How To Fill Out The Kansas Articles of Organization
The Kansas Articles of Organization is the official document filed with the Kansas Secretary of State to establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC). After the filing is approved by the state, the business can officially begin operating and register for the necessary business licenses and permits.
To file the Kansas Articles of Organization, you will need to submit the completed DL51-01 Articles of Organization form to the Kansas Secretary of State. The form can be completed and sent by mail or filed online.
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Let’s go over how to fill out the LLC Articles of Organization in Kansas. To get started, visit the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.
Step 1: Pick a Name for the LLC
There are a few requirements when choosing a Kansas LLC name.
1. The name of your LLC must not be too similar to the name of another business entity already registered with the state of Kansas. You can verify name availability by doing a Kansas LLC name search with the Kansas Secretary of State to be sure the LLC name is available.
2. The name of the LLC must include one of the following entity identifiers at the end of the business name:
– Limited Liability Company
– Limited Company
– LLC
– LC
Enter the LLC name including the identifier to continue. If you choose a name that is taken, the Secretary of State will return your application.
Step 2: Appoint a Resident Agent
One requirement to have an LLC in Kansas is to appoint a Kansas resident agent. The registered agent is a party that is physically located in the state of Kansas (PO Boxes aren’t allowed) that will receive important notices and service of process (which means to accept papers that start a lawsuit) on behalf of the LLC.
Provided the LLC member lives in the state of Kansas, they may act as the registered agent or the agent can be an adult resident of the state or registered agent service.
Related: Should you be the registered agent?
Step 3: Enter the LLC Mailing Address
The mailing address is where any correspondence from the Kansas Secretary of State should be sent.
A PO Box may be used in this section.
Step 4: Choose a Tax Closing Month
The tax closing month refers to the month that the LLC will use for its ending tax month. Most LLCs will use December.
Step 5: Sign and Date the Articles of Organization
In the last step, a person who is authorized to sign on behalf of the LLC will review the information and sign the document.
You’ve filed your Kansas LLC Articles of Organization! Now what?
After the LLC is officially filed with the Kansas Secretary of State, there are a few additional things to follow up on. Below is a list of some of the tasks to consider.
Prepare a Kansas LLC Operating Agreement
The operating agreement is an internal document that covers items like ownership rights, profit and loss distribution, member responsibilities, and more.
Kansas Statute § 76-7672 states that an LLC Operating Agreement is optional. Despite the Operating Agreement not being required, it is recommended to have one as it can help to prevent disputes among members and protect the LLC’s legal status.
Related: How to Create a Kansas Operating Agreement
Obtain an EIN
The EIN or Employer Identification Number (also called a Federal Employer Identification Number or FEIN) is a unique 9-digit tax identification number that is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The EIN will be needed before filing business tax returns, opening a bank account, hiring employees, registering for business licenses and permits, and more.
Related: How to Apply for an EIN
