How to Add a Member to an LLC? (All You Need to Know)

Delina Chantel Yasmeh
Published by Delina Chantel Yasmeh | Author
Last updated: March 13, 2024
Methodology
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Adding a member to an existing Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a crucial step toward growth and shared responsibilities. The process can be simple, since the provision is included in the Operating Agreement.

With experience in business formation and an in-depth understanding of LLC operations, I've explored the idea of adding a member to an existing LLC. I further researched and consulted with legal professionals to assist you in the process.

Quick Summary:

  • To add a new member to an LLC, review the operating agreement, hold a meeting and vote on the  motion, and amend your Articles of Organization. 
  • A new member can infuse capital, provide expertise, and widen business affiliations.
  • The average annual growth in LLCs has been dramatically high at 21% over the last 30 years, as per LexTree, showcasing the increasing popularity and establishment of LLCs within the business sector.
  • In my experience, the main benefit of having a new member is the business insight they offer in line with their expertise.

Steps to Follow to Add a Member to an LLC

Adding members to an LLC can be a great way to grow your business, gain more capital, and expand your network.

Here are the steps you will need to follow to add a new business partner:

1. Review Your Operating Agreement

Start by reviewing your operating agreement to see the provision about adding members.

An LLC operating agreement should describe how a new member is added, and it may provide a specific procedure to follow.

The document would specify if all the members had to agree or if a majority vote would be enough to admit the new member. In the absence of an operating agreement, state rules apply. This is the reason why I encourage clients and new business owners to draft an operating agreement.

According to the IRS tax statistics, the majority (71.7%) of all partnership returns filed in the U.S. for 2021 were from LLCs, emphasizing their dominance in the partnership landscape for the 20th consecutive year [1].

This reinforces the importance of a well-structured Operating Agreement in an LLC's governance.

2. Understand the Consequences

Businessman thinking about Adding a New Member to an LLC

Adding a member can have business implications, so it's important to understand them before making a decision.

A new member will contribute supplementary capital to your LLC and increase its overall finances. Additionally, the individual could provide personal expertise and business experience.

"Introducing a new member to the team dilutes the ownership stakes of current members. Therefore, it's essential that this newcomer contributes significant value to compensate for the equity that existing members are relinquishing."

- Jon Morgan, Co-Founder & Chief Editor of Venture Smarter

The new member can expand your business network through contacts, associates, and affiliations with other companies.

As LexTree statistics show, the average annual growth in LLCs has been notably dramatic and compelling, at 21% over the last 30 years [2].

This underscores the expanding role and appeal of LLCs in the business landscape, making them a valuable option for growth and collaboration.

3. Meet with the Potential Member

You can conduct a preliminary meeting with the potential member to settle the terms of inclusion. You may discuss the amount of investment, share of ownership, profit, and loss, as well as the rights and duties of the individual.

Whenever we add a new member to our company, we explain the mutual benefit between the business of the LLC and the members.

4. Hold a Meeting of the LLC Members

Once the provisions have been reviewed, inform all the owners through a formal notice to conduct a meeting and vote on the proposed act to admit a new LLC member.

If you have a single-member LLC and decide to admit a new member, it will automatically change the classification of your business into a partnership. You have to draft and file Articles of Amendment with the Secretary of State and inform the IRS about the change in tax status.

5. Amend the Articles of Organization

Woman holding her documents outdoors passing it to the state

If the members vote to admit the new member to your LLC, the addition needs to be included in your Articles of Organization. This can be accomplished by filing an amendment.

The Articles of Amendment must include:

  • Your LLC's name
  • Date of formation
  • Name, title, and address of the new member
  • The effective date

The document must be signed by a member or an authorized person on behalf of your LLC and filed with the Secretary of State.

6. File Any Required Tax Forms

In most cases, federal tax form 8832 must be filed when adding a new member to your LLC [3].

I inform my clients that filing taxes is one of the main ways to remain compliant and maintain good standing with the state.

FAQs

Is a Married Couple a Single-Member LLC?

A married couple is a single-member LLC and is considered a Qualified Joint Venture. The entity's tax classification is disregarded for income tax purposes.

Is There a Limit to the Number of Members an LLC Can Have?

There is no limit to the number of members an LLC can have, unless the company opts to be taxed as an S-corp. The classification limits the members to under 100.

Roadmap for Adding a Member to an LLC

A member of a multi-member LLC can promote a company’s growth and development.

Understanding the process and following the necessary legal and administrative requirements is crucial. This will enable business owners to effectively expand their LLCs and leverage the skills and resources of new members.

With proper planning and execution, incorporating new members into an LLC can be a pivotal step toward achieving long-term success and maximizing the business's potential.


References:

  1. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-soi/soi-a-copa-id2305.pdf
  2. https://www.berkmansolutions.com/articles/entities/30-years-of-new-business-entities
  3. https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8832

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