Homepage Attorney-Approved Operating Agreement Document Free Operating Agreement Template for the State of Illinois

Form Breakdown

Fact Name Details
Purpose The Illinois Operating Agreement outlines the management structure and operational procedures of a limited liability company (LLC).
Governing Law The agreement is governed by the Illinois Limited Liability Company Act (805 ILCS 180).
Membership It specifies the rights and responsibilities of members, including ownership percentages and profit distribution.
Management Structure The agreement can establish a member-managed or manager-managed structure, determining who has decision-making authority.
Amendments Provisions for amending the agreement can be included, allowing flexibility as the business evolves.
Dispute Resolution It may outline procedures for resolving disputes among members, which can help prevent litigation.
Initial Capital Contributions The agreement often details initial capital contributions required from each member to fund the LLC.
Duration It can specify the duration of the LLC, whether it is perpetual or for a defined period.
Tax Treatment The agreement may address how the LLC will be taxed, including options for pass-through taxation.
Legal Protection Having an operating agreement can provide legal protection for members by clarifying their rights and responsibilities.

Sample - Illinois Operating Agreement Form

Illinois Operating Agreement Template

This Operating Agreement is made effective as of __________, by and among the following members:

  • Name: ___________________________
  • Address: _________________________
  • Email: ___________________________

This agreement is governed by the Illinois Limited Liability Company Act (805 ILCS 180/). It outlines the operation and management of the limited liability company (LLC) named ________________ (the "Company").

Article I: Formation

The members hereby form a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Illinois. The Company is organized for the purpose of ______________________.

Article II: Name

The name of the Company shall be ________________. This name shall be used on all Company documents.

Article III: Principal Office

The principal office of the Company shall be located at:

_________________________________

Article IV: Members

  1. Name: ___________________________
  2. Address: _________________________
  3. Capital Contribution: $_______________

Article V: Management

The management of the Company shall be vested in:

  • Members
  • Managers

The members agree to appoint the following individual(s) as manager(s):

Name: ___________________________

Article VI: Voting Rights

Each member's voting rights are based on their percentage of ownership as follows:

  • Member Name: _____________________ - Ownership Percentage: ____%
  • Member Name: _____________________ - Ownership Percentage: ____%

Article VII: Distributions

Distributions to members shall be made based on their ownership percentages unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Article VIII: Amendment

This Operating Agreement may be amended only by a written agreement signed by all members.

Article IX: Governing Law

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the members have executed this Operating Agreement as of the date first above written.

Member Signature: ___________________________ Date: ________________

Member Signature: ___________________________ Date: ________________

Common mistakes

When filling out the Illinois Operating Agreement form, individuals often make several common mistakes that can lead to complications down the line. One frequent error is not including all necessary member information. Each member's name, address, and percentage of ownership should be clearly stated. Omitting any of this information can create confusion about ownership rights.

Another mistake is failing to specify the management structure of the company. Whether the business will be managed by members or appointed managers should be clearly defined. If this is left vague, it can result in disputes among members regarding decision-making authority.

Some individuals neglect to outline the voting rights of members. This is crucial for establishing how decisions will be made within the organization. If voting rights are not clearly articulated, it may lead to disagreements over important business matters.

Inadequate attention to the profit and loss distribution can also pose problems. Members should agree on how profits and losses will be allocated among them. If this is not detailed in the agreement, it can lead to misunderstandings when it comes time to distribute earnings.

Another common oversight is not including a buy-sell agreement. This clause is important for outlining the process if a member wishes to sell their interest in the company. Without it, the remaining members may face difficulties in managing the exit of a member.

Some individuals mistakenly assume that the Operating Agreement is a one-time document. In reality, it should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in the business or membership. Failing to do so can result in outdated provisions that no longer serve the interests of the members.

People also often forget to include provisions for resolving disputes. Having a clear process for conflict resolution can save time and resources. Without such provisions, disagreements may escalate and harm the business.

Not addressing the dissolution process is another significant mistake. The Operating Agreement should include terms for how the company will be dissolved if necessary. This helps ensure that all members understand their rights and responsibilities in such an event.

Some individuals may overlook the importance of legal compliance. The Operating Agreement must adhere to Illinois state laws. Failing to comply can result in legal challenges that undermine the business's legitimacy.

Finally, many people do not seek legal advice when drafting the Operating Agreement. Professional guidance can help ensure that the document is comprehensive and legally sound. Skipping this step can lead to costly mistakes that could have been avoided.