When forming an LLC business structure, you first need to file the Certificate of Organization with the Pennsylvania Department of State. This is a legal document that officially launches your new LLC into existence. After filing, the business can obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN), state tax number, open a bank account, and register for business licenses.

Related: Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Pennsylvania

Some of the required information needed to complete the Certificate of Formation in Pennsylvania includes:

• Your new company’s name. When filling out this information be sure to include the entity designator at the end of the business name. The allowed designator can be:
  • ​​​Limited Liability Company
  • Limited Liability Co.
  • Ltd. Liability Company
  • Ltd. Liability Co.Company
  • Co.
  • LLC
  • L.L.C.
  • Limited
  • LTD
  • Ltd.

If you haven’t verified already, be sure to do a name search with the Department of State to be sure the LLC name is available.

• Address of the registered office. The registered office (sometimes referred to as a registered agent) may be, but is not required to be, the actual place of the business to the physical street address, or the main location where the business records are kept. A physical address must be used as P.O. Boxes are not acceptable.
• Information about the LLC organizers. Include the name(s) of the initial organizers of the LLC (people helping with the formation of the entity). This is often the owner, but can be anyone.  
• The effective start date for your LLC. (Optional) You have the option of specifying a date in the future to start the LLC.
• Professional LLC. Professional LLCs (those that offer services licensed by the state) will check which service they will offer.

The filing fee for the Certificate of Organization is $125. 

In addition to the Certificate of Organization, many LLCs will want to draft an operating agreement is an internal document outlining the governing structure and operating guidelines of the entity along with the responsibilities of the members. 

Related – When does an LLC need an Operating Agreement?

Download the Pennsylvania LLC Certificate of Organization from the Department of State.