What Are Articles of Amendment?
Articles of Amendment are filed when a company makes a significant change to their Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization that were created when the business first formed.
As an organization, you’re always evolving, shifting and improving. This means you’ll inevitably need to change some of the important parameters of your business. That’s where Articles of Amendment come in.
When Do I Need to File Articles of Amendment?
You need to file Articles of Amendment with your Secretary of State when your LLC, C Corp, S Corp or Nonprofit changes or modifies its:
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Business address
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Business name
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Stated business activities
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Registered Agent
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Member information
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Number of authorized shares
Why Is It Important to File?
Not keeping your business’s information up-to-date may result in fines and penalties.
You need to let the state know things have changed so that you remain in good standing. Otherwise, you risk being seen as negligent, damaging your reputation.
For practical purposes, the state needs to know who to send official correspondence and legal notices to. For this reason, keeping information updated, such as your Registered Agent, is key.
How to File Articles of Amendment
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1
Determine the Correct Form Needed
This is typically provided by your state. Make sure you can’t file a
cheaper or simpler form. For example, some states have a
separate form solely for changing your Registered Agent that
often requires a lower fee than Articles of Amendment. Research
your state’s requirements before beginning. -
2
Fill Out the Amendment Form
A standard form includes your business name, state, date, article
number(s) being amended, a written statement that the article is
being amended, the amendment itself and a statement that all
other articles remain in effect. You’ll also need signatures from
members. Failing to provide all the necessary info could mean
your amendment is denied. -
3
Submit the Form to the State and Pay the Filing Fee
Depending on the state, this may be done online or delivered in
person. It typically costs $100-$200 — but if you’re a nonprofit
corporation, the fee is often lower. -
4
File Restated Articles of Organization or Incorporation
Once the Articles of Amendment are submitted, you may want
to file restated Articles of Organization that reflect these new
changes. While it’s not a requirement, it helps consolidate your
documents so everything’s streamlined.
We Make Filing Easy
We get it. Running a business takes time, money and lots of mental energy.
Incfile offers fast and affordable professional filing services so your Articles of Amendment will be out of sight and out of mind. Life is short — why spend it doing paperwork?
Use our form to enter your business type and state, and place an order. The rest is up to us.
Amendment
Common Questions About Filing Articles of Amendment
The filing time for Articles of Amendment typically takes four to six weeks, depending on the governing state agency. For example, in California, the process takes over eight weeks. In Texas, it may take just three to five business days. Many states offer expedited service for an additional fee.
For the purpose of federal taxes, the IRS typically takes about six to eight weeks to register a change of business name.
If you’re filing an amendment for a business that’s not in your home state, you’ll need to file a Foreign Amendment. These will require additional documentation by your state, including a Certificate of Good Standing.
Our service fee to file Articles of Amendment is $99, so your cost will be $99 + the fee in your state. State feels typically are around $100-$200, but if you're a nonprofit, the fee is often lower.
To review the fee in your state, select the state and entity type above.
Some states also offer expedited filing, which is an additional fee.
An attorney isn’t necessary to file an amendment. That said, if you’re ever faced with a confusing business situation, it’s never a bad idea to consult a trusted legal professional to ensure you’re making the most educated decision you can.
You’ll receive a copy of the articles once they’re filed. If you file with us, the governing state agency will return a copy to us. Then we’ll mail it to you for your records.
Ready to Make a Change?
Save the hassle. Let us file your LLC’s Articles of Amendment on your behalf.