Delaware LLC Operating Agreement | A Comprehensive Guide


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
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Delaware Operating Agreement

When forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Delaware, one of the most critical steps is creating and executing an LLC Operating Agreement. This legally binding document outlines your LLC’s ownership, management, and operational procedures, ensuring that your business runs smoothly and is protected from potential disputes and legal issues. Although only sometimes required by state law, having a well-drafted operating agreement is essential for an LLC. This article will explore the content and importance of an Operating Agreement in Delaware and discuss its key components.

Webinarcare Editorial Team will help you understand the process of having an operating agreement for your Delaware business. You must be guided by all the factors gathered in this article.

What is an Operating Agreement?

An operating agreement is a legally binding document that outlines a limited liability company‘s ownership structure, management, and operational procedures (LLC). It governs the internal workings of the LLC and establishes the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of its members (owners) and managers.

This includes details such as rules, regulations, and provisions related to the operation of the LLC. The Operating Agreement serves as a guide for dealing with disagreements, bringing in new members, and managing various situations that may arise while doing business. It delivers clarity and ensures smooth functioning while providing legal protection to businesses.

Although not always required by state law, having a well-drafted operating agreement is essential for an LLC. It helps prevent potential disputes among members, ensures smoother business operations, and provides a clear framework for making decisions and resolving issues. It also helps to establish limited liability protection for the members by demonstrating that the LLC is a separate legal entity with its own rules and procedures.

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Delaware LLC Operating Agreement Content

An operating agreement is a legal document detailing the LLC’s organizational structure and operational procedures. It includes forming the LLC, members and ownership, distribution of profit and losses, management structure, meetings and voting procedure, limitation of liability and indemnification, dissolving Delaware business, dispute resolution, and amendments and modification.

Article I: Formation of the LLC

The first step in creating an LLC Operating Agreement is to outline the basic information about your LLC, such as:

  • Name of the LLC: Your LLC’s name must include the words “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviation “LLC” or “L.L.C.” and comply with the Delaware LLC naming requirements.
  • Principal Office Address: This is where your LLC’s primary business activities will be conducted.
  • Purpose of the LLC: This section should describe the primary purpose of your LLC and the types of business activities it will engage in.
  • Registered Agent Information: Your Registered Agent is a person or entity designated to receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC. The Registered Agent must have a physical street address in Delaware. It’s essential to choose a reliable and responsible Delaware Registered Agent, as failure to receive and respond to legal documents can have serious consequences for you to start a business in Delaware

You can serve as your Registered Agent, appoint a friend or family member, or hire the Best Delaware Registered Agent Services. We reviewed some of the services for you to check out if you still don’t have one.

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Article II: Members and Ownership

This section deals with identifying all the members of the LLC and their ownership percentages. It includes details like names, addresses, and contributions of each member. Details about how increases and decreases in membership are also covered in this section.

  • Initial Members: The names and addresses of each initial member should be listed, along with their respective ownership interests.
  • Ownership Interests: This section should detail each member’s ownership interest percentage.
  • Capital Contributions: Each member’s initial capital contribution to the LLC should be documented, along with any additional contributions that may be required.
  • Additional Members: The agreement should outline the process for admitting new members to the LLC and the rights and responsibilities of these new members.
  • Transfer of Membership Interests: The operating agreement should contain provisions governing the transfer of membership interests, including transfer restrictions and the right of first refusal for existing members.
  • Withdrawal of Members: The process and consequences for members who wish to withdraw from the LLC should be clearly defined. In Delaware, there is a definite guideline on How to Remove a Member from your Delaware LLC. 

Article III: Distribution of Profits and Losses

This article explains how the LLC profits and losses will be distributed among the members. It can be based on the ownership percentages or a different agreement stipulated by the members. It lays out the process for distribution and any restrictions on those distributions.

  • Allocation of Profits and Losses: The agreement should detail how profits and losses will be allocated among the members, typically based on their own interests.
  • Distributions to Members: The process for distributing profits to members should be outlined, including the timing and manner of distributions.

Article IV: Management Structure

Your LLC Operating Agreement should outline the management structure of your business. This includes

Member-Managed vs. Manager-Managed: You must decide whether your LLC will be managed by its members or appointed managers. This decision will impact the roles and responsibilities of each party.

A Member-Managed LLC is a type of limited liability company (LLC) where the management and day-to-day operations of the business are handled by its members (owners) directly. In a Member-Managed LLC, each member has the authority to make decisions and take actions on behalf of the company, such as entering into contracts, hiring employees, and managing the finances.

This management structure contrasts with a Manager-Managed LLC, where the members appoint one or more managers to oversee the business operations. In a Manager-Managed LLC, the appointed managers have the authority to make decisions and act on behalf of the company. In contrast, the members typically have a more passive role, focusing on high-level decision-making and strategic planning.

Roles and Responsibilities of Members/Managers: The agreement should define the roles and responsibilities of each member or manager, including their duties, decision-making authority, and any limitations on their powers.

Article V: Meetings and Voting Procedures

This article outlines the rules for conducting meetings and voting procedures. It specifies the quorum required for decision-making, how votes are counted, and how members are notified about meetings. It also includes information about special meetings and emergency decisions.

  • Voting Rights and Decision-Making Process: The agreement should outline each member or manager’s voting rights and decision-making for various business matters.
  • Meetings and Notice Requirements: The operating agreement should specify the frequency of meetings, the process for calling special meetings, and the notice requirements for each type of meeting.

Article VI: Limitation of Liability and Indemnification

To protect the personal assets of your LLC’s members and managers, your operating agreement in Delaware should address the following:

  • Liability of Members/Managers: The agreement should limit the liability of members and managers for the debts and obligations of the LLC, following Delaware law.
  • Indemnification Provisions: The operating agreement should include provisions for indemnifying members and managers for actions taken on behalf of the LLC, as long as those actions are within the scope of their duties and do not involve gross negligence or willful misconduct.
  • Insurance Requirements: The agreement should specify any insurance requirements for your LLC, such as liability or property insurance. Small business insurance helps safeguard your business from financial losses, legal claims, and other unforeseen events. This protection allows entrepreneurs to focus on growing and sustaining their businesses within the Delaware economy.

You may check out the Best Small Business Insurance in Delaware to learn more about business insurance.

Article VII: Record Keeping and Financial Reporting

This article provides details about the record-keeping and financial auditing procedures. It outlines the importance of keeping accurate and comprehensive records of an LLC’s financial transactions. It also specifies the frequency of financial reporting and distribution to the members.

  • Accounting and Recordkeeping: The operating agreement should outline your Delaware LLC’s accounting methods and recordkeeping requirements. Effective financial management is important for the success of your Delaware LLC. Establish a reliable accounting system to track income, expenses, and tax obligations. You can manage your finances using spreadsheets, accounting software, or becoming a CPA in Delaware.
  • Fiscal Year: The agreement should specify the fiscal year for your LLC, which may be either a calendar year or any 12-month period.
  • Tax Treatment and Filing Requirements: The agreement should specify your LLC’s tax treatment and any required filings with the Delaware tax authorities. You should include the filing of the Delaware Certificate of Formation, annual fees, and other associated fees that need to be filed.

For the initial and final cost for forming your Delaware LLC, look up the LLC Cost in Delaware for additional information. 

Article VIII: Dissolution and Winding Up

This section outlines the circumstances under which the LLC may be dissolved, such as a unanimous decision by members, legal issues, bankruptcy, or achieving its purpose. It also includes information about how the LLC’s assets will be liquidated and debts paid upon dissolution.

Events Triggering Dissolution: The agreement should list the events that will trigger the dissolution of your LLC, such as the death or withdrawal of a member, a unanimous vote of the members, or a court order. 

Some common events include:

  • A unanimous vote of the members to dissolve the business.
  • The death, resignation, or withdrawal of a member unless the remaining members agree to continue the business.
  • The expiration of a specified period or the completion of a specific purpose, as outlined in the operating agreement.
  • A court order mandating the dissolution of the LLC.

Winding Up Process: The operating agreement should outline the process for winding up the affairs of the LLC, which typically involves:

  • Settling the company’s outstanding debts and obligations.
  • Liquidating the company’s assets.
  • Resolving any pending legal disputes.
  • Preparing and filing final tax returns.

Distribution of Assets: The operating agreement should specify how the LLC’s remaining assets will be distributed among the members upon dissolution, typically in proportion to their ownership interests.

Certificate of Cancellation: After the winding-up process is completed, the LLC may be required to file a certificate of cancellation or articles of dissolution with the Delaware Secretary of State to dissolve the company and remove it from its records formally. 

Article IX: Dispute Resolution

This article provides the protocol for handling any disputes arising between LLC members. It can include stipulations for mediation or arbitration in case of any conflicts. The agreement should include a process for resolving member disputes, such as mediation or arbitration.

Article X: Amendments and Modifications

Your LLC Operating Agreement in Delaware should include a process for making amendments and modifications, such as:

  • Process for Amending the Operating Agreement: The agreement should outline the process for proposing, considering, and approving amendments to the operating agreement.
  • Required Approval for Amendments: The agreement should specify the percentage of member approval required to amend the operating agreement.

Once your LLC Operating Agreement has been drafted, it should be executed by the initial members or managers and adopted by any additional members who join the LLC.

Role of Registered Agent in LLC Operating Agreement

A Registered Agent is a person or entity designated to receive legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of an LLC. While the primary role of a Registered Agent is to maintain a reliable point of contact for legal matters, some registered agent service providers also offer additional services, such as creating an operating agreement for your LLC. Below are some advantages of having a Registered Agent create an operating agreement for your business:

  • Expertise: A Registered Agent specializing in LLC Formation Services often has extensive knowledge and experience drafting operating agreements. They are familiar with the requirements and best practices for creating a comprehensive and legally compliant operating agreement, which can help protect your business interests and minimize potential disputes among members.
  • State-Specific Requirements: A Registered Agent offering operating agreement services is well-versed in state-specific laws and regulations governing LLCs. They can ensure that your operating agreement complies with the specific requirements of the state in which your LLC is formed, including mandatory provisions and filing requirements.
  • Time-Saving: Drafting an operating agreement in Delaware can be complex and time-consuming, especially for business owners unfamiliar with legal terminology and procedures. By delegating this task to a Registered Agent, you can save time and focus on other crucial aspects of your business.
  • Customization: A Registered Agent with experience creating operating agreements can tailor the document to meet your business’s unique needs and circumstances. They can help you address specific management structures, financial arrangements, and other critical aspects of your LLC that may not be covered in a generic operating agreement template.
  • Ongoing Support: The Registered Agent services provide ongoing support and guidance in maintaining and updating your operating agreement as your business grows and evolves. This can help ensure that your operating agreement remains relevant and compliant with changing laws and regulations.

While there are advantages to having a Registered Agent create an operating agreement for your LLC, it is essential to carefully review and understand the terms of the agreement before signing. Additionally, it is a good idea to consult with legal and tax professionals to ensure that the operating agreement aligns with your business goals and complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

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FAQs

Why form an LLC in Delaware?
Delaware has a favorable business and tax environment that makes it an attractive state to incorporate in.
Do I need an LLC operating agreement in Delaware?
Although not legally required, it is highly recommended to have an LLC operating agreement to govern your business.
Can I write my own LLC operating agreement in Delaware?
Yes, you can write your own LLC operating agreement or hire an attorney to help you draft one.
How do I file an LLC operating agreement in Delaware?
There is no formal filing requirement for an LLC operating agreement in Delaware.
Can I amend my LLC operating agreement in Delaware?
Yes, you can amend your LLC operating agreement at any time with the agreement of all LLC members.
What should be included in an LLC operating agreement in Delaware?
An LLC operating agreement should include details about ownership, management, profits, losses, and dissolution of the LLC, among other provisions.
How many members are required to form an LLC in Delaware?
A Delaware LLC can be formed by a single member or multiple members.
Is a registered agent required in Delaware for an LLC?
Yes, an LLC must have a registered agent in Delaware.
Does Delaware require a business license for an LLC?
Delaware does not require a business license for an LLC operating in the state.
Are there annual reporting requirements for Delaware LLCs?
Yes, Delaware LLCs must file an annual report and pay an annual franchise tax.
Can I have a non-Delaware resident as a member or manager of my LLC?
Yes, there are no residency requirements for LLC members or managers in Delaware.
What is the cost for forming an LLC in Delaware?
The filing fee for forming an LLC in Delaware is $90.
Can I have a foreign LLC in Delaware?
Yes, foreign LLCs can register to do business in Delaware by filing a foreign qualification with the Delaware Secretary of State.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Delaware?
It can take several business days or more to form an LLC in Delaware, depending on the type of filing and processing time.
Can an LLC be set up as a nonprofit organization in Delaware?
Yes, LLCs can be organized as nonprofit entities in Delaware.
Is there a minimum investment required for an LLC in Delaware?
No, there is no minimum investment required for an LLC in Delaware.
Can an LLC be managed by a third-party manager in Delaware?
Yes, LLCs can be managed by third-party managers or by the LLC members themselves.
Can an LLC operating agreement be oral or does it need to be in writing?
An LLC operating agreement can be oral, but it is highly recommended that it be in writing.
What is a single-member LLC in Delaware?
A single-member LLC is an LLC with only one owner or member.
Can an LLC be owned by a corporation in Delaware?
Yes, a corporation can be a member of an LLC in Delaware.
How do I dissolve an LLC in Delaware?
An LLC can be dissolved in Delaware by filing articles of dissolution with the Delaware Secretary of State.
Can an LLC be restored after it has been involuntarily dissolved?
Yes, an LLC can apply for reinstatement in Delaware if it has been involuntarily dissolved.
What is a series LLC in Delaware?
A series LLC is a type of LLC that allows multiple sub-LLCs to be created under one master LLC.
Can a Delaware LLC allow for allocating profits and losses among members in ways other than their ownership percentages?
Yes, the LLC operating agreement can specify how profits and losses are allocated.
Can a Delaware LLC have perpetual existence?
Yes, a Delaware LLC can have perpetual existence unless specified otherwise in the LLC operating agreement.
Can an LLC distribute property to its members upon dissolution in Delaware?
Yes, an LLC can distribute property to its members upon dissolution in Delaware.
Does Delaware require social security numbers for LLC formation?
Social security numbers are not required for LLC formation in Delaware.
Can an LLC in Delaware sue or be sued under its own name?
Yes, LLCs in Delaware can sue or be sued under their own name.
What is a Delaware LLC operating agreement?
A Delaware LLC operating agreement is a legal document that lays out the rules, regulations, and other governing principles of a limited liability company that is formed in Delaware.
Do I need a Delaware LLC operating agreement if my small business operates solely in Delaware?
Yes, you need a Delaware LLC operating agreement even if your small business operates solely in Delaware.
Can multiple LLCs in Delaware have similar operating agreements?
Yes, multiple LLCs in Delaware can have similar operating agreements, but they cannot have identical operating agreements.
How long is a Delaware LLC operating agreement valid for?
A Delaware LLC operating agreement is valid for as long as the LLC is in existence.
What should be included in a Delaware LLC operating agreement?
A Delaware LLC operating agreement should include the name of the LLC, its purpose, the members’ names, their contributions and ownership percentage, management structure, the LLC’s profit distribution, and dissolution rules.
Is it legally mandatory to have a Delaware LLC operational agreement?
It’s not legally mandatory to have a Delaware LLC operational agreement in Delaware, but it’s highly recommended.
Can a Delaware LLC’s operational agreement be amended?
Yes, a Delaware LLC’s operational agreement can be amended at any time with the consent of all participating members.
Can a Delaware LLC have its members’ operating agreement written in a language other than English?
Delaware state laws don’t specify the language to be used to write an LLC operating agreement, but an attorney familiar with state and federal laws should review the operating agreement.
What happens if a Delaware LLC doesn’t have an operating agreement?
If a Delaware LLC doesn’t have an operating agreement, the default Delaware LLC governing act controls how the LLC operates.
Can a Delaware LLC’s operating agreement reduce the statutory fiduciary duties of one or more of its members?
A Delaware LLC operating agreement isn’t allowed to reduce statutory fiduciary duties of one or more members.
Can multi-member LLCs in Delaware still operate without an operating agreement?
Multi-member LLCs in Delaware can operate without an operating agreement, but it’s not recommended.
What is the filing fee associated with forming an LLC in Delaware?
The filing fee associated with forming an LLC in Delaware is $90.
How frequent should updates on the operating agreement be made by a Delaware LLC?
The operating agreement might need to be updated often to stay compliant with any changes in Delaware or regulations in employment laws or taxation.
What is the structure of an LLC in Delaware?
The structure of an LLC in Delaware comprises the managing partner or member and non-managing members.
Can the LLC memorialize distributions differently from their ownership interests?
Yes, in Delaware, an LLC operating agreement can memorialize that distributions of profits are different from economic and voting rights based on ownership interests.
Would Delaware acknowledge an ownership transfer outlined outside of the operating agreements established provisions governing transfer?
No. Delaware would normally require that operating agreements’ transfer provisions is followed as it works as the company’s specific law.
Can special-purpose entities (SPEs) comply with unique laws in Delaware through written agreements?
Yes, Delaware law sees business flexibility features intended in operating agreements expressly applying to SPEs.
Is a Delaware LLC taxed as a partnership or another taxing entity?
A Delaware LLC may be taxed like any other corporation, such as an S corporation or a partnership.
How often are LLC books and records reviewed in Delaware?
LLC books and records must be kept, at least, updated and balanced compilations of all the company’s stakeholders during the beginning of the fiscal year undergone observation in Delaware.
What happens if the bench trial preserves fiduciary breaches against an LLC establishment?
Remedies might include formal or informal introduction of the revoked adaptation or causes based on any applicable encumbrances likely to default after revision fixed by defunct executor.
How is fiduciary duty calculated in Delaware?
Fiduciary duty in Delaware depends on a case-by-case assessment of standard per similarity to fair by thirds isolated with respect professionalism, integrity of competence in good faith of a party’s preference.
Does Delaware allow intricate and overlapping governance situations of multiple LLCs joined foundationally as one LLC overhead?
Delaware established fundamental precedent to resolve governance issues across multiple LLCs among the members to expedite the obligation to lead each LLC affected.
How is harassment handled by Delaware law as regards work practices incorporated in an LLC operating agreement?
Official state workers relations law operational shields against harassment covered in employment is rendered an discrimination illegally bases, immoral, unenforceable.
What are passive ventures for Delaware and can they get these efficiently?
Any enterprise especially investing such that the LLC does not conduct business must operate something labeled a limited partnership and easily integrated into a Delaware LLC operating agreement.
What is regarded as suits institutable in Delaware court of law on LLC matters?
Suits against an LLC should reside under federal diversity jurisdiction with both individual members as resolute of law and their LLC. Delaware’s Chancery Court focuses on business arrangements creating flexibility with LLC contractual freedom from modulations to litigated procedural mechanisms.
Can an operating agreement override statutes in Delaware Regulations 80-701(B) and 18-109?
Yes, operating agreements can contract around the statutory liability shield as long as they do not bypass any provisions contained or required by other statues in effect at the time.
If an LLC is owned corporately who would have the rights and power of corporate ordinances and how set forth?
In a Delware LLC, the owner would have corporate administrative rights set forth in the operating agreement substantially failing the right to nominate representative(ie commander).
What is the maximum and minimum restraining by Delaware with regards to transferability?
Delaware permits complete limitation without restrictions on ownership interests’ transferability through operating agreements under the degree loosing of fiduciary representation.
What happens if an LLC is managed all by way of electronic communication?
So long as a reasonable scope of security including signatures on written officers are provisioned in the context of state Delaware law on LLC operating agreements, communication may indefinitely exchange documents if communication is exclusively electronic.
What is self-dealing and losses due to Delaware?
It is possible for LLCs to form contractual arrangements blocking prosecutions over perceived profits distributed related to unlawful instances of different magnitude with Delaware employed to pool those circumstances.

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Conclusion

Having a well-drafted LLC Operating Agreement in place is crucial for the success and protection of your Delaware LLC. It provides a clear framework for the ownership, management, and operation of your business, helping to prevent disputes and ensure compliance with state law. It is highly recommended to consult with legal and tax professionals when drafting and executing your operating agreement to ensure it meets your specific needs and complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

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