Wyoming LLC Operating Agreement
An Operating Agreement for a Wyoming LLC is your custom blueprint for your venture that lays out the structure of the business. Consider it your company's personalized manual - it sets the rules for how your business will operate, outlines ownership shares, details decision-making procedures, and prepares for the future.
Last Updated: Oct. 23, 2024
Do you need an operating agreement in Wyoming?
No, it's not legally required in Wyoming under § 17-29-110. Single-member LLCs need an operating agreement to preserve their corporate veil and to prove ownership. And multi-member LLCs need one to help provide operating guidance, determine voting rights and contributions.
Read on to learn more about Wyoming operating agreements, including:
What's included in a Wyoming operating agreement?
Here are some key components that are typically included in a Wyoming LLC operating agreement:
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Name and Purpose
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LLC Management - Member or Manager
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Registered Agent
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LLC Duration
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Capital Contributions
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Indemnification
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LLC Tax Status
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Profit and Loss Distributions
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Amending your LLC
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Corporate Formalities Waiver
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Dissolution
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Effective Date
How do I write my operating agreement?
In the following section, we'll provide an overview of standard provisions and supply examples for each to assist you in this process.
1. Name and Purpose of your LLC
You've likely already decided on your LLC's name during your application process with the state. However, your agreement should also describe the purpose of your LLC. Keeping this purpose broad allows your business the flexibility to embrace new opportunities without the need to file additional paperwork.
OPERATING AGREEMENT of [COMPANY NAME]
This operating agreement is adopted as of [Date] (the “Effective Date”), by [Member’s Name], an individual and the sole member (the “Member”) of [Company Name] (the “Company”).
The Member hereby adopts this agreement as the operating agreement of the Company, which agreement sets forth the entire understanding of the Member regarding its subject matter and supersedes all prior understandings and agreements regarding its subject matter.
The purpose of the Company is [Company Purpose], and the conduct of other activities as may be necessary or appropriate to promote the stated purposes, and to engage in any other lawful business or activity for which a limited liability company may be organized under the Act.
2. LLC Management - Member or Manager
This section is where you stipulate if your LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed. It lays out the rights and responsibilities of each member, including their capital contributions, voting privileges, and the organization's management architecture. Even if you are a solitary member, this section is key to defining your Single Member LLC.
Member-Managed LLC.
The business and affairs of the Company will be managed by the Member. The vote, action, decision, or consent of the Member will constitute a valid decision of the Member and the Company. The Member may appoint one or more officers (including the Member, if the Member is an individual) who will have such powers and authority to act on behalf of the Company granted to them by the Member.
OR
Manager-Managed LLC.
The business and affairs of the Company will be managed by the manager of the Company and any successor thereto appointed by the Member, which manager may also be referred to as the Company’s president (the “Manager”). The initial Manager will be [Manager Name], who will serve until the Manager’s death, removal by the Member (for any reason or no reason), or resignation. The Manager will have the right and authority to manage the affairs of the Company and make decisions and take action with respect thereto without further approval or consent of any kind by the Member. Except as otherwise required by this agreement and in lieu of any limitations set forth in [State Name]’s laws for limited liability companies (the “Act”), the Manager will be solely responsible for and is hereby authorized to manage and operate the business of the Company. Except to the extent that the authority of the Manager is expressly limited by the Member, the vote, action, decision, or consent of the Manager will constitute a valid decision of the Manager and the Company.
3. Registered Agent
The registered agent is tasked with formally receiving and managing critical documents for your company. Some LLC operating agreements mention the registered agent, but it's not a requirement because this role is already spelled out in the formation documents submitted to the state.
The Company’s registered agent in State is: Registered Agent Name, Address. The members may designate other registered agents or offices at any time in this state or, if necessary, in other states.
4. Duration of Your LLC
In this part, you will discuss the "term of an LLC," essentially the intended lifespan of your Limited Liability Company. While many entrepreneurs establish LLCs with plans for an indefinite operation period, you can also set a specific term or end date for your LLC.
In the majority of states, LLCs are considered "perpetual," by default, implying they can last as long as you desire. A sample provision might look like this:
The duration of the Company will be perpetual.
5. Capital Contributions
Capital contributions are the financial resources, physical assets, or services you invest in your LLC to get the ball rolling. This initial investment kick-starts your business. For single-member LLCs, the owner can make all capital contributions, giving you the liberty to decide your company's initial financial input.
Properly recording your capital contributions is crucial as it offers an accurate overview of your company's financial framework and can offer necessary details for tax considerations.
The Member’s capital contribution(s) to the capital of the Company for the Member’s membership interest in the Company will be reflected on the books and records of the Company.
OR
The members have made or shall make the contributions of cash, property or services to the LLC as set forth on Exhibit A attached
6. Indemnification
Indemnification clauses in your operating agreement form a safety shield, protecting the LLC's members from certain costs associated with legal issues that may stem from their duties to the company. Simply put, if a member faces a lawsuit related to their work for the business, the LLC will cover relevant legal fees and damages.
This part of the pact should distinctly specify when, how, and in what scenarios the LLC will offer this protection, while also noting exceptions. Usually, indemnification does not include deliberate misconduct or gross negligence. It's crucial to customize these terms to fit your business's unique risks to ensure proper protection.
The Member, the Manager, the officers, and the organizer of the Company and their respective affiliates, stockholders, members, managers, directors, officers, partners, employees, agents, trustees, and representatives (individually, an “Indemnitee”) will be indemnified by the Company against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, expenses (including legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, settlements, and other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits, or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, in which the Indemnitee may be involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise by reason of the Indemnitee’s status as any of the foregoing, which relates to or arises out of the Company or its assets, business, or affairs, if in each of the foregoing cases (A) the Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner the Indemnitee believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the Indemnitee’s conduct was unlawful, and (B) the Indemnitee’s conduct did not constitute gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct. The termination of any action, suit, or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere, or its equivalent, will not, of itself, create a presumption that the Indemnitee acted in a manner contrary to that specified in clause (A) or (B) above. Any indemnification under this section 5 will be made only out of the assets of the Company, and the Member will not have any personal liability on account thereof.
7. LLC Tax Status
Your Wyoming LLC can be taxed in one of four ways: as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation. How your LLC is taxed relies on the number of members and the tax status you choose with the IRS.
Your operating agreement should have sections dedicated to tax status. These portions should define your selected tax status, explain how it can be changed, and depict how you manage tax returns and allocations. By doing this, it gives your LLC a financial path to navigate business finances, including profits, losses, dividends, and taxes. Remember, clarity is key here to managing any tax-related issues that could crop up.
The Company will be disregarded for federal and state income tax purposes. The admission of one or more additional members, however, will cause the Company to be recognized for tax purposes, and to be taxed, as a partnership.
OR
The Member acknowledges that the Company has elected to be taxed as a corporation for federal tax purposes pursuant to the regulations currently in effect under Section 7701 of the Code, and to be taxed as an electing small business corporation under the provisions of Subchapter S of the Code. Notwithstanding such tax treatment, the Member acknowledges and agrees that the Company will be a limited liability company, for state law purposes, under the provisions of the Act, the Articles of Organization, and this operating agreement.
The Member acknowledges that the Company has filed or will timely file a Form 2553 (Election by a Small Business Corporation) with the Internal Revenue Service and that the election made pursuant to the filing is or will be in force and effect covering all periods since the date of this operating agreement. Except as otherwise provided in this operating agreement, during the term of this operating agreement and the continuation of the Company’s “S” corporation election under Section 1362 of the Internal Revenue Code, no Member shall take any action which would cause the revocation or termination of the Company’s “S” election (under Section 1362(a) of the Internal Revenue Code) and any attempt to take such an action will be null and void and without effect. Without limiting the foregoing, and notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, any transfer or attempt to transfer any membership interest to any of the following will be null, void, and without effect:
(a) a person whose ownership thereof would cause the Company to have a number of Members and assignees of membership interests (shareholders of an “S” corporation) greater than the number permitted by Section 1361(b)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code;
(b) an individual who is not a United States citizen or resident;
(c) a trust (or the trustee thereof) which fails to satisfy the requirements of Section 1361(c)(2)(A) or 1361(d) of the Internal Revenue Code;
(d) a corporation; and
(e)any other entity whose ownership would cause the termination or revocation of the Company’s tax status as an “S” corporation.
8. Profit and Loss Distributions
Your agreement should dictate when your LLC will distribute the revenue it earns. For single-member LLCs, this isn't terribly critical. However, for multi-member LLCs, it's important to state when, under what conditions, and how the distributions will happen.
As the sole member of the LLC, the Member is entitled to all profits of the LLC and is responsible for all its losses. Profits and losses shall be determined annually and will be allocated to the Member's capital account. Distributions of cash or other assets will be made at such times and in such amounts as deemed appropriate by the Member.
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9. Agreement Amendments
How do you alter details in your LLC? It's fairly straightforward - you follow the amendment clause in your LLC. For single-member LLCs, this is relatively easy. However, for multi-members LLCs, it's necessary to ponder and establish the voting requirements and other important factors to modify the operating agreement.
This agreement and the articles of organization of the Company may not be altered, modified, or changed, and no provision of this agreement may be waived, except by an amendment or waiver, as applicable, approved by the Member.
10. Corporate Formalities Waiver
Generally, LLCs are not expected to comply with corporate formalities, which are more applicable to corporations. However, not sticking to certain protocols could, at times, jeopardize your corporate veil, so it's a good idea to have a waiver of formalities in the operating agreement.
The failure of the Company or the Member to observe any formalities or requirements relating to the exercise of its powers or management of its business or affairs under this operating agreement or the laws in the state in which the Company is which govern limited liability companies will not be grounds for imposing personal liability on the Member for liabilities of the Company.
11. Dissolution
This is essentially your plan B when things don't work out as planned. It guides you on how to dissolve your LLC and assigns who will be in charge of the LLC if something happens to you.
Upon the occurrence of any event which terminates the continued membership of the Member in the Company, the Company will not be dissolved, and the business of the Company will continue. The Member hereby specifically consents to such continuation of the business of the Company upon any such event. The Member’s legal representative, assignee, or successor will automatically become an assignee of the Member’s interest and will automatically become a substitute Member in place of the withdrawn Member.
12. Effective Date
Your Operating Agreement's effective date is pretty straightforward - it's the date when the agreement comes into play, or in other words, the day it "goes into effect."
Do I need to file my Agreement?
Not at all! Your Operating Agreement doesn't need to be filed like your Articles of Organization or your Certificate of Formation. It's an internal document that you keep within your company's records. Just sign it and keep it handy. You don't need to undergo any extra steps; hold on to a copy so you can access it whenever necessary.
What if I need to add another member to my LLC later?
Expanding your business to a point where you need another pair of hands on deck is a milestone many small business owners work towards. Suppose you're ready to welcome a new member into your LLC fold. In that case, you would have to revise the paperwork as per the mutual agreement between you and the incoming member. More often than not, you would create an entirely new agreement because a multi-member operating agreement differs significantly from a single-member operating agreement.
In conclusion, an Operating Agreement is more than just a document – it's a vital tool to navigate your entrepreneurial journey. If you're investing the time and energy into forming an LLC in Wyoming, it's worth putting in the extra effort to draft a robust Operating Agreement. Not only can it provide a clear roadmap for your business response in uncertain scenarios, but it also lays a solid foundation for your venture's future. Now that you're armed with these insights, go forth and chart your path to success.
Wyoming LLC Operating Agreement Laws
- Missouri Operating Agreement Definition: § 347.015(13) “Operating agreement” [is] any valid agreement or agreements, written or oral, among all members, or written declaration by the sole member concerning the conduct of the business and affairs of the limited liability company and the relative rights, duties and obligations of the members and managers, if any
- Missouri Revised Statutes Operating agreements: § 347.081 This statute allows the members of an LLC to adopt an operating agreement, which may be in oral or written form. This agreement may contain provisions related to management, operation, and membership rights and obligations.
- Missouri Revised Statutes Limitation of Liability: § 347.111 This statute limits the liability of members and managers of a Missouri LLC for actions taken on behalf of the company. A member or manager shall not be personally liable for any obligation of the company by reason of being a member or manager.
- Missouri Revised Statutes Distribution of Profits and Losses: § 347.125 This statute deals with how an LLC in Missouri should distribute profits and losses. Unless the operating agreement specifies otherwise, profits and losses are to be allocated in proportion to the member's ownership interest.