How to File Articles of Organization in New York

In New York, as in most states, the primary step in creating a limited liability company (LLC) is to file articles of organization with the state. This is an absolutely crucial document that helps define your business, so it’s important to do it correctly.

An LLC is a business entity that offers liability protection for owners, as well as pass-through taxation, much like a sole proprietorship. 

What are Articles of Organization?

The articles of organization is a legal document you need to file with New York State to form your LLC. It will specify details about your company and establish your LLC as an officially registered business entity in New York. 

This document is similar to the documents associated with New York’s certificate of incorporation that you would file to form a corporation instead of an LLC.  

How to File the New York Articles of Organization

In New York, the process to file articles of organization is quite simple. The crucial first step is gathering the required information about your new LLC before proceeding with the filing itself. 

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to create your new business entity: 

1. Gather the required information about your business.
   • LLC name
   • The county of the LLC’s office address 
   • A mailing address to receive document copies from your registered agent

NOTE: LLCs in New York identify the Secretary of State as their registered agent  

• Name and address of the filer

2. Visit New York’s Department of State website 

Find New York’s articles of organization form here. It’s easiest to fill out the form online and file immediately, but you can also download it, fill it out and mail it in. 

3. Filling out Articles of Organization Document

To file online quickly, you’ll need to make an NY.gov business account. 

Residents of New York, beware and be careful! It’s possible you may already have an NY.gov ID account as a result of the pandemic. If this is the case, your current NY.gov ID is likely a personal account. Avoid logging in to that one, or log out, and create a new business account.

Start the filing process by creating a new NY.gov ID business account here. You’ll be brought to a page with multiple choices. Don’t panic when you see all the different options! Just click on the Department of State link.

Fill in the registration portal with the correct information and create your account.

You can now log in here. Search for LLC articles of organization, click the associated application link, and fill out the form for your business. 

Here’s what you can expect when filing: 

Fill in the name of your LLC, checkmark any optional clauses you would like to include, and specify the county of the LLC’s office address. Next, provide the name and mailing address for the Secretary of State to forward document copies to. At this time, you’ll also have the opportunity to add another registered agent.  

Choose any offered supplementary statements you wish to add to your articles of organization. These statements aren’t required, so carefully review each statement before including any. You’ll then provide your information and electronically sign the form. 

When filling out your articles of organization form, be sure to double-check that all the information is accurate and up-to-date. Maybe you’ve just moved, or use your middle initial in official documents, such as with your bank account. If you get it wrong now, changing it later can be a real pain. So accuracy is crucial. 

• File Articles of Organization – 

Before you pay and finish filing, you can review your form and will have the opportunity to request additional copies. 

The base filing fee for an LLC’s articles of organization in New York is $200. However, if you select any additional services, your filing fee will cost more. For example, fees to accelerate filing range from an extra $25 to $150. 

The form will show you the details of the charges before payment.   

After paying, your completed form will automatically be submitted and a PDF of the filing receipt will be emailed to you.

You can monitor the status of your application on your account’s dashboard, but on average, you can expect processing to take about a week. If you’re too excited to wait and decide to expedite the process, you can pay extra and shorten the time to just one day – or even just two hours! 

New York’s Department of State Contact Info

New York’s Department of State Website

New York Department of State
Division of Corporations
One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12231-0001

518.473.2492

General inquiries – [email protected] 

The Bottom Line

In New York, it’s relatively easy to create an LLC, but you do need to jump through a few hoops. You now have all the information you need to officially create your new business and begin your entrepreneurial journey in the Empire State.