Get peace of mind with an operating
agreement
Get peace of mind with an operating
agreement
Establish ground rules, structure, and protection for your limited liability company with an LLC operating agreement—whether you're established or just starting up.
Operating agreements start at $99.
Operating agreements start at $99.
Choose the right LLC operating agreement package for you
Standard
$99
Creation of your operating agreement
Fastest service
Rush
$199
Creation of your operating agreement
Expedited processing of your paperwork
Delivery of your filed doc 2-3 business days after processing
Why use LegalZoom to create your LLC operating agreement?
Convenience
Set up your LLC operating agreement in 3 simple steps from anywhere. Tell us about your business and we'll create your document.
Peace of mind
Feel confident that your LLC operating agreement helps protect your company assets and maintains your limited liability status.
Satisfaction guarantee
Know that if you're unsatisfied with your experience in any way within 60 days, we'll refund our fees.
How to create your LLC operating agreement in 3 easy steps
1
You tell us about your business
Answer a few simple questions about your limited liability company and how you plan on running it.
2
We handle the paperwork
We'll create a personalized LLC operating agreement for you based on your answers and mail it to you.
3
You get it signed
Share your operating agreement with the other members of your LLC and have them sign to make it official.
Why do I need an LLC operating agreement?
Establishes rules
Write out rules for your limited liability company so individual members know how the business will be managed and how to add new members.
Protects your assets
Help ensure all individual members of an LLC are shielded from personal liability and that their personal assets are protected.
Prevents confusion
Avoid misunderstandings among members when everyone agrees on and signs an LLC operating agreement.
What is an LLC operating agreement?
An LLC operating agreement defines the organizational structure of your limited liability company. It establishes guidelines and expectations around finances and ways of working. Operating agreements also outline how the LLC will grow—especially when and how new members can be added—and can help prove to banks and investors that you own your LLC. They can be used for different kinds of LLCs, including single-member and multi-member LLCs.
Without an operating agreement, your LLC will have to be governed by state rules by default.
We make it easy to create an operating agreement—simply answer some questions online and we’ll create your document.
Without an operating agreement, your LLC will have to be governed by state rules by default.
We make it easy to create an operating agreement—simply answer some questions online and we’ll create your document.
Why do I need an LLC operating agreement?
Personal protection
Operating agreements help limit personal liability by establishing the LLC as separate from owners.
Financial clarity
Financial provisions in an operating agreement establish who can make financial decisions.
Trade secret security
Nondisclosure or non-compete agreements within an operating agreement protect your intellectual property.
Conflict of interest prevention
Operating agreements can outline potential conflicts of interest to help avoid issues later.
Why should I have an LLC operating agreement?
An LLC operating agreement serves three important purposes:
1
Member control
If you don't create your own LLC operating agreement, your business will be governed by the default rules set up by your state.
2
Liability protection
Without an operating agreement, LLC members could be subject to personal liability if your business appears to be operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership.
3
Business clarity
An LLC operating agreement makes the details of your business arrangement clear to all LLC members, minimizing misunderstandings.
LLC operating agreement vs. articles of organization:
What's the difference?
What's the difference?
LLC operating agreement
Articles of organization
Internal
Used in-house to outline your business' financial and working guidelines for members.
For the state
Establishes your LLC with the state as an official business entity.
No state fees
You don’t need to file an operating agreement with the state, so there are no state fees.
State fees
Typically state fees for filing articles of organization are $50 to $150.
Required in 5 states
California, New York, Missouri, Maine, and Delaware require LLC operating agreements. No matter what state you’re in, it’s always a good idea to have a formal agreement between an LLC’s members.
Mandatory in all states
All states require articles of organization as part of filing your LLC.
How do I create a simple operating agreement for an LLC?
We make it easy to create your LLC operating agreement—simply answer a few questions online. LLC operating agreements typically include:
• Tax considerations
• Number of members
• Management structure
• Member investments
• Profit sharing
Should I use an LLC operating agreement template?
We've helped create nearly two million operating agreements for our LLC customers based on their answers to some simple questions. Not all online operating agreements are state-specific and up to date, so using a company with lots of experience can help ensure your operating agreement adequately protects you and the members of your LLC.
How do I create an operating agreement for a single-member LLC?
As a single-member LLC, you have complete freedom when drafting your operating agreement—you won’t have to get anyone else to agree on what you’ve written. But you’ll still want to include certain topics, especially if you’re submitting it to lenders or plan to add members later.
Ownership
Specify that you are the sole owner and that you have limited liability.
Management
State your responsibilities as sole manager or responsibilities you are delegating to hired managers.
Contributions and distributions
Address the capital contributions you are making (cash and otherwise) and how you will be distributing losses and profits to yourself.
General rules
Set the basic rules for the management of the LLC, including rules about holding meetings and taking notes.
Dissolution
Create a plan for how you will dissolve the LLC and disperse company assets if necessary.
Signature
Sign the operating agreement, keep it in a safe place, and make a few copies.
Specify that you are the sole owner and that you have limited liability.
Management
State your responsibilities as sole manager or responsibilities you are delegating to hired managers.
Contributions and distributions
Address the capital contributions you are making (cash and otherwise) and how you will be distributing losses and profits to yourself.
General rules
Set the basic rules for the management of the LLC, including rules about holding meetings and taking notes.
Dissolution
Create a plan for how you will dissolve the LLC and disperse company assets if necessary.
Signature
Sign the operating agreement, keep it in a safe place, and make a few copies.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Ready to create your operating agreement?
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Disclaimer: LegalZoom provides access to independent attorneys and self-service tools. LegalZoom is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, except where authorized through its subsidiary law firm LZ Legal Services, LLC. Use of our products and services is governed by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.