How to File a Certificate of Organization in Utah

In Utah, as in most states, the primary step in creating a limited liability company (LLC) is to file a certificate 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 is a Certificate of Organization?

The certificate of organization, which is called articles of organization in most other states, is a legal document you file with the state to form your LLC and officially become a legal entity. It will specify details about your company and establish your LLC as a registered business entity in Utah. 

The document is similar to the articles of incorporation you would file to form a corporation instead of an LLC. 

How to File the Utah Certificate of Organization

In Utah, the process to file a certificate 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. 

• Business name
• Principal office address
• Registered agent name and address
• Organizer (name of person or entity doing the filing)
• Names and addresses of members or managers
• The duration of the LLC
• Business Purpose

2. Visit the state’s commerce department website 

Find Utah’s certificate of organization form here. You’ll need to create an account on the site before you can access the form. 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 Certificate of Organization Document

First, register for an account on the website.

Once you’ve created your account, click on “register new business”. It will ask you a long series of questions about your business. 

Then you’ll go to a page where you can enter your proposed business name. The system will perform a search to see if the name is available, and then will allow you to reserve the name for a fee of $22. You will have to pay for this in order to continue, and you’ll get an email when your name is officially approved or denied.

Once your name is approved, you’ll fill out the rest of the information on the certificate of organization form including: 

• Principal office address
• Registered agent name and address
• Organizer
• Names and addresses of members or managers
• The duration of the LLC
• Business Purpose

Then you’ll be able to review all your information for accuracy.

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 

Once you’ve reviewed all your information, you’ll be taken to the payment screen where you’ll pay the filing fee, which in Utah is $70.

Utah Department of Commerce Contact Info

Here’s the Department of Commerce website. Contact the commerce department at (801) 530-6701. 

Their mailing address is:

SM Box 146701
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6701

The Bottom Line

In Utah, 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 Beehive State.