How To Create A Llc In Nyc

New York LLC Operating Agreement Templates

A New York LLC operating agreementis a document that is required by law in the State of New York, whether the business is a sole member or a multiple member agreement. The document will introduce the rules and guidelines for the structure and purpose of a business that is set forth by the member(s) and shall serve as binding for all members, regardless of the size of the entity. From an internal standpoint, the document shall outline such acts as the powers of each member, meeting, voting rights, management, profit and loss, and even the provisions of a buyout in the event that a member would elect to sell their interest among other vital subjects to be addressed and agreed to, unanimously, by all members.

Consolidated Laws of New York – Limited Liability Company Law

Operating Agreement Laws – § 417

State Definition – § 102(u)

New York LLC Operating Agreements: By Type
How to Form an LLC in New York (7 steps)
(Video) How to Make an LLC Operating Agreement in New York

By Type (2)

Multi-Member LLC Operating Agreement – For use for a company that has more than one (1) member. The document will establish company policies and procedures, as well, all ownership percentages and management.

Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx), OpenDocument

Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement – For use by a single owner of an entity. This document is required by the State of New York. The document will offer protection on various levels, to include creditors, any legal decisions would fall to the defaults provided by the State, unless the document is implemented.

Download: Adobe PDF, MS Word (.docx), OpenDocument

How to Form an LLC in New York (7 steps)

Filers must first verify that their business name is available for use in New York by conducting a Preliminary Search for the name in the State's records. If the name appears as an active business, or if the name is distinctly similar to that of another currently on file, it must be changed to one that is original.

Step 1 – Agent for Service of Process

A Registered Agent is an individual or company that receives service of process on the company's behalf. Nominate the agent by employing the services of one of the following:

Person who is a resident or has a legal business address in the State
Business operating in the State

Step 2 – Choose LLC Type

Select your LLC type from the list below and complete the ensuing application.

Domestic LLC (formed within the State) – Articles of Organization
- File – Online or Adobe PDF
*Foreign LLC (formed outside the State) – Application for Authority
- File – Adobe PDF

*A Certificate of Existence, or document of equal qualification, must be included with all Foreign LLC filings.

Step 3 – Filing Fee

The fees for both Domestic and Foreign LLC applications are as follows:

Domestic – $200
Foreign – $250

Online filers will be instructed to supply the fee by credit card. Those filing via Adobe PDF must enclose a check and send all items to the address below.

New York State Department of State, Division of Corporations, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231

Step 4 – Publish the Articles

Once filed with Department of State, you will need to publish a notice of formation or a copy of the articles of organization/application for authority in two (2) newspapers which are designated by the country clerk in the initial jurisdiction. Afterward, you will receive an affidavit of publication from each newspaper.

Step 5 – Certificate of Publication

Complete the Certificate of Publication and deliver it to the address below. Along with the certificate, you must include a $50 filing fee and each of your affidavits of publication.

New York State Department of State, Division of Corporations, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231

Domestic LLC Certificate of Publication
Foreign LLC Certificate of Publication

Step 6 – Operating Agreement

State law in New York requires that all LLCs draft an operating agreement to set in place the rules and regulations for the business. Additionally, the form allows for documentation of each member's rights and initial investments in the company. Each member should review the document before signing it and keeping it for personal reference.

Single-MemberLLC Operating Agreement
Multi-MemberLLC Operating Agreement

Step 7 – Employer Identification Number (EIN)

After completing your filing with the New York State Department of State, you should immediately apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The number is issued by the Internal Revenue Service and used to identify businesses when reporting taxes to the federal government. Once acquired, your LLC will legally be able to open bank accounts and pay employees.

Apply for an EIN by completing one of the following:

Online Application
Adobe PDF Form SS-4

(Video) How to Make an LLC Operating Agreement in New York