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How to complete your Texas LLC Operating Agreement
LLC Operating Agreement (template + instructions)
What is a Texas LLC Operating Agreement?
A Texas LLC Operating Agreement is a written contract among the LLC Members (owners) which includes details and information about LLC ownership and management.
Basic Information
Your Operating Agreement will include basic information about your Texas LLC. A lot of the information will be the same information listed in your LLC’s Certificate of Formation, such as:
- LLC Name
- LLC effective date
- Texas Registered Agent
- purpose of LLC
- duration of LLC
- and how the LLC will be taxed
LLC Ownership
Your Texas LLC Operating Agreement will be a place where all the LLC Members will list how much of the LLC they own and then each Member will sign the Operating Agreement.
How much someone owns is called their “ownership interest”, “ownership percentage”, or “ownership units”. LLC Ownership is most often expressed as a percentage (example, 5%, 50%, 100%, etc.). The terms “shares” or “shareholders” doesn’t apply to LLCs.
Initial Capital Contribution
One of the first things you’ll do after your LLC filing is approved by the Texas Secretary of State is have each of the LLC Members (or the sole Member in a Single-Member LLC) make their initial capital contribution. The initial capital contributions will be listed in your Texas LLC Operating Agreement.
A capital contribution is simply an individual member depositing money into the LLC bank account. The most common way to do this is by each person writing a personal check made out to the LLC. This also creates a nice record of the transaction. If you’re going to use an Operating Agreement template provided below, you’ll want the amount of the initial capital contribution to be proportionate to the ownership percentages.
For example, if it’s a 2-Member LLC with 50/50 ownership, each person should deposit the same amount of money. It doesn’t matter if both Members deposit $500 or $25,000; as long as both amounts are the same. If the 2-Member LLC was owned 70/30, then the deposits should reflect that ratio, such as Member 1 depositing $7,000 and Member 2 depositing $3,000.
Distribution of Profits
As per the Operating Agreement templates below, when Members take money out of the Texas LLC bank account and distribute profits to themselves, this is called a “capital distribution”.
A capital distribution can be taken by an LLC Member writing a check from the LLC bank account to the LLC Member(s) individually. You could also use a digital bank transfer, bank wire, or any other other means of money transfer that creates a documented record.
In a Multi-Member Texas LLC, the amount of the capital distributions are proportionate to the percentage of LLC ownership.
Note: A capital distribution is not considered a salary.
Statement about taxes
A brief statement about how the LLC will be taxed will be made in the Texas LLC’s Operating Agreement.
Membership Voting
The rules of membership voting will be spelled out in your Texas LLC’s Operating Agreement. If you use the template for a Member-Managed LLC below, the voting powers are proportionate to the LLC ownership percentages.
If you use the Manager-Managed Operating Agreement template below, the voting powers are also proportionate to the LLC ownership percentages. Then the Members (by a majority vote) agree to elect a Manager. The Manager then has their own authority to make most decisions on behalf of the LLC (without a vote needed by the Members). However, certain things, like adding a new LLC Member require a vote of the existing Members (and the Manager has no say).
What about Single-Member LLCs?
Operating Agreements are not only for Multi-Member LLCs.
Even if you are the only Member of your Texas LLC (a Single-Member LLC), it’s still best practice to have an Operating Agreement.
If you have to go to court, having an Operating Agreement will help prove your Single-Member LLC is being run as a separate entity. And therefore, your personal assets remain safe and out of reach of creditors.
Do I have to send my Texas LLC Operating Agreement to the state?
No, you don’t have to send your Texas LLC Operating Agreement to the Texas Secretary of State (or to any other government agency for that matter).
As an “internal document“, you (and your fellow Members, if applicable) need only keep your Texas LLC Operating Agreement in your business records and amongst yourselves.
Who needs your Operating Agreement?
The following may need to see a copy of your Texas LLC Operating Agreement:
- Banks and lending companies
- Title companies
- Accountants, tax professionals, and lawyers
- Investors
- Court (if you ever end up there)
This list is not exhaustive. Other individuals and companies may also request a copy of your Texas LLC’s Operating Agreement.
Operating Agreements don’t need to be notarized
Your Texas LLC Operating Agreement doesn’t need to be notarized.
Once you (and the other LLC Members, if applicable) sign the Operating Agreement, then it becomes a legally binding document for all of you.
Texas LLC Operating Agreement (Member-managed)
Our Texas LLC Member-managed Operating Agreement is available in 3 formats:
- Texas LLC Member-managed Operating Agreement (Word)
- Texas LLC Member-managed Operating Agreement (PDF)
- Texas LLC Member-managed Operating Agreement (Google Doc)
A Member-managed Texas LLC is where all the owners (LLC Members) have the ability to bind the LLC in contracts and agreements. And the Texas LLC Members also run the business and the day-to-day operations.
Texas LLC Operating Agreement (Manager-managed)
If your Texas LLC will be Manager-managed, you can download the Operating Agreement below.
Their Texas LLC Manager-managed Operating Agreement is available in 2 formats:
- Texas LLC Manager-managed Operating Agreement (Word)
- Texas LLC Manager-managed Operating Agreement (Google Doc)
A Manager-managed Texas LLC is where only one, or a few designated people (called “Managers”), have the ability to bind the LLC in contracts and agreements. The Texas LLC Managers also run the business and the day-to-day operations, while the other Members can’t bind the LLC in contracts and agreements, and they don’t take part in running the business and day-to-day operations. Instead, they take a passive/investor role. The Members however do vote the Manager into their position and also are required to vote on certain items, like adding or removing an LLC Member.
Tip: Most Texas LLCs are Member-managed. To learn more, pleasesee Member-managed LLC vs Manager-managed LLC.
Customized Texas LLC Operating Agreement
If you want your Texas LLC’s Operating Agreement customized to you and the other LLC Members’ specifications, we recommend hiring a business attorney.
Make sure all LLC Members have a copy
Once you finalize your Texas LLC’s Operating Agreement, make sure all Members have a copy.
And keep a copy or two of the Operating Agreement with your business records.
Next Step: EIN Number from IRS
After you’ve completed and signed your Texas LLC’s Operating Agreement, you can then proceed to the next Lesson: Texas LLC EIN Number.
References
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/BO/htm/BO.3.htm#D
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/BO/htm/BO.3.htm#E
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/BO/htm/BO.3.htm#F
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/BO/htm/BO.101.htm#101.052
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/BO/htm/BO.101.htm#101.053
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/BO/htm/BO.101.htm#101.054
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/BO/htm/BO.101.htm#101.055
Matt Horwitz
Founder & Educator, LLC University®
Matt Horwitz has been the leading expert on LLC education for the past decade. He founded LLC University in 2010 after realizing people needed simple and actionable instructions to start an LLC that other companies weren't offering. He's cited by Entrepreneur Magazine, Yahoo Finance, and the US Chamber of Commerce, and was featured by CNBC and InventRight.
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
TEXAS LLC GUIDE
Follow the lessons below to form your Texas LLC.
Overview | LLC Costs
- LLC Name
- Registered Agent
- Certificate of Formation
- Operating Agreement
- EIN Number
- Franchise Tax
- Licenses and Permits
- Taxes
FAQs
How do I create an operating agreement for an LLC in Texas? ›
- Formation details of the LLC.
- The name and Texas address of a registered agent, who is designated to receive legal documents on behalf of the business.
- The term of the LLC.
- The purpose of the business.
- The business location.
Your operating agreement can be written by your members, in which case it is free. On the other hand, you may also have an operating agreement written by a business lawyer, who will no doubt charge for this service. As noted above, our LLC formation service includes a free custom operating agreement for your company.
Is an operating agreement required for an LLC in Texas? ›An LLC operating agreement is not required in Texas, but is highly recommended. This is an internal document that establishes how you will run your LLC. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of the members and managers, including how the LLC will be managed.
What is a Texas LLC operating agreement? ›A Texas LLC operating agreement can delineate the company's procedures, policies and other features. While this document is not required by law, without it in place, the members can be held personally liable in an event of a lawsuit.
How much does an operating agreement cost in Texas? ›...
Texas LLC Costs:
Requirements | Cost |
---|---|
LLC Name | $0 |
Registered Agent | $0 or $125 (per year) |
Certificate of Formation | $300 |
Operating Agreement | $0 (free on our site) |
An LLC operating agreement does not need to be notarized.
How much does it cost to file for an LLC in Texas? ›The basic total cost of forming an LLC in Texas is $300. The basic total cost of registering a foreign LLC in Texas is $750. The optional costs of a certified copy of the filing document, a certificate of status, and hiring an outside registered agent could raise this total by between $85 and $535.
Is a company agreement required in Texas? ›Although Texas Law does not require LLC's to have a written operating agreement, it is unwise to establish a LLC without one.
What is the difference between a member managed LLC and a manager managed LLC? ›In a member-managed LLC, the owners have collective control over company decisions. A manager-managed LLC places management authority in the hands of a professional manager or one or more elected members. This choice goes to the heart of your company's day-to-day operations, so it's a good idea to consult an attorney.
Can I be my own registered agent in Texas? ›Although an officer, owner, or employee may serve as an entity's registered agent, an entity may not serve as its own registered agent. An entity may contract for the provision of registered agent services from another business entity, such as a service company.
What is a single member LLC in Texas? ›
A Texas single-member LLC is a special business structure that provides you with limited liability protections in certain legal and financial situations.
Why are operating agreements important? ›An operating agreement is a key document used by LLCs because it outlines the business' financial and functional decisions including rules, regulations and provisions. The purpose of the document is to govern the internal operations of the business in a way that suits the specific needs of the business owners.
Does an LLC expire in Texas? ›In Texas, does an LLC have an expiration date? A limited liability company's articles of organization may allow its members to designate the duration of the company. An LLC's expiration date can be specified but if no expiration date is specified, the LLC might continue indefinitely.
How much does it cost to register a business in Texas? ›For-profit corporations must register with the Texas secretary of state, must pay a filing fee for the certificate of formation of $300, and are subject to a state franchise tax.
What does a registered agent do for an LLC? ›An LLC registered agent is an individual or entity designated by an active company, such as an LLC, C Corp, or any other entity type, to receive service of process notices, government correspondence, and compliance-related documents on behalf of the company.
Why might the members of an LLC prefer to put the terms of their operating agreement in writing? ›Having a well written operating agreement in place gives an LLC credibility as a separate entity which is especially important when it comes to the legal system. Even if the LLC has a sole owner, the terms in the agreement help safeguard a limited liability status.
What is notarization for LLC? ›With an acknowledgement, a notary attests that the signer understands the document, willingly signs and that the signature is definitely the signer's. With an oath or affirmation, the notary certifies that the signer, under penalty of perjury, assures that a document's contents are true.
What is the difference between a partnership agreement and an operating agreement? ›A partnership agreement is used for partnerships whereas an operating agreement is used for Limited Liability Companies (LLC's). A corporation has minutes. These determinations are made under State law and how the entity is treated for federal income tax purposes does not matter.
How much tax does an LLC pay in Texas? ›If you plan to sell goods through your LLC in the state of Texas, then you will be required to collect and pay sales tax. Generally, the Texas state sales and use tax rate is 6.25%.
How much is a tax ID number in Texas? ›To obtain an EIN for your Texas business, you must file a Form SS-4. There is no fee for applying for an EIN.
What are the benefits of forming an LLC in Texas? ›
- Limited Liability Protection.
- Pass-through taxation.
- Tax options.
- Simplicity.
- Ownership flexibility.
- Increased credibility.
- Name registration.
The Texas Business Organizations Code requires that for-profit corporations and professional corporations have at least one director, one president, and one secretary. A single person can be the president, secretary, sole director, and sole shareholder.
Can a member withdraw from an LLC in Texas? ›Under Texas law, a member of an LLC may neither voluntarily withdraw nor be expelled from a Texas LLC. However, an agreement can modify this statutory default prohibition.
Who can be a member of an LLC in Texas? ›2d rev. James Publishing, 1995). The owners of an LLC are called “members.” A member can be an individual, partnership, corporation, trust, and any other legal or commercial entity.
Is the manager of an LLC the owner? ›A limited liability company (LLC) managing member is both an LLC owner and someone who keeps the business running on a day-to-day basis. The managerial aspect generally includes having the authority to make decisions and enter into contracts on behalf of the business.
Can you be a manager and not a member of an LLC? ›In a manager-managed LLC, members (owners) hire managers to run the business. Managers are typically considered employees and receive a salary for their work. A manager could be a member, an outside individual, an LLC, a corporation, a management company, or any combination thereof.
Can you have two managers in an LLC? ›Can an LLC have two managing members? Yes. A multi-member LLC can have as many managing members as desired.
Can you use a PO box for an LLC in Texas? ›As per Section 5.201 of the Business Organizations Code, your LLC's Registered Agent must have a physical street address located in Texas. A Texas Registered Agent address (called the Registered Office) can't be: a PO Box address. a mailbox rental service or telephone answering service.
Can I use myself as a registered agent? ›You can act as your own Registered Agent for a corporation or LLC as long as you have a physical street address in the state where your corporation or LLC is formed. The actual corporation or LLC being formed, however, cannot name itself as its own Registered Agent.
Can the organizer of an LLC be the registered agent in Texas? ›Although the Organizer can be a member of the LLC, this is not required. The LLC organizer may be an attorney, friend, family member, registered agent, business formation company, or other third parties that help you complete and file the LLC formation documents.
Does a single member LLC need an EIN in Texas? ›
A SMLLC will require an EIN if it (1) has employees; (2) is required to file certain excise tax forms; or (3) needs a bank account.
Is a husband and wife LLC a single member? ›If you choose to set up your LLC with just one spouse as a member, you can classify it as a sole proprietorship or a corporation. If your LLC has more than one member, you can classify it as a partnership or corporation.
What is a disregarded entity in Texas? ›Disregarded Entities
An entity's treatment for federal income tax purposes does not determine its responsibility for Texas franchise tax. Therefore, partnerships, LLCs and other entities that are disregarded for federal income tax purposes are considered separate legal entities for franchise tax reporting purposes.
- Step One: Determine Ownership Percentages. ...
- Step Two: Designate Rights, Responsibilities, and Compensation Details. ...
- Step Three: Define Terms of Joining or Leaving the LLC. ...
- Step Four: Create Dissolution Terms. ...
- Step Five: Insert a Severability Clause.
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) operating agreement, also known as an LLC agreement, LLC partnership agreement, or operating agreement, is a legal document that establishes the relationship of the LLC members to one another.
What tax options are available to a limited liability company LLC )? Choose 2 answers? ›An LLC with two or more members can choose to be taxed as a partnership or a corporation. 2. An LLC with only one member can choose to be taxed as a corporation or a sole proprietor.
Is a company agreement required in Texas? ›Although Texas Law does not require LLC's to have a written operating agreement, it is unwise to establish a LLC without one.
How much does it cost to file for an LLC in Texas? ›The basic total cost of forming an LLC in Texas is $300. The basic total cost of registering a foreign LLC in Texas is $750. The optional costs of a certified copy of the filing document, a certificate of status, and hiring an outside registered agent could raise this total by between $85 and $535.
What is the difference between a member managed LLC and a manager managed LLC? ›In a member-managed LLC, the owners have collective control over company decisions. A manager-managed LLC places management authority in the hands of a professional manager or one or more elected members. This choice goes to the heart of your company's day-to-day operations, so it's a good idea to consult an attorney.
What officers are required for a Texas LLC? ›The Texas Business Organizations Code requires that for-profit corporations and professional corporations have at least one director, one president, and one secretary. A single person can be the president, secretary, sole director, and sole shareholder.
Can a member withdraw from an LLC in Texas? ›
Under Texas law, a member of an LLC may neither voluntarily withdraw nor be expelled from a Texas LLC. However, an agreement can modify this statutory default prohibition.
Who can be a member of an LLC in Texas? ›2d rev. James Publishing, 1995). The owners of an LLC are called “members.” A member can be an individual, partnership, corporation, trust, and any other legal or commercial entity.
How much tax does an LLC pay in Texas? ›If you plan to sell goods through your LLC in the state of Texas, then you will be required to collect and pay sales tax. Generally, the Texas state sales and use tax rate is 6.25%.
Does an LLC expire in Texas? ›In Texas, does an LLC have an expiration date? A limited liability company's articles of organization may allow its members to designate the duration of the company. An LLC's expiration date can be specified but if no expiration date is specified, the LLC might continue indefinitely.
How much is a tax ID number in Texas? ›To obtain an EIN for your Texas business, you must file a Form SS-4. There is no fee for applying for an EIN.
Is the manager of an LLC the owner? ›A limited liability company (LLC) managing member is both an LLC owner and someone who keeps the business running on a day-to-day basis. The managerial aspect generally includes having the authority to make decisions and enter into contracts on behalf of the business.
Can you be a manager and not a member of an LLC? ›In a manager-managed LLC, members (owners) hire managers to run the business. Managers are typically considered employees and receive a salary for their work. A manager could be a member, an outside individual, an LLC, a corporation, a management company, or any combination thereof.
Can you have two managers in an LLC? ›Can an LLC have two managing members? Yes. A multi-member LLC can have as many managing members as desired.