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LLC PlainlyThe LLC stuff, in words you actually use.

Glossary

What is an articles of organization, really?

The paper you file with the state to create your LLC. Once it is approved, the LLC officially exists.
From the LLC Plainly editorial team

At a glance

Same thing as
Certificate of formation or of organization, depending on the state
See also
Organizer alongside Registered agent alongside Operating agreement

In real life

When the state approves it, your LLC exists. Keep a copy, because banks and other states may ask.

It depends on the state

Montana asks $35. Massachusetts asks $500. Everyone else lands in between. Find your state's fee.

See it in action

We use it in these answers: Starting an LLC: every state, Registered agent rules: every state, Out-of-state LLC rules by state.

Where we got this

  1. August 2026: confirmed Mont using mca.legmt.gov
  2. October 2026: confirmed Montana formation fee: Filing fee using sosmt.gov
  3. October 2026: confirmed Montana formation fee: Filing fee using sosmt.gov
  4. August 2026: confirmed M.G.L. c. 156C, sec. 12 using sec.state.ma.us
  5. October 2026: confirmed Massachusetts formation fee: Filing fee using sec.state.ma.us
  6. October 2026: confirmed Massachusetts formation fee: Filing fee using sec.state.ma.us