Are Bylaws the Same as an Operating Agreement? Explained

Are bylaws the same as an operating agreement?
Although similar in function in that they govern the internal affairs of a business entity, bylaws and operating agreements are two different things. The obvious difference is that bylaws apply to corporations, while an operating agreement applies to LLCs.
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A Limited Liability Company (LLC) must file a number of legal documents with the appropriate authorities when it is first formed. The operational agreement and the bylaws are two examples of these documents. Although both are necessary for an LLC to operate properly, they are not the same thing.

The rules and guidelines that direct a corporation’s internal activities are known as bylaws. They describe how the corporation will be governed and are often created by the board of directors. Bylaws often address topics including the duties and obligations of the board of directors, the conduct of meetings, and the method of decision-making.

An operating agreement, on the other hand, is a legal document that describes how an LLC will be managed. It usually outlines how decisions will be made, how profits and losses will be allocated, and how the LLC will be run. It is typically written by the LLC members.

An operating agreement is essential for LLCs, but bylaws are only necessary for corporations. This is so that the operations and structure of the LLC are established as an LLC is a separate legal entity from its owners. An operational agreement is a private contract, but bylaws are typically public records. This is another distinction between the two types of documents. This means that while the operating agreement is solely visible to the LLC members and the appropriate authorities, the bylaws are accessible to everyone.

Can an Operating Agreement Be Backdated?

A backdated operating agreement is not advised. The reason for this is that an operating agreement is a legal document, and backdating it could result in legal issues. If an operating agreement needs to be amended, it is preferable to do so than to retroactively date the current agreement. What is an Operating LLC, exactly?

A limited liability company that is actively doing business operations is known as an operating LLC. This indicates that the LLC has opened for business and is bringing in money. An operating agreement is necessary for an LLC that is operating since it establishes the LLC’s organizational structure and operational procedures.

What is the Operating Agreement’s Alternative Name?

A company agreement or LLC agreement are other names for an operating agreement. These names all refer to the same legal document that describes how an LLC will operate and are interchangeable.

In conclusion, an operating agreement and bylaws are two distinct legal agreements with distinct functions. An operating agreement specifies how an LLC will be run, whereas a corporation’s bylaws regulate internal operations. An operating agreement is essential for LLCs, but bylaws are only necessary for corporations. An operating LLC is a limited liability corporation that is actively conducting business, and backdating an operating agreement is not advised.