Why do you need an operating agreement? To protect the business' limited liability status: Operating agreements give members protection from personal liability to the LLC. Without this specific formality, your LLC can closely resemble a sole proprietorship or partnership, jeopardizing your personal liability.
Utah state law does not require LLCs to adopt a written operating agreement. However, any good lawyer will recommend that you create a written operating agreement as one of the first actions of starting your Utah LLC.
The 5 states requiring an operating agreement are California, Delaware, Maine, Missouri, and New York.
And while most states do not require LLCs to have a written operating agreement, having the agreement in writing can reduce uncertainties and is generally recommended.
While not always legally required, operating agreements play a critical role in the smooth operation, legal protection, and financial clarity of LLCs. Their absence can lead to governance by default state laws, management, and financial disorganization, and increased legal vulnerabilities.
There are two basic management structures for an LLC: a “Member-Managed LLC” vs. a “Manager-Managed LLC.” Choosing the right one for your business will depend on such factors as the type of business it is, the number of owners, and who you want to make decisions for the business.
Once you (and the other LLC Members, if applicable) sign the Operating Agreement, then it becomes a legal document. Can I write my own Operating Agreement? Yes, but we recommend using an Operating Agreement template. An Operating Agreement is a legal document.
If you're forming—or have formed—an LLC in California, New York, Missouri, Maine, or Delaware, state laws require you to create an LLC Operating Agreement. But no matter what state you're in, it's always a good idea to create a formal agreement between LLC members.
Utah state law does not require LLCs to adopt a written operating agreement. However, any good lawyer will recommend that you create a written operating agreement as one of the first actions of starting your Utah LLC.