How to Change an LLC Address

Every business must have an up-to-date address registered with the state. And when businesses relocate, they need to notify the relevant government bodies. Failure to do so could result in fines or the revocation of the business’s registration. 

Changing your business address is fairly straightforward. But it’s crucial to know all the steps and possible scenarios so your business stays in good standing throughout the process. 

Lucky for you, this guide shows you how to change your LLC address without breaking a sweat. 

Business Address Change Process    

The LLC address change process begins with updating your LLC documents, including the articles of organization. States have different requirements for an address change, with some requiring an amendment to your LLC filing, so be sure to check your state’s guidelines.

Fees are often associated with an address change but tend to be minimal. However, you’ll also need to notify the following individuals and entities:

• IRS: To notify the IRS of your address change, file form 8822-b. You can quickly complete this step online. 
• State Tax Agency: You need to be able to receive correspondence from the state regarding deadlines and other information to avoid penalties and fees.
• Suppliers and Vendors:  All vendors and suppliers should be informed of your new address for shipping and billing purposes.
• Lenders and Banks: Even if you’ve elected electronic communication, banks and lenders still need a legal business address on file.
• Insurance Agents: Depending on the type of insurance, your location can affect your rates. Even if it doesn’t, insurance companies need an up-to-date business address to ensure your business is protected.
• Licensing Agencies: You’ll need to notify any offices through which you have business licenses or permits. If you moved to a different municipality, county, or state, you must obtain the required licenses for that location.
• States: If you do business in more than one state and have foreign LLCs in those states, you need to notify them and complete any required documentation.
• USPS: Change the address with the post office so that any mail can be forwarded.
• Customers: Be sure to inform customers by email or standard mail about your new address. This is especially important if you are relocating a brick-and-mortar business.

Lastly, don’t forget to update your business website so it has the correct contact information.

Relocating to a New State

If you’re moving your LLC to a different state but continue to do business in the original state, you have various options depending on the situation. 

Foreign LLC

LLCs in multiple states must register as foreign LLCs and comply with each state’s annual filing requirements. A foreign LLC is an LLC doing business in a state other than the one in which it initially registered. 

For example, if your LLC is registered in Pennsylvania but does business in New Jersey, you must register as a foreign LLC in New Jersey. Suppose you fit any of the following criteria. In that case, your LLC may be considered a foreign business:

• You have a physical presence of any kind in that state
• You have employees in that state
• You regularly meet with clients, managers, or investors in that state
• You are licensed to do business in that state

You may also need to register as a foreign LLC if your business has a bank account or property in that state. However, if you’re an online business selling in other states, you’re most likely not considered a foreign business. 

Dissolution

If you’re relocating to a new state and terminating business in your previous state of residence, it might be best to dissolve your existing LLC and form a new LLC in your new state. Properly shutting down an LLC requires several steps:  

1. Vote for Dissolution

LLC owners, known as members, must vote to dissolve the LLC. Hopefully, you have an operating agreement that details the process to do so. Once you do so, you’ll need to draft a resolution to dissolve the LLC, which you’ll keep in your records. 

2. Cancel Business Licenses and Permits

If you were required to get licenses and permits for your business, you’d need to contact the issuing agencies to cancel them so you’re not charged renewal fees. Likewise, if you have any outstanding fees, you’ll likely need to pay them to cancel.

3. Notify Creditors

If you owe money to any creditors, you’ll need to notify them in writing of the dissolution and give them detailed instructions on filing any claims for the outstanding debt. This must be done before you dissolve your LLC with the state.  

4. Notify Tax Departments

Notify relevant tax authorities of the dissolution and pay any outstanding taxes.

5. Cancel Contracts and Settle Financial Obligations

If you have contracts with vendors, lessors, or any outstanding debt, you’ll need to ensure all your financial obligations are fulfilled and all contracts are canceled. 

6. Distribute Assets to Members

If the LLC has any assets remaining in any form after all financial obligations have been settled, they must be distributed to members based on LLC ownership percentages. If the assets are equipment, property, or other non-cash assets, they’ll need to be sold so distributions can be made in cash. 

7. File the Dissolution Papers with the State

You’ll need to go to the relevant state website, usually the Secretary of State’s, to file dissolution papers. You’ll likely also need to submit verification that your tax obligations have been settled. 

Domestication

To avoid dissolution, one option is to domesticate your LLC. Domestication is the process by which an LLC changes the state in which it is registered. Once domestication is complete, the laws of the original state no longer apply, and the new state laws apply instead. 

This provides several benefits:

• No need for dissolution
• No interruption in business
• Continue using the same bank accounts
• Continue using the same EIN

Each state has its domestication process, and the laws of both states must be followed. In general, domestication occurs as follows:

1. Draft a plan. Have your attorney outline the steps of domestication.
2. Have LLC members vote and approve the plan of conversion.
3. Complete documents required by both states.
4. File the conversion forms and pay the required fees.
5. Complete documents needed for the new state to form the domesticated LLC.

Domestication can be complicated because the laws between states may conflict. There also may be tax considerations at the state level, such as unpaid franchise taxes that become due.