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LLC Q and AOne question, one reply, one source.

Glossary

Articles of organization: definition

The formation filing. When the state approves it, the LLC exists.

LLC Q and A editorial team ·

Summary

Also called
Certificate of formation, certificate of organization
Pairs with
Organizer side by side with Registered agent side by side with Operating agreement

Why it matters

Approval makes the LLC real. Keep the approval letter for banks and other states.

State differences

Filing fee range: $35 (Montana) to $500 (Massachusetts). Fees for all fifty.

Used in

Applies in these answers: LLC formation by state, Registered agent rules by state, Out-of-state registration by state.

Source list

  1. Reference line for Mont, drawn from mca.legmt.gov and confirmed August 2026, as noted by our editors
  2. Reference line for Montana formation fee: Filing fee, drawn from sosmt.gov and confirmed October 2026, as noted by our editors
  3. Reference line for Montana formation fee: Filing fee, drawn from sosmt.gov and confirmed October 2026, as noted by our editors
  4. Reference line for M.G.L. c. 156C, sec. 12, drawn from sec.state.ma.us and confirmed August 2026, as noted by our editors
  5. Reference line for Massachusetts formation fee: Filing fee, drawn from sec.state.ma.us and confirmed October 2026, as noted by our editors
  6. Reference line for Massachusetts formation fee: Filing fee, drawn from sec.state.ma.us and confirmed October 2026, as noted by our editors