Pennsylvania LLC Operating Agreement Template

In Pennsylvania, your limited liability company (LLC) is not required to have an operating agreement in place. But it’s highly recommended, as an effective operating agreement can help avoid disputes and lawsuits that could threaten the stability of your LLC. 

What is an LLC Operating Agreement?

A Pennsylvania LLC operating agreement is an important legal document that details who owns the business and provides essential information pertaining to member duties. An LLC operating agreement establishes the financial relationship between members and the basics of the working relationships between those members and the managers who oversee daily operations. 

The operating agreement is not filed with the state of Pennsylvania, but instead remains private. It’s advisable to hire an attorney to ensure your operating agreement is thorough and legally binding.

 

We’ve provided two operating agreement templates for your use. One is for a single-member LLC if you are the sole member, and the other is for a multi-member LLC if your LLC has two or more members. The documents are customizable and should be adjusted for Pennsylvania state and your business. These documents are for your internal use and are not filed with any governing body.

Download FREE Operating Agreement Templates

Single Member Multi Member

Disclaimer: These documents may need to be adjusted based on your circumstances and may not cover all situations. Your document also may need to be adjusted over time as your business evolves. These documents should not be considered legal advice. You should have your version of the document reviewed by your attorney to make sure that all necessary provisions are included to fit your business situation. 

What Should Your Pennsylvania LLC’s Operating Agreement Include?

Here are some essential components to include in a Pennsylvania LLC Operating Agreement:

1. Company formation and purpose: Include details about the formation of the LLC, such as the name, principal office address, and purpose of the business. Be as specific as possible about the nature of the company’s activities.
2. Duration: Specify the duration of the LLC, whether it is perpetual or has a predetermined end date.
3. Membership and capital contributions: Clearly define each member’s ownership percentage, initial capital contributions, and any additional contributions expected in the future. This section should also address how to handle new members or additional capital contributions.
4. Management structure: Establish whether the LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed. Detail the roles and responsibilities of each member or manager, including decision-making authority, voting rights, and any limitations on their powers. If the LLC has a board of directors, the operating agreement will also include the role and responsibilities of the board members and how they are compensated. 
5. Allocation of profits and losses: Specify how the LLC’s profits and losses will be allocated among members, which is typically based on their ownership percentage.
6. Distributions: Outline the procedures for distributing profits to members, including the timing, frequency, and method of distribution.
7. Meetings and voting: Detail the requirements for holding regular and special meetings, such as notice requirements, quorum, and voting rules. Specify voting rights for each member, typically based on ownership percentage.
8. Recordkeeping and financial reporting: Clarify the recordkeeping and reporting obligations of the LLC, including maintenance of financial records, tax filing responsibilities, and preparation of annual financial statements.
9. Buyout and transfer of membership interests: Establish procedures for the sale, transfer, or buyout of a member’s interest in the LLC, including valuation methods, right of first refusal, and any restrictions on transfers.
10. Dissolution and winding up: Detail the process for dissolving the LLC, including the events that trigger dissolution, procedures for winding up the business, and distribution of remaining assets to members.
11. Indemnification and liability: Address the extent to which members and managers are indemnified by the LLC, and any limitations on their liability for company debts or obligations.
12. Amendments: Outline the process for amending the Operating Agreement, including any required notice, voting thresholds, and approval procedures.
13. Dispute resolution: Specify the methods for resolving disputes among members, such as mediation or arbitration, and any governing law or venue preferences.
14. Miscellaneous provisions: Include any additional clauses that may be relevant to your LLC, such as confidentiality, non-compete, or non-solicitation agreements.

An LLC operating agreement provides legal and financial recourse for a number of situations. If conflicts arise between LLC owners pertaining to any of the above issues, the operating agreement will provide clarity. The specific language of the operating agreement lays out exactly how such conflicts will be resolved, how the business is structured, the dynamics of operations, and more. 

Though Pennsylvania has default rules on the books that address some of the issues that might arise between LLC members, your LLC operating agreement would override these default laws and give you greater control. 

While this list provides a comprehensive overview of what should be included in a Pennsylvania LLC Operating Agreement, it is essential to tailor the document to your specific business needs. Consulting with an attorney or a business advisor can help ensure that your Operating Agreement is well-drafted and appropriate for your situation.

How Much Does an Operating Agreement Cost? 

Creating an operating agreement is free if you just draw it up yourself. Alternatively, you can pay for guidance from an online business advisory like ZenBusiness.

This is an extremely important document, so it’s recommended that you hire a professional service or law firm. If you choose to use an attorney to help you create this document, the price will be around $500 for a single-member LLC and $2,500 for a multi-member LLC. 

Who Needs my LLC Operating Agreement?

One of the key reasons to have an operating agreement in place is that it makes your LLC more appealing to financial backers. Banks are likely to request to see your operating agreement when you apply for a loan. If you seek funding from investors, they will also want to see your operating agreement. 

Conclusion 

Though not legally required in Pennsylvania, an operating agreement is a crucial document for LLC operations, ensuring your company is able to access adequate financing and settle any disputes. Keep in mind, you do not need to file your operating agreement with any state body. You simply need to take certain steps to ensure it’s legally binding and keep it in your records.