How to Transfer LLC Ownership in California

Although transferring ownership interests in a California limited liability company (LLC) is possible, it’s not simple. Unlike corporations where shareholders can freely buy and sell their ownership interests (i.e., stocks), LLC members need the approval of all other members to transfer ownership.  

What makes the transfer of LLC ownership in California even more difficult is the lack of required formalities. Corporations have set rules they need to follow, but LLCs are more flexible. However, this flexibility actually makes it harder to transfer or sell ownership interests.   

If you are still within the process of forming your California LLC, ZenBusiness offers excellent tools through our LLC formation service, as well as compliance and other services that can help set you up for future success. The purpose of this guide is to help you know what to think about when deciding how to transfer ownership of an LLC in California.

First Things First: California Operating Agreements

An operating agreement (OA) is the blueprint for your LLC. This binding document describes the rules of operation and management for your business. It typically includes information about the following:

• Relations between members
• Rights and duties of managers
• Conditions for amending the OA
• Tax designation of the LLC
• Profit and loss sharing
• Dissolution events
• Ownership transfer procedures

If an LLC doesn’t adopt an OA or the OA lacks directions on certain topics, the LLC will default to California law. California is one of the few states that requires LLCs to have an OA. Although you don’t have to file the OA with the Secretary of State, you do need to maintain a copy of it. Don’t know where to start? We offer templates that can help you draft an OA for your California LLC.

There are many benefits to having an OA for your California LLC. For example, an OA gives you control of the LLC. As mentioned earlier, without an OA, your LLC is subject to the default laws of California. These may not be in line with what you or the other members want for the LLC. An OA also avoids potential conflicts between members by clarifying roles and responsibilities and how to handle disputes.

When it comes to transferring LLC ownership in California, first look to the OA for instructions. If there are no provisions or the LLC doesn’t have an OA, you must follow California’s ownership transfer requirements. 

There are two common ways to transfer LLC ownership in California. You can either sell the entire LLC to a third party or conduct a partial sale (also known as a buyout).  

Partial Transfer in California: The Buyout Provision

A partial transfer is a contractual transaction between LLC members. All LLC members will be named parties under a buy/sell agreement, which is a legal document. The member who wants out of the LLC sells his or her ownership interests to the remaining members who then split that portion amongst themselves.

A well-written and comprehensive OA will have instructions on the buy/sell agreement. If not, look to California law for guidance.

Full Transfer: Selling the California LLC

You also have the option of selling the entire LLC to a new owner. The buyer can choose whether to purchase the entity as a whole or just the assets. All LLC members must consent to the sale of the LLC. Again, look to the LLC’s OA for how to handle this process.

Other Possible Issues

Factors can arise that may complicate matters when you try to transfer LLC ownership in California. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Death of a Member

The death of a member can be quite impactful to an LLC. When a member dies, his or her ownership interest typically transfers to the member’s surviving spouse or children. It’s important to note that the person inheriting the LLC interest only receives the benefits of the interest, such as the percentage of profits. The inheritor doesn’t have a right to a management interest in the LLC. In other words, the heir can get the benefits that the member enjoyed, but they have no control over the management of the business.

Often, the remaining members will buy out the deceased’s interest from the inheriting next of kin.

Dissolution and Reformation in California

There are certain instances where dissolving and creating a new LLC may be the most efficient option. If, for example, more than one LLC member wants to sell an ownership interest, you may consider dissolving the LLC completely and allow the other members to form an entity of their own.

Look to the OA to see what events may trigger a dissolution and how to proceed. Again California law provides default provisions if the LLC doesn’t have an OA. 

File proper change of ownership paperwork in California

If you make changes to the ownership structure of your California LLC, you don’t need to notify the state. Keep in mind, however, when transferring ownership interests, your management structure may change. In that case, you need to file an Amendment to Articles of Organization of a Limited Liability Company (LLC) with the California Secretary of State. Our LLC Amendment and Worry-Free Compliances services can take care of this for you.

Making Your LLC Transfer of Ownership Easy

We can’t emphasize enough the importance of a thorough and comprehensive OA for an LLC. An OA is the best way to navigate through transferring ownership interests. If you don’t know where to start with your OA or want to make sure you have all the necessary provisions, check out our LLC OA templates.