Virginia Articles of Organization

How to File Your Virginia Articles of Organization

The VA LLC Articles of Organization is a form that has to be filled out and filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Once it’s filed, you will have an official business registration in Virginia. The form is a relatively simple one-page document. We’ll walk you through the steps and help you compile the information needed. Virginia specifically instructs those applying not to include any attachments with the form. 

Step 1: Submit Your LLC’s Official Name

Whatever name you choose, it must include “limited company,” “limited liability company,” “L.C.,” or “L.L.C.” Also, your name cannot use language that refers to a different business type or to a service that your company will not provide. In other words, your name cannot misrepresent what your company does. Other than that, all you have to do is pick a name that isn’t already in use by another company in the state. To search previously used names, you can visit the Virginia State Corporation Commission website, or use our Business Name Checker.

Step 2: Provide the Address of the LLC

You need to enter the complete address of the LLC’s principal executive office. You cannot use a post office box.

Step 3: Provide the Name and Address of Your Registered Agent

Every new business in Virginia is required to have a registered agent. A registered agent is someone that accepts the service of lawsuits and other legal papers on behalf of your company. Your registered agent has to have a physical address in Virginia. If you don’t know how to find a registered agent company, use our Registered Agent Service. We can get you set up with a registered agent easily and quickly.

Step 4: Have the Organizers Sign

All organizers of the company must sign the Virginia LLC Articles of Organization. If a business entity is the organizer, the signature block must include the name of the business and the name and title of the individual signing on behalf of the organizer (for example, the presiding officer of the business entity acting as organizer).

Step 5: Pay the Filing Fee

Don’t forget to include your filing fee. You can pay using a check if you’re not doing online registration.

Where to File Your State of Virginia Articles of Organization

You can file the Articles of Organization online or send them via mail. If you want to file them online, you must first create a business account.

What are the next steps? 

There are just two more things that you should consider to make sure that you and your new LLC will be successful. 

Create an Operating Agreement

An LLC operating agreement is an agreement amongst the members as to the rules and regulations of the company. You can customize it however you want, but operating agreements typically cover the following:

• Duties and responsibilities of members and managers
• Conflict resolution
• Management structure
• Profit distributions
• Requirements for admitting new members
• Dissolution events

It will put in writing how the business is going to be run and what each person’s responsibilities will be. An operating agreement isn’t required by the state, although it’s a great idea to spend some time putting everything in writing so everyone is on the same page.

If you choose not to adopt an operating Agreement, Virginia law governs. This doesn’t always result in the outcome you and the other members want, so consider writing your own. We can help you create your LLC’s Operating Agreement with our Operating Agreement Template. 

Apply for an EIN

An employer identification number (EIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to your business. It’s considered an identification number for your company and is used to file taxes, open up business checking accounts, hire employees, and get business loans. 

You can get an EIN at the IRS website or with our simple-to-use Employer ID Number Service.

We can help!

The bottom line is that you’re not alone. We will support you in creating your dream of being your own boss. Our goal is to help you spend less time on research and paperwork and more time making money with your new LLC. But we will also be here every step of the way going into the future. With our Worry-Free Compliance Service, we will keep your company legal and compliant every year. We can also help manage your LLC’s finances with our ZenBusiness Money App.