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Last Updated: September 26, 2022 by the TRUiC Team Filing the Pennsylvania Certificate of Organization is Easy!Step 1: Get Your Certificate of Organization FormsYou can download and mail in your Pennsylvania Certificate of Organization, OR you can create an account and file online. For this first step, choose your preferred method below. OPTION 1: Create an account with PA Business One-Stop Hub. From the user dashboard, select "PENN File," scroll down to “Start or Manage Business Filings” and select “Domestic Limited Liability Company.” Then, select the “Certificate of Organization” option. Create Account - OR - OPTION 2: Download the Certificate of Organization PDF from the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website. This form will need to be mailed to the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. You will also need to complete the PA Department of State Docketing Statement for new entities. Download PDF Step 2: Fill Out the Certificate of OrganizationIn this step, we will help you complete the Pennsylvania Certificate of Organization form. An additional Docketing Statement will also need to be filed alongside the Certificate of Organization. You will need to know the following information to complete these forms:
Entity NameHaving a creative and smart business name is important but not as important as having a legally correct name. When you choose a name for your business, you have to make sure the name:
Is your name available in Pennsylvania? Make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing a name search on the Pennsylvania Department of State website. To learn more about naming your business, including best practices and creative branding, visit our How to Name a Business in Pennsylvania guide. Not sure what to name your business? Check out our Business Name Generator.
We recommend checking to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to make a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it. Find a Domain NowRegistered Agent and Registered OfficeA registered agent accepts and sends legal documents on your LLC’s behalf. When you register your Pennsylvania LLC, you are required to list your registered agent and your registered office. Your registered agent can be anyone 18 years or older that lives in Pennsylvania. Your registered agent must always be available at the registered office during normal business hours. Your registered office address cannot be a P.O. box alone. To learn more about choosing a Pennsylvania registered agent, read our How to Choose a Pennsylvania Registered Agent guide. To learn more about what a registered agent does and how to choose one, read our What is a Registered Agent guide. OrganizersYou must list the names of all organizers of the LLC, and they must sign the form. Effective DateYou must state whether the Certificate of Organization should become effective upon filing or if there is a future effective date. PurposeIf your LLC is organized to perform a restricted professional service (e.g., dentistry, law, medicine), you must note which service that is. Keep in mind that a business purpose that involves licensing, tax-exemption, or tax-deductible status requires specific language from the IRS or a professional license. Description of Business ActivityBriefly describe your business activities. Employer Identification Number (EIN)Provide the nine-digit Employer Identification Number for your business. For more information on how to get an EIN, see “Steps After Your LLC Is Officially Formed.” Step 3: File the Certificate of OrganizationTo register your LLC, you will need to file the Certificate of Organization with the Department of State. There are two ways to file your Certificate of Organization:
OPTION 1: Create an account with PA Business One-Stop Hub. From the user dashboard, select "PENN File," scroll down to “Start or Manage Business Filings” and select “Domestic Limited Liability Company.” Then, select the “Certificate of Organization” option. Fill out the required fields and submit. File Online - OR - OPTION 2: File the Certificate of Organization PDF by mail. Download Form State Filing Cost: $125 Mailing Address: Note: Hard copy Certificate of Organization forms must be submitted with a Docketing Statement. Create an Operating AgreementAn Pennsylvania LLC operating agreement is a legal document that outlines the ownership structure and member roles of your LLC. In Pennsylvania, you aren't required to have an Operating Agreement to officially form an LLC, but it's still a good idea to have one. You can start your operating agreement before, during, or after you file your Certificate of Organization. Your operating agreement will be kept in your LLC's private business records; you do not file it with the state. Use our free Operating Agreement Tool to draft a customized operating agreement for your LLC. Get an EINAn Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a social security number for your LLC. You will need an EIN if you want to hire employees or open business bank accounts. You can get your EIN for free through the IRS website, via fax, or by mail. If you would like to learn more about EINs and how they can benefit your LLC, read our What is an EIN article. Open a Business Bank AccountUsing dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential to protect your business' corporate veil. When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your LLC is sued. For reviews on some of our most trusted business banks, visit our Best Banks for Small Business review. Get Licenses and PermitsWhen you are registering an LLC, you need to determine if your business needs any licenses or permits to remain compliant. On the federal level, there are a handful of business activities that require licenses or permits. Find out how to obtain necessary licenses and permits for your business or have a professional service do it for you:
State of Pennsylvania Quick LinksBrand Your BusinessThe strongest and most memorable businesses are built on a solid brand. When developing your brand, think about what your business stands for. Customers and clients are looking for companies that have a compelling brand, as much as they are shopping for high-quality products and services. Creating a logo for your business is vital for increasing brand awareness. You can design your own unique logo using our Free Logo Generator. Our free tool can help you design your own unique logo for your new business idea. What is certificate of organization pa?The certificate of organization of a benefit company may. identify one or more specific public benefits that it is the. purpose of the benefit company to create in addition to its. general public benefit purpose under 15 Pa.C.S. § 8894(a) and. its purpose under 15 Pa.C.S. § 8818(b). “
What is a certificate of organization in Georgia?You obtain a Georgia Certificate of Existence from the Secretary of State. This document certifies that your business is a registered company, operating in compliance with all applicable state laws. Before filing, it's a good idea to double-check that your business is in compliance.
What is a certificate of organization California?A California Certificate of Status (commonly known as Certificate of Good Standing) is a document issued by the state that proves your entity exists and is in compliance with all state requirements.
What is an organization certificate?A certificate of organization, also known as articles of organization is a document that must be filed in order to establish a status of a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
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