LLC resolutions create a paper trail of important business decisions. While not always legally required, they protect your limited liability status, satisfy banks and lenders, and prevent disputes among members. Here's everything you need to know.
This is educational content, not legal advice. LLC requirements vary by state. Consult an attorney for your specific situation.
An LLC resolution is a formal document that records a significant business decision made by the members or managers. It serves as:
| Situation | Who Typically Requires It | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Opening a bank account | Banks (almost always) | Required |
| Taking out a loan | Lenders (always) | Required |
| Adding a new member | Operating agreement, state law | Required |
| Member withdrawal/removal | Operating agreement, state law | Required |
| Selling major assets | Operating agreement, buyers | Recommended |
| Entering contracts > $X | Operating agreement, partners | Recommended |
| Electing S-Corp taxation | IRS (Form 2553) | Required |
| Hiring executives | Operating agreement | Recommended |
| Dissolving the LLC | State law | Required |
Check your operating agreement — it may specify thresholds for when resolutions are required.
RESOLUTION TO OPEN BANK ACCOUNT
[LLC NAME]
Member/Manager Resolution
DATE: [Date]
The undersigned, being [all members / a majority of members / the
manager(s)] of [LLC NAME], a [State] limited liability company, hereby
resolve as follows:
RESOLVED, that [LLC NAME] shall establish a banking relationship with
[BANK NAME] and open [account type(s): checking, savings, etc.];
RESOLVED, that [Person Name] is authorized to:
a) Open and close accounts on behalf of the LLC
b) Execute all documents required by the bank
c) Designate additional signatories on the accounts
d) Negotiate and accept terms, fees, and services
RESOLVED, that the following individuals are authorized signatories
on said accounts with [sole/joint] signing authority:
1. [Name, Title]
2. [Name, Title]
RESOLVED, that this resolution shall remain in effect until revoked
by subsequent resolution.
RESOLVED, that any officer or member is authorized to certify these
resolutions to the bank.
[Signature blocks for all voting members/managers]
________________________ ________________
[Name], [Title] Date
________________________ ________________
[Name], [Title] Date
CERTIFICATION
I, [Name], [Title] of [LLC NAME], hereby certify that the above
resolution is a true and correct copy of the resolution adopted by
the [members/managers] on [Date], and that such resolution is in
full force and effect.
________________________ ________________
[Name], [Title] Date
RESOLUTION TO BORROW FUNDS
[LLC NAME]
Member/Manager Resolution
DATE: [Date]
WHEREAS, [LLC NAME] desires to obtain financing for [purpose];
WHEREAS, the [members/managers] have determined that such financing
is in the best interests of the company;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. The LLC is authorized to borrow up to $[amount] from [Lender Name]
on terms to be negotiated;
2. [Person Name] is authorized to:
a) Negotiate loan terms, interest rates, and repayment schedules
b) Execute loan documents, promissory notes, and security agreements
c) Grant security interests in LLC assets as collateral
d) Execute any modifications, extensions, or renewals
3. The loan proceeds shall be used for [specific purpose];
4. The [members/managers] ratify all actions taken by the authorized
representative in connection with this loan;
5. This resolution supersedes any prior resolutions regarding borrowing
authority.
[Signature blocks]
APPROVED BY:
________________________ ________________
[Name], [Title] Date
________________________ ________________
[Name], [Title] Date
RESOLUTION TO ADMIT NEW MEMBER
[LLC NAME]
Member Resolution
DATE: [Date]
WHEREAS, [Prospective Member Name] has applied for membership in
[LLC NAME];
WHEREAS, the current members have reviewed the application and
conducting due diligence;
WHEREAS, the members have determined that admitting [Name] is in
the best interests of the LLC;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. [New Member Name] is hereby admitted as a member of [LLC NAME]
effective [date];
2. [New Member Name] shall receive a [X]% membership interest in
exchange for [capital contribution amount / services / other];
3. The Operating Agreement is hereby amended to reflect:
a) The new member's ownership percentage
b) Updated profit and loss allocations
c) Updated voting percentages
d) Updated capital account balances
4. [Person Name] is authorized to:
a) Execute amended Operating Agreement
b) Update membership records and certificates
c) File any required amendments with the state
d) Update tax documentation (K-1s, etc.)
5. The new member shall have full rights and obligations as
specified in the Operating Agreement.
[Signature blocks for all existing members]
CONSENTING MEMBERS:
________________________ ______% Interest ______________
[Name] Date
________________________ ______% Interest ______________
[Name] Date
NEW MEMBER CONSENT:
I, [New Member Name], hereby accept membership in [LLC NAME] and
agree to be bound by the Operating Agreement and all amendments.
________________________ ________________
[New Member Name] Date
RESOLUTION TO ELECT S-CORPORATION TAX STATUS
[LLC NAME]
Member Resolution
DATE: [Date]
WHEREAS, [LLC NAME] qualifies for S-Corporation tax treatment under
IRC § 1361;
WHEREAS, the members have determined that S-Corp treatment will
benefit the company and its members;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. [LLC NAME] hereby elects to be taxed as an S-Corporation under
IRC § 1362(a), effective [tax year start date, usually January 1];
2. [Person Name] is authorized to:
a) Execute and file IRS Form 2553 (Election by a Small Business
Corporation)
b) File any required state S-Corp elections
c) Take all actions necessary to effectuate this election
3. All members consent to this election and acknowledge:
a) S-Corp status requires reasonable compensation for working
members
b) Distributions must be proportionate to ownership
c) S-Corp status may be terminated if eligibility requirements
are violated
4. The members direct [Person Name] to maintain necessary records
and ensure ongoing S-Corp compliance.
[Signature blocks for ALL members — consent requirement]
ALL MEMBERS MUST SIGN:
________________________ ________________
[Name], [Ownership %] Date
________________________ ________________
[Name], [Ownership %] Date
________________________ ________________
[Name], [Ownership %] Date
Note: IRS Form 2553 must be filed within 2 months and 15 days of
the desired effective date, or by March 15 for calendar-year LLCs
seeking January 1 effective date.
RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE CONTRACT
[LLC NAME]
Member/Manager Resolution
DATE: [Date]
WHEREAS, [LLC NAME] desires to enter into [describe contract type]
with [Counterparty Name];
WHEREAS, the material terms of said contract are as follows:
- Contract value: $[amount]
- Term: [duration]
- Key obligations: [brief summary]
WHEREAS, the [members/managers] have reviewed the contract and
determined it to be in the best interests of the company;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. [LLC NAME] is authorized to enter into the contract with
[Counterparty Name] on the terms presented;
2. [Person Name] is authorized to:
a) Execute the contract and all related documents
b) Negotiate non-material modifications
c) Execute amendments, extensions, and renewals
3. This authorization is limited to the specific contract described
herein and does not constitute blanket authority for future
agreements.
[Signature blocks]
________________________ ________________
[Name], [Title] Date
________________________ ________________
[Name], [Title] Date
| Aspect | Operating Agreement | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Governs LLC structure and operations | Documents specific decisions |
| Frequency | Rarely amended | Created as needed |
| Scope | Comprehensive rules | Single issue/action |
| Third parties | Rarely shared | Often shared with banks/lenders |
| Amendment | Formal process, usually unanimous | Superseded by new resolution |
"Resolutions don't need to be complicated. A clear statement of what was decided, who approved it, and when — that's 90% of what matters." — Business Attorney, 20+ years
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