an LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa is typically around 5-7 business days.
Do I need an attorney to file an LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa?
No, you do not need an attorney to file an LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa. You can file the document yourself or use a professional filing service.
Can I reserve a name for my LLC before filing the Certificate of Organization in Iowa?
Yes, you can reserve a name for your LLC in Iowa for up to 120 days by filing a name reservation application with the Secretary of State.
Do I need to publish my LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa?
No, there is no requirement to publish your LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa.
Can I amend my LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa?
Yes, you can file an amendment to your LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa to make changes such as adding or removing members, changing the LLC’s name, or updating the registered agent information.
Do I have to file an annual report for my LLC in Iowa?
Yes, all LLCs in Iowa are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State.
Can I file an LLC Certificate of Organization online in Iowa?
Yes, you can file an LLC Certificate of Organization online through the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.
Do I need a registered agent to file an LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa?
Yes, you are required to designate a registered agent for service of process when filing an LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa.
What information do I need to include in the LLC Certificate of Organization in Iowa?
You will need to provide the name of the LLC, the registered agent’s name and address, the LLC’s duration (if not perpetual), and the names and addresses of the LLC’s members or managers.
Can a non-resident of Iowa form an LLC in the state?
Yes, non-residents can form an LLC in Iowa as long as they have a registered agent located in the state.
What is the operating agreement requirement for LLCs in Iowa?
Iowa does not require LLCs to have an operating agreement, but it is recommended to have one in place to outline the ownership and operating procedures of the company.
Are there any annual filing requirements for LLCs in Iowa?
Yes, LLCs in Iowa are required to file an annual report and pay the associated fee to the Secretary of State.
Can an existing business convert to an LLC in Iowa?
Yes, an existing business can convert to an LLC in Iowa by filing a Certificate of Conversion with the Secretary of State.
How can I check the availability of my desired LLC name in Iowa?
You can search for existing business names in Iowa on the Secretary of State’s website to check the availability of your desired LLC name.
Can I reserve an LLC name in advance in Iowa?
Yes, you can reserve an LLC name in Iowa by filing an Application for Reservation of Name with the Secretary of State.
Is there a publication requirement for LLCs in Iowa?
No, Iowa does not have a publication requirement for LLCs.
Can I use an out-of-state registered agent for my Iowa LLC?
No, the registered agent for an Iowa LLC must have a physical address in the state.
What is the Notice of Dissolution requirement for LLCs in Iowa?
When an LLC decides to dissolve, they must file a Notice of Dissolution with the Iowa Secretary of State.
Can I form a professional LLC (PLLC) in Iowa?
Yes, licensed professionals in Iowa can form a professional LLC by meeting the specific requirements for their profession.
Do I need an EIN for my Iowa LLC?
If your Iowa LLC has more than one member, then you will need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
Can I form a Series LLC in Iowa?
Yes, Iowa allows for the formation of Series LLCs where each series operates as a separate entity.
Can I change the name of my Iowa LLC after it has been formed?
Yes, you can change the name of your Iowa LLC by filing an Amendment of Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.
What is the initial requirement for members in an LLC in Iowa?
An LLC in Iowa must have at least one member to be formed.
What are the ongoing compliance requirements for LLCs in Iowa?
Ongoing compliance requirements for LLCs in Iowa include filing an annual report and paying the associated fee, as well as maintaining a registered agent in the state.
Can I file the LLC Certificate of Organization by mail in Iowa?
Yes, you can file the LLC Certificate of Organization by mail with the Iowa Secretary of State’s office.
Is Iowa a good state to form an LLC for taxes?
Iowa has a progressive income tax rate that ranges from 0.33% to 8.53%, so it is important to consider the tax implications before forming an LLC in the state.

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In Conclusion

The formation document or the Certificate of Organization is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in Iowa. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In Iowa, filing the Certificate of Organization is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend ZenBusiness, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also, offers other services such as Registered Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Standing for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.

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