Definition
What is an articles of organization?
The filing that starts the LLC. The state reviews it, records it and the company exists from then on.
Quick facts
- Other names
- Certificate of organization or certificate of formation in some states
- Connected terms
- Organizer, Registered agent, Operating agreement
Why it matters
Getting it right the first time avoids amendment fees later.
How the states handle it
Filing fees run from $35 in Montana to $500 in Massachusetts. The full list.
Where to go next
Read it in context: LLC requirements by state, Registered agent rules by state, Foreign LLC rules by state.
Official sources and prices
- August 2026: Mont, mca.legmt.gov
- October 2026: Montana formation fee: Filing fee, sosmt.gov
- October 2026: Montana formation fee: Filing fee, sosmt.gov
- August 2026: M.G.L. c. 156C, sec. 12, sec.state.ma.us
- October 2026: Massachusetts formation fee: Filing fee, sec.state.ma.us
- October 2026: Massachusetts formation fee: Filing fee, sec.state.ma.us