Six required clauses, in plain English.
Entity name
Must include LLC, L.L.C., or Limited Liability Company. Must be unique in the state and not deceptive.
Purpose statement
Most states accept "any lawful business activity." Some require specific industry codes (NAICS).
Registered agent + address
In-state physical address (not P.O. Box). RA accepts legal service of process on your behalf.
Organizer
Person filing the articles. Does NOT have to be an owner. Many founders use File.Business as organizer.
Management structure
Member-managed (owners run it) vs Manager-managed (designated managers). Important for operating agreement.
Effective date
Optional. Can be the filing date, or a future date (handy for tax planning, Q1 starts, etc.).
A clean handoff, in 4 steps.
Choose state + name
State of formation drives tax, privacy, court system. Name must be available + compliant with naming rules.
Draft articles
We prepare the articles to each state's exact spec. Fill in your details, we handle the form.
File with state SOS
Submitted electronically (in most states). State fee paid. We confirm receipt + filing number.
Receive stamped articles
State returns stamped/filed articles. Stored in your BOS vault, accessible forever.
One-time, or part of your BOS.
- Drafted to state spec
- State fee paid
- Filed receipt to vault
- Filing number tracked
- Email confirmation
- Everything in Articles
- EIN application included
- Registered Agent (1 year)
- Operating Agreement drafted
- BOS dashboard access
- Annual report autofile
Common questions.
What are articles of organization?
Articles of organization are the founding document you file with the state to legally create an LLC, setting out the LLC's name, address, registered agent, and sometimes management structure. Filing them is the moment your LLC comes into existence. We prepare and file your articles so your LLC is formed correctly.
What information do articles of organization include?
Typically the LLC's name, its principal address, the registered agent and address, and sometimes whether it is member- or manager-managed and the organizer, with specifics varying by state. We prepare them so the required details are accurate and the state accepts the filing the first time.
Are articles of organization the same as an operating agreement?
No: articles of organization are filed with the state to create the LLC, while an operating agreement is an internal document governing ownership and management, so you generally need both. We flag the difference so your LLC is both properly formed and properly governed.
What do corporations file instead?
Corporations file articles of incorporation rather than articles of organization, serving the same founding role for a corporation, so the document name depends on the entity type. We flag which document your entity requires so the right founding filing is made for your structure.
How do I file articles of organization?
You choose a state, confirm your name is available, complete the state's articles form with the required information, appoint a registered agent, and submit with the fee. We handle the filing so your articles are prepared correctly and your LLC is created without a rejection over a technical error.
Can articles of organization be changed later?
Yes: if information in your articles changes, the name, address, or management, you file articles of amendment to update the record, keeping it accurate. We handle amendments so changes to your LLC are reflected officially rather than only in practice.
What happens after I file?
Once the state approves your articles, your LLC exists, and you move on to getting an EIN, adopting an operating agreement, opening a bank account, and handling licenses and compliance. We flag the post-formation steps so your LLC is not just created but actually ready to operate. See post-formation checklist.
Do all states use the same form?
No: each state has its own articles of organization form, requirements, and fee, so the exact information and process vary by state of formation. We prepare the correct filing for your chosen state so your articles meet that state's specific requirements.
Can File.Business file my articles of organization?
Yes: we confirm your name, prepare and file your articles of organization, appoint the registered agent, and then handle the EIN and operating agreement, so your LLC is formed correctly and ready to operate.