How to Create an LLC in Rhode Island

Forming and registering a LLC, or limited liability company, is governed by the state in which you are forming the business. In Rhode Island, you form and register a business as a LLC with the Secretary of State's office. Along with naming and registering your business with the state of Rhode Island, you create supporting documents such as Articles of Organization.

• 1

  Name the business. The official name of business must contain the acronym LLC or Limited Liability Company.

• 2

  Search the Rhode Island Division of Corporations database to see whether the business name you want to use is available. If your chosen business name is already in use in Rhode Island, then you have to choose another name.

• 3

  Write the Articles of Organization. The Articles of Organization is a legal document that must be submitted to the Rhode Island Secretary of State when registering the business. The document contains information, such as the name of the LLC; the timeframe the business intends to be open; the reason or the purpose of the company; the tax treatment of the LLC--either as a partnership or corporation; the name of the registered agent and the registered agent's address; the address of the business; indication as to whether the business will be managed by its members or third parties; and the names and addresses of each of the members.

• 4

  Sign the Articles of Organization. The state of Rhode Island requires two signatures on the Articles of Organization. Since the state requires one or more members for an LLC to be formed, the signatures can be of two owners or one owner and an individual helping the member to form the LLC, such as an attorney, accountant or the registered agent.

• 5

  Write the Operating Agreement. The Operating Agreement contains the details on how the business will be run. While the state of Rhode Island does not require business owners forming a LLC to submit this document to the state, the state suggests that business owners write up a formal Operating Agreement so that all members of the LLC know and understand operating procedures for the business.

• 6

  Contact the Rhode Island Secretary of State for the LLC application form.

• 7

  Complete and submit the LLC application, supporting documents and check for the fees to file the business to the Secretary of State. The fees are listed on the application.

• 8

  Apply to the IRS for an Employer Identification Number, or EIN.