S Corp Operating Agreement: Everything You Need to Know

Does an S Corp have an operating agreement?
Similarly, corporations (S corps and C corps) are not legally required by any state to have an operating agreement, but experts advise owners of these businesses to create and execute their version of an operating agreement, called bylaws.

An S corporation is a special kind of corporate entity that provides its shareholders with a number of advantages. S Corps are comparable to ordinary corporations, but because of how they are taxed, business owners can avoid paying two taxes. But whether a S Corp needs an operating agreement is a common misunderstanding. Do S corporations have operating agreements?

Yes, an operating agreement is required for a S Corp. A legal document known as an operating agreement sets forth the policies, guidelines, and practices that apply to a S Corporation. It is comparable to a partnership contract or a corporation’s bylaws. What information should an operating agreement contain?

The following essential components should be present in a S Corporation operating agreement:

1. Ownership percentages: This section should list each shareholder’s ownership proportions.

2. Profit and loss distribution: The agreement should specify how profits and losses will be divided among the shareholders.

3. Roles and responsibilities: The contract should specify each shareholder’s obligations as well as those of any executives or directors.

4. Decision-making processes: The agreement should specify how important choices, such hiring or terminating people, selling assets, or taking on debt, would be made.

5. Ownership transfer: The agreement should specify the procedure for transferring ownership shares, as well as any limitations or prerequisites.

6. Dissolution: If necessary, the agreement shall specify how the S Corp will be disbanded.

What distinguishes an operational agreement from bylaws in this context?

A corporation’s internal affairs, including daily operations and decision-making processes, are governed by its bylaws, which are a set of rules and regulations. The bylaws are normally written and submitted to the state during the incorporation procedure. An operational agreement, on the other hand, is a legal document that specifies the policies and processes for running an LLC or S Corp.

Do operational agreements and bylaws have the same meanings?

No, the operational agreement and the articles of organization are not the same thing. Basic information including the company name, address, and registered agent are included in the articles of incorporation, which are submitted to the state to establish an LLC or S Corp. An internal document known as the operating agreement spells out the policies and guidelines for running the LLC or S Corp.

What is an operating agreement for a business?

A legal document known as a company operating agreement sets down the policies and procedures that apply to an LLC or S Corp. It is comparable to a partnership contract or a corporation’s bylaws. Important topics like ownership percentages, profit and loss distribution, roles and responsibilities, decision-making processes, ownership transfers, and dissolution should all be covered in the operating agreement.

To sum up, a S Corp operating agreement is an important legal document that describes the policies and processes that apply to a S Corporation. Important topics including ownership percentages, profit and loss distribution, roles and responsibilities, decision-making processes, ownership transfer, and dissolution should all be covered in the agreement. The state-filed articles of organization that create an LLC or S Corp are not the same as an operating agreement.

FAQ
Who drafts the operating agreement?

An attorney or other legal expert with competence in business formation and contract law can design the operating agreement for a S corporation, or the owners or members of the company can do so as well. In order to protect the interests of all parties involved, it is crucial to make sure the agreement is complete, precise, and legally binding.