Pennsylvania Certificate of Organization

How to File Your Pennsylvania Certificate of Organization

The PA LLC Certificate of Organization is a form that has to be filled out and filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. Once it’s filed, your new company can officially be open for business in the state of Pennsylvania.

Follow this step-by-step guide so that you don’t miss anything important. The Pennsylvania Certificate of Organization form includes additional detailed instructions on each of these items,

Step 1: Submit Your LLC’s Official Name

There are a few rules regarding choosing a name for your new company. Your new company’s name can’t be the same as that of another association already on record of the Department of State. Depending on the type of association, certain designators must be used in the association name. With an LLC, your business’ name must also include the term “company,” “limited” or “limited liability company,” or an abbreviation of one of those terms. 

Step 2: Add a Copy of the Name Reservation Certificate

Pennsylvania allows you to reserve a business name in advance. You may choose to reserve a name so it doesn’t get taken while you prepare to begin your new company. If you have reserved a name, you should attach a copy of the name reservation certificate to the Certificate of Organization.

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

Every new business registration in Pennsylvania is required to have a registered agent. A registered agent officially accepts the service of lawsuits and other legal papers on behalf of the LLC. Use our Registered Agent Service to get you set up with a registered agent easily and quickly.

Step 4: Certify Your LLC Has At Least One Organizer

In Pennsylvania, owners of an LLC are called “organizers.” LLC Certificates of Organization in PA have to list at least one of the organizers of the company. Every organizer listed on the form has to sign the document before filing. 

Step 5: Choose a Filing Date

You can choose the date when the state of Pennsylvania Certificate of Organization will be effective. It can be effective (meaning officially filed and ready to begin your business) on the date of the filing or some future date. You may want the LLC to be legally open for business at some time in the future so that you can prepare other things for the grand opening. 

Step 6: Indicate If Your LLC is a Restricted Professional Company or a Benefit Company

LLCs that render certain professional services (e.g., accounting, law, medical services, etc.) must indicate so on the form. Also, if your LLC is organized as a benefit company (i.e., one that provides a general public benefit as defined by Pennsylvania law), you must indicate what that purpose is on the form. You would be wise to seek legal counsel if your company offers restricted services or operates as a benefit company. 

Step 7: Attach Any Needed Statements 

If the application requires any additional forms, such as the reservation of name certificate or an extra sheet to add organizers, attach them to the original Certificate of Organization.

Where to File Your State of Pennsylvania Articles of Organization

You can file the Certificate of Organization online or send it via mail. If you want to file it online, you must first create a business account with the state’s Pennfile system. All of your business requirements with the state can be done through this business account, including paying taxes, amendments, and annual statements. 

What are the next steps? 

Once the LLC Certificate of Organization PA is filed, there are a few things that you can do to make your company stronger and ready for success.

Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is a sort of rule book for the company. It’s something the organizers or owners of the company agree upon and put in writing. It details the rules, regulations, and procedures as to how the company is to run and the responsibilities of the owners. Pennsylvania doesn’t require that your new LLC have one on file, but it’s a good idea to make sure everyone has the same understanding. We can help you create one with our Operating Agreement Template. 

Apply for an EIN

An employer identification number (EIN) is an identification number for your LLC. You can use it to file taxes, open up business checking accounts, get business loans, and other business needs. You can get an EIN at the IRS website or with our simple-to-use Employer ID Number Service.

We can help!

Our goal is to make it easier for you to set up and run your new Pennsylvania LLC and cut down on research time and paperwork. This way, you can spend more time growing your business and making money. Not only do we help with creating your company and making it legal, but with our Worry-Free Compliance Service, we will help keep your company legal and compliant every year. And we can even help you manage transactions with our ZB Money app!