How to File a Certificate of Organization in Idaho

Many Idaho entrepreneurs choose to form a limited liability company (LLC) because of the many benefits of this business entity type. An LLC provides liability protection, for instance, so your assets are not at risk if your business is sued or cannot pay debts. 

An LLC is a “pass-through entity” for tax purposes, meaning that the LLC itself is not taxed. Instead, income passes through the business to the LLC owners or members, who report it on their tax returns. LLCs also offer flexibility in terms of management and taxation. 

Creating an LLC is relatively straightforward, but ensuring it’s done correctly is crucial to getting your Idaho business off on the right foot. The most critical step is filing a certificate of organization. 

What Is a Certificate of Organization for an LLC?

The certificate of organization (also known as Articles of Organization in other states) is a legal document filed with the Idaho Secretary of State to form an LLC officially. It will include your business name, address, registered agent information, and more, as detailed below.

First, Select a Registered Agent for Your Idaho LLC

Idaho requires LLCs to appoint a registered agent, a person or company authorized to accept and respond to official business correspondence, such as legal, tax, or financial documents. 

The registered agent ensures all required notices and documents are received. In Idaho, the registered agent can be an LLC member, individual, or entity that meets state requirements. In Idaho, a registered agent must:  

• Be 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in the state 
• Be available during regular business hours 
• Be registered to operate in the state, if it’s a business

Many business owners hire a registered agent service to ensure their LLC stays fully compliant and for convenience. 

If you choose to be your registered agent, you must be at your registered agent’s address for all business hours. A registered agent service allows you to be wherever you need to be to run and grow your business. 

How to Submit a Certificate of Organization in Idaho

To start, visit the Idaho Secretary of State website and create an account to access the certificate of organization online. 

In Idaho, the certificate of organization requires the following information: 

• LLC name
• Principal office address
• Registered agent information
• Registered office address
• Name and address of at least one member

Once you’re signed in, click “Forms,” then choose “Certificate of Organization Limited Liability Company” and “File Online.” You will then be taken to the online form. 

Then you’ll follow the prompts to enter all the required information, check the boxes under “electronic declarations, and sign and date the form. Click “file online,” and you’ll be taken to the payment screen.

Some entrepreneurs hire an LLC formation service like ZenBusiness to handle this step, saving time and ensuring the process is done correctly. 

Draft an Operating Agreement

Idaho does not require an operating agreement, but it’s a crucial document that defines members’ ownership percentages and profit allocations. Those are the two key elements, but it should also include the following:

• Each member’s rights and responsibilities
• Management structure and roles 
• Voting rights of each member
• Rules for meetings and voting
• What happens when a member sells their interest, becomes disabled, or dies

You can find operating agreement templates online, but it’s best to have them drawn up or reviewed by an attorney. The language of an operating agreement is crucial and can often help determine how member disputes will be resolved. Here you can obtain a free operating agreement template for your Idaho LLC.

Contact Information for the Idaho Secretary of State

Idaho Secretary of State Website

Idaho Online Business Services Website

Business Services Office Address:
450 N. 4th Street
Boise, ID 83702

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080

Phone:  (208) 334-2301
Email:    [email protected]

In Closing

There’s only one way to create an LLC in Idaho: successfully filing a certificate of organization. If you make any mistakes, you’ll likely have to refile, so be sure to do it right the first time and set your business up for serious success!