How to File an LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania


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.

All Posts by Steve →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
articles of organization

The Certificate of Organization is one of the main documents required while forming an LLC in Pennsylvania. The document needs to be filed with the Secretary of State in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania to file the Certificate of Organization while forming the LLC.

What is an LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania?

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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania,
  • 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 Pennsylvania is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC. 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania, the following methods are available.

LLC Service

Our Rating & Pricing

Top Features

Learn More

#1 TOP PICK

$0 + State Fees

  • Fastest filing: 1-day processing

  • 4.8/5.0 Trustpilot & A+ BBB scores

  • 700k+ new businesses formed

START LLC NOW

$39 + State Fees

  • In-house corporate guides

  • Standalone Registered Agent service

  • DIY packages

Learn More

Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the Pennsylvania 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 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 mention the name and address of the Pennsylvania Registered Agent. We recommend the best LLC services in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania.

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

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 Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations, P.O. Box 8722, Harrisburg, PA 17105. For online filing, you must log in to the Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Certificate of Organization

cost

LLC cost in Pennsylvania includes all types of fees starting from name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($70), Registered Agent costs, and Certificate of Organization fee. In Pennsylvania, the filing fee of a formation document is $125 (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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
An LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania is a document that formally establishes the existence of a limited liability company in the state.
Is it mandatory to file a Certificate of Organization to form an LLC in Pennsylvania?
Yes, it is mandatory to file a Certificate of Organization with the Pennsylvania Department of State to create an LLC.
How can I obtain a Certificate of Organization for my LLC in Pennsylvania?
You can obtain a Certificate of Organization by filing the necessary forms and paying the required fees with the Pennsylvania Department of State.
What information is required in the LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania?
The LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania typically requires information such as the LLC’s name, address, registered agent, purpose, and management structure.
Can I file the LLC Certificate of Organization online in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can file the LLC Certificate of Organization online through the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website.
How much does it cost to file an LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania?
The filing fee for an LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania is typically around $125.
How long does it take to process an LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania?
The processing time for an LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania can vary, but it usually takes a few business days to a few weeks.
Can I reserve a name for my LLC before filing the Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can reserve a name for your LLC with the Pennsylvania Department of State before filing the Certificate of Organization.
Do I need an attorney to file an LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania?
While it is not required to have an attorney help with filing the LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania, it is recommended to ensure compliance with all state laws and regulations.
Are there any ongoing requirements after filing the LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania?
Yes, after filing the LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania, LLCs are required to file an annual report and pay a yearly fee.
What is a LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania?
A LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania is a document that officially forms a limited liability company in the state of Pennsylvania.
How can I obtain a LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania?
You can obtain a LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania by filing the necessary paperwork with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State and paying the required fees.
Is a LLC Certificate of Organization the same as Articles of Organization in Pennsylvania?
Yes, in Pennsylvania the LLC Certificate of Organization is also known as Articles of Organization.
What information is required on a LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania?
A LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania typically requires information such as the LLC’s name and address, the name and address of the LLC’s registered agent, and the names of the LLC’s members or managers.
What is the filing fee for a LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania?
The filing fee for a LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania varies, but it is typically around $125 as of 2021.
Can I file a LLC Certificate of Organization online in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania allows for online filing of a LLC Certificate of Organization through the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website.
How long does it take to process a LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania?
The processing time for a LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania typically takes around 3-5 business days if filed online.
Do I need an attorney to file a LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania?
No, you do not need an attorney to file a LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania, but it is recommended to seek legal advice to ensure compliance with all state laws and regulations.
Can I file a LLC Certificate of Organization for multiple LLCs at once in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania allows for the simultaneous filing of multiple LLC Certificates of Organization as long as each LLC meets the state’s requirements.
What is the purpose of a LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania?
The purpose of a LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania is to formally establish the existence of a limited liability company under state law.
Is a LLC Certificate of Organization required to open a business bank account in Pennsylvania?
Yes, most banks in Pennsylvania will require a LLC Certificate of Organization in order to open a business bank account for an LLC.
Can I change the information on a filed LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can typically amend a filed LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania by submitting the appropriate forms and fees to the Pennsylvania Secretary of State.
What is an operating agreement and is it required in Pennsylvania for a LLC Certificate of Organization?
An operating agreement is not required to be filed with a LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania, but it is highly recommended to create one to outline the internal operations of the LLC.
Can I dissolve a LLC in Pennsylvania after filing a LLC Certificate of Organization?
Yes, you can dissolve a LLC in Pennsylvania by filing the necessary paperwork with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State and meeting all other state requirements.
What is the difference between a LLC Certificate of Organization and a Certificate of Authority in Pennsylvania?
A LLC Certificate of Organization establishes the creation of an LLC, while a Certificate of Authority grants permission for an LLC to operate in a state other than where it was formed, such as Pennsylvania.
Are there any annual requirements for a LLC in Pennsylvania after filing a LLC Certificate of Organization?
Yes, LLCs in Pennsylvania are required to file an annual report and pay a fee to the Pennsylvania Department of State in order to maintain compliance with state laws.
Can I change the name of my LLC after filing a LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can typically change the name of your LLC in Pennsylvania by filing an amendment to the LLC Certificate of Organization with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State.
Can I file a LLC Certificate of Organization under a different name than I plan to use for business in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can file a LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania under a different name than you plan to use for business, but you will need to register a fictitious name (also known as a “doing business as” or DBA) to operate under the different name.
What are the advantages of forming a LLC in Pennsylvania through a Certificate of Organization?
Some advantages of forming a LLC in Pennsylvania through a Certificate of Organization include limited liability protection for members, flexible management structure, and pass-through taxation.
Can I use a PO Box as the business address on a LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania?
No, a PO Box cannot be used as the business address on a LLC Certificate of Organization in Pennsylvania. You must provide a physical street address for the business location.

Also Read

In Conclusion

The formation document or the Certificate of Organization is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in Pennsylvania. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In Pennsylvania, 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, Subsistence Certificate for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.

Leave a Comment