MAIN DOCUMENTS

Starting a business is an exciting adventure, and with it comes a bunch of important documents. Here's a breakdown of the key ones you’ll encounter after registering your company:

Think of the Articles of Organization/Incorporation as your company's birth certificate. The type you receive depends on your business structure: LLCs get Articles of Organization, while C-Corporations and nonprofits receive Articles of Incorporation.

These documents vary by state and entity type but generally include details like your company’s address, member names, and sometimes even its purpose. In short, they confirm that your company is officially registered.

For LLC owners, the Operating Agreement is your business’s playbook. It outlines how your business will run, the roles and responsibilities of each member, and what happens in various scenarios. It also includes information on ownership percentages.

You can draft this document yourself or with the help of an attorney. It’s flexible and can be updated as your business grows.

Corporate Bylaws serve the same purpose as an Operating Agreement but are for corporations. They detail your business’s operational guidelines, including roles, responsibilities, and share distribution among shareholders, officers, and directors.

Like the Operating Agreement, Bylaws can be customized to fit your business’s needs and updated as necessary.

Corporations need to keep records of their meetings, known as Meeting Minutes. These documents capture what happened during meetings, including changes in roles, discussions, proposals, votes, and actions taken.

Meeting Minutes not only fulfill legal requirements but also ensure transparency, provide a recap for participants, and inform those who couldn’t attend.

Banks often require all company owners to be present for account activities, which can be impractical for businesses with multiple owners. A Banking Resolution appoints one owner to handle banking activities on behalf of the company, streamlining financial management.

There you have it! These documents may seem overwhelming at first, but they’re crucial for running your business smoothly and legally. Happy business-building!

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