If you are forming a Rhode Island 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 LLC cost comprises filing Rhode Island articles of organization, which we will elaborate on this page.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is an Article of Organization?
Articles of Organization, also known as an LLC certificate or Certificate of Formation 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 Rhode Island LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.
How to File Rhode Island Articles of Organization
These are the simple steps to follow in filing an Article of Organization in Rhode Island.
Step 1: Find Forms Online
Go to the Rhode Island Secretary of State to download the Articles 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 Rhode Island 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 Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to nominate a registered agent. Here are 3 of the best LLC services on our list.
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Step 3: File Formation Certificates
File your formation certificate either online or by mail by filling out a form and sending it to the Division of Business Services 148 W. River Street Providence, RI 02904.
Steps to Register Articles of Organization Online
Time needed: 5 minutes.
To set up your business LLC in Rhode Island, you are required to register your business LLC with the Secretary of State office, Rhode Island. You can apply through online as well as offline mode. When applied online, your application gets the advantage of immediate processing. The filing fee is $150. The formation guide below will assist you in filing the Certificate of Formation.
Following are the steps to register the Articles of Organization Online:
- Visit the Rhode Island Secretary of State website
Access the Official website of the Rhode Island Secretary of State. The Business Services section offers an insight into different online services available for business filings and other business-related activities. On the page, scroll down and select the option of ‘File Online’.
- File a New Entity
On the following page, the Business Services Online Filing system opens up. Select the link ‘File New Business Entity’ on the page.
- Select Domestic Limited Liability Company
The page consists of different links for online business filing. Scroll down to the heading ‘Domestic Limited Liability Company’ and select the first option of ‘Articles of Organization’.
- Start to fill in the application form
The application form opens up on the following page. Read the instructions carefully and start to fill in the required details. In the first section, mention the name of the limited liability company.
- Registered Agent details
Under Article II, you must provide the name and street address of your registered agent in Rhode Island.
- Choose the Classification of the Business
Under Article III, select the structural nature of your business LLC, such as whether it is a partnership, corporation, or disregarded as an entity separate from its member.
- Address of Office
In the next section, you must provide the street address of the principal office of your business LLC.
- Duration of your business LLC
Provide the time duration for which your business LLC shall operate in the State. If it has perpetual existence or a specific duration after which it shall be dissolved.
- Include additional provisions, if any.
If there are any additional provisions to be included in your Business Formation articles, you can mention them in the space provided in Article VI.
- Details of the management
In this section, you must provide the details of your managing members, their names, and addresses.
- Effective date
Mention the date from which the Articles of Organization are to become effective. It should not be more than 90 days after the filing of the articles.
- Your contact information
In the last section, you must provide your contact details in the Filer’s contact information.
- Add Signature
Lastly, add the signature of an authorized person, and their address as well. Click on the ‘accept’ option and then choose “Click HERE to Submit this information”.
- Review your details
Before you proceed to the next stage of application, review all the sections. The details provided by you should be accurate and correct.
- Make the payment
After finalizing the application, you can proceed to the payment gateway page to make a payment of $150 as the filing fee for your application. After you have successfully completed your application, you will be notified of your acknowledgment receipt by the Secretary of State office.
Rhode Island Articles of Organization Filing By Mail
Online filing is considered a convenient method to submit and track the status of your application. Nonetheless, if you wish to file for formation application through offline mode, you can do that easily by mail. Follow the instructions below to file the Articles of Organization in Rhode Island.
- Access the Application form PDF available online and download on your computer system.
- Go through all the instructions and guidelines provided in the form.
- Start to fill in the application form.
- You can attach the name reservation certificate of your business LLC along with the application.
- Review all the details provided by you to be correct and accurate to your knowledge.
- Issue the money order or check for $150 as the filing fee, payable to the ‘Department of State’.
- Arrange all the documents together and mail it to the following address, Division of Business Services 148 W. River Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02904-2615.
Cost of Filing Articles of Organization in Rhode Island
Though the online mode of application is preferred as the easier way of registration, the filing cost is the same for both the filing methods. Here is the cost of filing formation certificate in the State of Rhode Island,
- Online filing costs $150.00
- By mail filing costs $150.00
Where Can You Find Your Rhode Island LLC Articles of Organization
Articles of Organization for Rhode Island LLC can be accessed through the Rhode Island Secretary of State website. You can also download the PDF from the same website.
When starting a business in Rhode Island, forming a limited liability company (LLC) can be a smart choice for many entrepreneurs. LLCs provide liability protection for their owners while having fewer formal requirements compared to other entities like corporations. One of the critical steps in forming an LLC in Rhode Island is submitting the Articles of Organization, a legal document that outlines the basic details of the business.
Before diving into where to find your Rhode Island LLC Articles of Organization, it’s essential to understand their purpose. The Articles provide important information about your LLC, such as the company name, business address, registered agent, purpose, and management structure. They become public records once filed with the Rhode Island Secretary of State and are often used to verify the legality of a company by third parties like banks, vendors, or customers. Thus, it’s essential to file them correctly and keep a copy for future reference.
One may wonder where and how to get and file the Articles of Organization in Rhode Island. The good news is that Rhode Island makes it relatively easy to complete this process. The Articles can be obtained and filed online through the Secretary of State’s website or via mail with a printed form. If using a paper form, it can be downloaded from the website, and a $150 filing fee must be enclosed. The Articles of Organization submitted by mail take longer to process, while using the online system ensures a quicker turnaround time.
Once filed and paid for, the Rhode Island Secretary of State office will review the Articles of Organization to ensure everything is complete. If they find any errors or information missing, they will likely reject the filing, prompting the LLC applicant to make corrections. If all necessary materials and fees are deposited correctly, then LLC applicants usually receive a date-stamped copy of the filing that they can use to establish the legality of their business for any third-party transactions.
In conclusion, the Articles of Organization is one of the first legal documents one needs when forming a limited liability company in Rhode Island. There are several ways to obtain and file the Articles. Still, the most common methods include either using the Rhode Island Secretary of State website to do an online submission or downloading and using the paper application with a printed fee form enclosed when sending it in via mail. Whichever method you choose, ensure that your file is complete and correct. Doing so guarantees you a swift and hassle-free experience in gaining the Articles and helping ease stress and anxiety that comes with starting a new business.
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 Rhode Island 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.
In Conclusion
Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation is the most important document for your Rhode Island 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.
