What is a Wyoming LLC Operating Agreement?
An operating agreement is a regulatory document for a Wyoming Limited Liability Company which outlines the governing structure and operating guidelines of the entity along with the responsibilities of the members.
An operating agreement may also be referred to as a membership agreement.
Why is an operating agreement important?
There are a number of reasons why the operating agreement is important. A few of which include:
– In the event of a legal dispute, an LLC without an operating agreement may have to follow generic state rules which may not be advantageous to the company or its members.
– The roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the members are in writing which will reduce future conflicts.
– As a single-member LLC, having an operating agreement may help to better protect the entity’s limited liability status.
– When applying for financing, a lender will often want to see one to ensure the members have the authority to borrow on behalf of the entity.
– Potential investors and partners will request one when evaluating a business.
Is an operating agreement required in Wyoming?
Wyoming Statute § 17-29-110, states that every Wyoming LLC may adopt an operating agreement, but it isn’t required by the Wyoming Secretary of State. Despite it not being required, there are several reasons it is recommended to have one.
Currently, only six states require an LLC to have an operating agreement – California, Delaware, Maine, Missouri, Nebraska, and New York.
Related – When does an LLC need an Operating Agreement?
Can I write my own operating agreement?
While using an attorney is the safest option as they will customize the document to fit the specific needs of your business, the free operating agreements from the providers above will be better than trying to create one from scratch.
What should be included in an operating agreement?
An operating agreement can be as structured or unstructured as the members deem necessary. Some elements to consider putting in an operating agreement include:
– Business information such as the LLC’s name, principal office address, the purpose of the business, duration of the LLC, etc.
– Name and address of the Wyoming registered agent
– Amount of each member’s share of capital contribution and the percentage of their ownership interest
– Management – member-managed vs member-managed
– Scope of the manager’s authority
– Ownership structure
– Fiscal year of the LLC
– Bank account information for the LLC
– Employer Identification Number (EIN) of the LLC
– Entity tax election
– Roles of the members (including financial authority, signing contracts, etc)
– Names and addresses of the LLC members
– When and how members receive compensation and distributions
– Meeting information and voting rights
– Procedures for adding a new member, removing a current member, and the resignation of a member
– Process for the amendment of the operating agreement
– How any remaining assets of the LLC will be divided after the liquidation of the LLC
– Process regarding the dissolution or bankruptcy of the LLC
Where is an operating agreement filed?
The operating agreement isn’t filed with the state. A signed copy should be kept where the company records are stored in addition to each LLC member having one as well.
Does an operating agreement need to be notarized?
An operating agreement doesn’t have to be notarized in Wyoming, however, having the operating agreement notarized can be helpful as it proves the document existed on a certain date.
Instead of notarization, it is generally recommended that all members sign and date the operating agreement. This will help to acknowledge the agreement has been received and reviewed by the LLC member.
Is the operating agreement the same as the Articles of Organization?
No. The Articles of Organization are a formation document that is used to create the business entity with the Wyoming Secretary of State. The operating agreement is an internal document that outlines the governing structure and operating guidelines of the entity along with the responsibilities of the members.
Related: How to Form an LLC in Wyoming
Free Wyoming LLC Operating Agreement Templates
Plus, you get access to their entire library of custom business forms, contracts, and other important legal documents.
