Rhode Island LLC Articles of Organization – How to Register?


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
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Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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If you are forming a Rhode Island LLC, then this page’s content would be vital. As you learn how to start an LLC, you will realize that the bulk of your initial work and LLC cost comprises filing Rhode Island articles of organization, which we will elaborate on this page.

What is an Article of Organization?

Articles of Organization, also known as an LLC certificate or Certificate of Formation in some states, is a document filed with the secretary of state to form an LLC.

Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. An Article of Organization usually includes the following:

  • The name of the LLC,
  • the effective date of the LLC,
  • the company’s principal office,
  • the business purpose,
  • the duration of the business,
  • a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
  • the name and address of the registered agent, organizers, and
  • at least one member of the company.

You can file an Article of Organization online, by mail, or in person.

Note that the certification of formation is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC formation. It even makes up the bulk of your Rhode Island LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File Rhode Island Articles of Organization

These are the simple steps to follow in filing an Article of Organization in Rhode Island.

Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the Rhode Island Secretary of State to download the Articles of Organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.

Step 2: Fill Out Form

When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to Rhode Island LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.

You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to nominate a registered agent. Here are 3 of the best LLC services on our list.

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Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail by filling out a form and sending it to the Division of Business Services 148 W. River Street Providence, RI 02904.

Steps to Register Articles of Organization Online

Time needed: 5 minutes

To set up your business LLC in Rhode Island, you are required to register your business LLC with the Secretary of State office, Rhode Island. You can apply through online as well as offline mode. When applied online, your application gets the advantage of immediate processing. The filing fee is $150. The formation guide below will assist you in filing the Certificate of Formation.

Following are the steps to register the Articles of Organization Online:

  1. Visit the Rhode Island Secretary of State website

    Access the Official website of the Rhode Island Secretary of State. The Business Services section offers an insight into different online services available for business filings and other business-related activities. On the page, scroll down and select the option of ‘File Online’.rhode-island-certificate-of-formation

  2. File a New Entity

    On the following page, the Business Services Online Filing system opens up. Select the link ‘File New Business Entity’ on the page.rhode-island-certificate-of-formation

  3. Select Domestic Limited Liability Company

    The page consists of different links for online business filing. Scroll down to the heading ‘Domestic Limited Liability Company’ and select the first option of ‘Articles of Organization’.rhode-island-certificate-of-formation

  4. Start to fill in the application form

    The application form opens up on the following page. Read the instructions carefully and start to fill in the required details. In the first section, mention the name of the limited liability company.rhode-island-certificate-of-formation

  5. Registered Agent details

    Under Article II, you must provide the name and street address of your registered agent in Rhode Island.rhode-island-certificate-of-formation

  6. Choose the Classification of the Business

    Under Article III, select the structural nature of your business LLC, such as whether it is a partnership, corporation, or disregarded as an entity separate from its member.rhode-island-certificate-of-formation

  7. Address of Office

    In the next section, you must provide the street address of the principal office of your business LLC.rhode-island-certificate-of-formation

  8. Duration of your business LLC

    Provide the time duration for which your business LLC shall operate in the State. If it has perpetual existence or a specific duration after which it shall be dissolved.rhode-island-certificate-of-formation

  9. Include additional provisions, if any.

    If there are any additional provisions to be included in your Business Formation articles, you can mention them in the space provided in Article VI.rhode-island-certificate-of-formation

  10. Details of the management

    In this section, you must provide the details of your managing members, their names, and addresses.rhode-island-certificate-of-formation

  11. Effective date

    Mention the date from which the Articles of Organization are to become effective. It should not be more than 90 days after the filing of the articles.rhode-island-certificate-of-formation

  12. Your contact information

    In the last section, you must provide your contact details in the Filer’s contact information.rhode-island-certificate-of-formation

  13. Add Signature

    Lastly, add the signature of an authorized person, and their address as well. Click on the ‘accept’ option and then choose “Click HERE to Submit this information”.rhode-island-certificate-of-formation

  14. Review your details

    Before you proceed to the next stage of application, review all the sections. The details provided by you should be accurate and correct.

  15. Make the payment

    After finalizing the application, you can proceed to the payment gateway page to make a payment of $150 as the filing fee for your application. After you have successfully completed your application, you will be notified of your acknowledgment receipt by the Secretary of State office.

Rhode Island Articles of Organization Filing By Mail

Online filing is considered a convenient method to submit and track the status of your application. Nonetheless, if you wish to file for formation application through offline mode, you can do that easily by mail. Follow the instructions below to file the Articles of Organization in Rhode Island.

  • Access the Application form PDF available online and download on your computer system.
  • Go through all the instructions and guidelines provided in the form.
  • Start to fill in the application form.
  • You can attach the name reservation certificate of your business LLC along with the application.
  • Review all the details provided by you to be correct and accurate to your knowledge.
  • Issue the money order or check for $150 as the filing fee, payable to the ‘Department of State’.
  • Arrange all the documents together and mail it to the following address, Division of Business Services 148 W. River Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02904-2615.

Cost of Filing Articles of Organization in Rhode Island

Though the online mode of application is preferred as the easier way of registration, the filing cost is the same for both the filing methods. Here is the cost of filing formation certificate in the State of Rhode Island,

  • Online filing costs $150.00
  • By mail filing costs $150.00

F.A.Qs

What is an Article of Organization?

An Article of Organization is a legal document that will officially make your LLC into existence. This document is needed specifically for Rhode Island in forming an LLC business structure.

What information does an Article of Organization application need?

The application form for the Article of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.

What is the recommended method of filing an Article of Organization, online or by mail?

Filing by mail or in person is neither highly recommended nor required; waiting an extra week for your LLC to be approved isn’t that bad. The LLC approval you send in will be returned by mail. Online filing, meanwhile, is more convenient as you won’t have to stay in a queue.

Where Can You Find Your Rhode Island LLC Articles of Organization

Articles of Organization for Rhode Island LLC can be accessed through the Rhode Island Secretary of State website. You can also download the PDF from the same website.

The Rhode Island Secretary of State’s office is the primary source for obtaining and filing your LLC Articles of Organization. This office is responsible for handling all business filings in the state, including LLC formations. Their website is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Rhode Island, as it contains all the necessary forms and information needed to properly register an LLC.

On the Secretary of State’s website, you will find clear instructions on how to file your LLC Articles of Organization, as well as links to download the required forms. The process is relatively straightforward, but it’s important to pay attention to the specific requirements outlined by the state in order to avoid any delays in the filing process.

In addition to the state’s website, there are also third-party services that can help you file your LLC Articles of Organization. These services can provide assistance with the paperwork, offer guidance on the filing process, and ensure that all necessary information is included in your documents. While these services may come at an additional cost, they can be helpful for entrepreneurs who are unfamiliar with the LLC formation process or who want to ensure that their paperwork is filed correctly and expediently.

Another option for obtaining your LLC Articles of Organization is to work with a business attorney. An attorney can provide legal advice and support throughout the LLC formation process, including preparing and filing the necessary documents. While this option may be more expensive than filing on your own, it can provide peace of mind knowing that an experienced professional is handling your paperwork.

Regardless of how you choose to file your LLC Articles of Organization, it’s important to do so in a timely manner. Filing your paperwork promptly will ensure that your business is legally recognized by the state and that you can begin operating without any unnecessary delays.

In conclusion, when starting a business in Rhode Island, it’s essential to know where to find and file your LLC Articles of Organization. Whether you choose to do it yourself, use a third-party service, or work with a business attorney, make sure to follow the proper procedures outlined by the state to ensure a smooth and successful LLC formation process. By taking the time to properly file your paperwork, you’ll be one step closer to realizing your entrepreneurial dreams in the Ocean State.

In Conclusion

Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation is the most important document for your Rhode Island LLC. Before you submit/file the document make sure to provide proper and correct information about your company. If you have any questions, share that below in the comment section.

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