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Free Kansas LLC Operating Agreement

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What is a Kansas LLC Operating Agreement?

Operating AgreementA Kansas LLC Operating Agreement is a document that shows who owns the LLC, and how much of the LLC each person owns.

Every Kansas LLC should have an Operating Agreement, but you don’t have to pay for one.

You can get one for free using our Operating Agreement Generator below.

Operating Agreement Generator

You can customize and download a Kansas Operating Agreement in minutes. No sign-up, no cost, no catch.

Just enter your information below to get started.

Note: Our Operating Agreements work for Single-Member LLCs, Multi-Member LLCs, real estate LLCs, business LLCs, holding companies, and more.

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Operating Agreement for Member-Managed Limited Liability CompanyFOR [LLC NAME]

I. PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

(1) Effective Date: This operating agreement of [LLC NAME] effective [DATE], is adopted by the members whose signatures appear at the end of this agreement (the "Agreement").

(2) Formation: This limited liability company (LLC) was formed by filing Articles of Organization, a Certificate of Formation or a similar organizational document with the LLC filing office of the state of [STATE] on [DATE]. A copy of this organizational document has been placed in the LLC's records book.

(3) Name: The formal name of this LLC is as stated above. However, this LLC may do business under a different name by complying with the state's fictitious or assumed business name statutes and procedures.

(4) Registered Office and Agent: The registered office of this LLC and the registered agent at this address are as follows:

[AGENT NAME] [ADDRESS]

The registered office and agent may be changed from time to time as the members may see fit, by filing a change of registered agent or office form with the state LLC filing office. It will not be necessary to amend this provision of the operating agreement if and when such a change is made.

(5) Business Purposes: The specific business purposes and activities contemplated by the founders of this LLC at the time of initial signing of this agreement consist of the following:

[BUSINESS PURPOSE]

It is understood that the foregoing statement of purposes shall not serve as a limitation on the powers or abilities of this LLC, which shall be permitted to engage in any and all lawful business activities. If this LLC intends to engage in business activities outside the state of its formation that require the qualification of the LLC in other states, it shall obtain such qualification before engaging in such out-of-state activities.

(6) Duration of LLC: The duration of this LLC shall be Perpetual. Further, this LLC shall terminate when a proposal to dissolve the LLC is adopted by the membership of this LLC or when this LLC is otherwise terminated in accordance with law.

II. MEMBERSHIP PROVISIONS

(1) Non-liability of Members: No member of this LLC shall be personally liable for the expenses, debts, obligations or liabilities of the LLC, or for claims made against it.

(2) Reimbursement for Organizational Costs: Members shall be reimbursed by the LLC for organizational expenses paid by the members. The LLC shall be authorized to elect to deduct organizational expenses and start-up expenditures ratably over a period of time as permitted by the Internal Revenue Code and as may be advised by the LLC's tax advisor.

(3) Management: This LLC shall be managed exclusively by all of its members.

(4) Members' Percentage Interests: A member's percentage interest in this LLC shall be computed as a fraction, the numerator of which is the total of a member's capital account and the denominator of which is the total of all capital accounts of all members. This fraction shall be expressed in this agreement as a percentage, which shall be called each member's "percentage interest" in this LLC.

(5) Membership Voting: Except as otherwise may be required by the Articles of Organization, Certificate of Formation or a similar organizational document, other provisions of this operating agreement, or under the laws of this state, each member shall vote on any matter submitted to the membership for approval in proportion to the member's percentage interest in this LLC. Further, unless defined otherwise for a particular provision of this operating agreement, the phrase "majority of members" means the vote of members whose combined votes equal more than 50% of the votes of all members in this LLC.

(6) Compensation: Members shall not be paid as members of the LLC for performing any duties associated with such membership, including management of the LLC. Members may be paid, however, for any services rendered in any other capacity for the LLC, whether as officers, employees, independent contractors or otherwise.

(7) Members' Meetings: The LLC shall not provide for regular members' meetings. However, any member may call a meeting by communicating his or her wish to schedule a meeting to all other members. Such notification may be in person or in writing, or by telephone, facsimile machine, or other form of electronic communication reasonably expected to be received by a member, and the other members shall then agree, either personally, in writing, or by telephone, facsimile machine or other form of electronic communication to the member calling the meeting, to meet at a mutually acceptable time and place. Notice of the business to be transacted at the meeting need not be given to members by the member calling the meeting, and any business may be discussed and conducted at the meeting. If all members cannot attend a meeting, it shall be postponed to a date and time when all members can attend, unless all members who do not attend have agreed in writing to the holding of the meeting without them. If a meeting is postponed, and the postponed meeting cannot be held either because all members do not attend the postponed meeting or the non-attending members have not signed a written consent to allow the postponed meeting to be held without them, a second postponed meeting may be held at a date and time announced at the first postponed meeting. The date and time of the second postponed meeting shall also be communicated to any members not attending the first postponed meeting. The second postponed meeting may be held without the attendance of all members as long as a majority of the percentage interests of the membership of this LLC is in attendance at the second postponed meeting. Written notice of the decisions or approvals made at this second postponed meeting shall be mailed or delivered to each non-attending member promptly after the holding of the second postponed meeting. Written minutes of the discussions and proposals presented at a members' meeting, and the votes taken and matters approved at such meeting, shall be taken by one of the members or a person designated at the meeting. A copy of the minutes of the meeting shall be placed in the LLC's records book after the meeting.

(8) Membership Certificates: This LLC shall be authorized to obtain and issue certificates representing or certifying membership interests in this LLC. Each certificate shall show the name of the LLC, the name of the member, and state that the person named is a member of the LLC and is entitled to all the rights granted members of the LLC under the Articles of Organization, Certificate of Formation or a similar organizational document, this operating agreement and provisions of law. Each membership certificate shall be consecutively numbered and signed by one or more officers of this LLC. The certificates shall include any additional information considered appropriate for inclusion by the members on membership certificates. In addition to the above information, all membership certificates shall bear a prominent legend on their face or reverse side stating, summarizing or referring to any transfer restrictions that apply to memberships in this LLC under the Articles of Organization, Certificate of Formation or a similar organizational document and/or this operating agreement, and the address where a member may obtain a copy of these restrictions upon request from this LLC. The records book of this LLC shall contain a list of the names and addresses of all persons to whom certificates have been issued, show the date of issuance of each certificate, and record the date of all cancellations or transfers of membership certificates.

(9) Other Business by Members: Each member shall agree not to own an interest in, manage or work for another business, enterprise or endeavor, if such ownership or activities would compete with this LLC's business goals, mission, profitability or productivity, or would diminish or impair the member's ability to provide maximum effort and performance in managing the business of this LLC.

III. TAX AND FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

(1) Tax Classification of LLC: For federal and, if applicable, state income tax purposes, this LLC will be taxed in its default tax classification. Unless the members request an elective tax status from the IRS, the members also reserve the right to change the LLC's tax classification at any time.

(2) Tax Year and Accounting Method: The tax year of this LLC shall be the calendar year. The LLC shall use the cash method of accounting. Both the tax year and the accounting period of the LLC may be changed with the consent of all members if the LLC qualifies for such change, and may be affected by the filing of appropriate forms with the IRS and state tax authorities.

(3) Tax Matters Partner: If this LLC is required under Internal Revenue Code provisions or regulations, it shall designate from among its members a "tax matters partner" in accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 6231(a)(7) and corresponding regulations, who will fulfill this role by being the spokesperson for the LLC in dealings with the IRS as required under the Internal Revenue Code and Regulations, and who will report to the members on the progress and outcome of these dealings.

(4) Annual Income Tax Returns and Reports: Within 60 days after the end of each tax year of the LLC, a copy of the LLC's state and federal income tax returns for the preceding tax year shall be mailed or otherwise provided to each member of the LLC, together with any additional information and forms necessary for each member to complete his or her individual state and federal income tax returns. If this LLC is classified as a partnership for income tax purposes, this additional information shall include a federal (and, if applicable, state) Form K-1 (Form 1065 - Partner's Share of Income, Credits, Deductions) or equivalent income tax reporting form. This additional information shall also include a financial report, which shall include a balance sheet and profit and loss statement for the prior tax year of the LLC.

(5) Bank Accounts: The LLC shall designate one or more banks or other institutions for the deposit of the funds of the LLC, and shall establish savings, checking, investment and other such accounts as are reasonable and necessary for its business and investments. One or more members of the LLC shall be designated with the consent of all members to deposit and withdraw funds of the LLC, and to direct the investment of funds from, into and among such accounts. The funds of the LLC, however and wherever deposited or invested, shall not be commingled with the personal funds of any members of the LLC.

(6) Title to Assets: All personal and real property of this LLC shall be held in the name of the LLC, not in the names of individual members.

IV. CAPITAL PROVISIONS

(1) Capital Contributions by Members: Members shall make the following contributions of cash, property or services as shown next to each member's name below. Unless otherwise noted, cash and property described below shall be paid or delivered to the LLC on or by [DATE]. The fair market values of items of property or services as agreed between the LLC and the contributing member are also shown below. The percentage interest in the LLC that each member shall receive in return for his or her capital contribution is also indicated for each member.

NAME & ADDRESS CONTRIBUTION % INTEREST IN LLC
No members added

(2) Additional Contributions by Members: The members may agree, from time to time by unanimous vote, to require the payment of additional capital contributions by the members, on or by a mutually agreeable date.

(3) Failure to Make Contributions: If a member fails to make a required capital contribution within the time agreed for a member's contribution, the remaining members may, by unanimous vote, agree to reschedule the time for payment of the capital contribution by the late-paying member, setting any additional repayment terms, such as a late payment penalty, rate of interest to be applied to the unpaid balance, or other monetary amount to be paid by the delinquent member, as the remaining members decide. Alternatively, the remaining members may, by unanimous vote, agree to cancel the membership of the delinquent member, provided any prior partial payments of capital made by the delinquent member are refunded promptly by the LLC to the member after the decision is made to terminate the membership of the delinquent member.

(4) No Interest on Capital Contributions: No interest shall be paid on funds or property contributed as capital to this LLC, or on funds reflected in the capital accounts of the members.

(5) Capital Account Bookkeeping: A capital account shall be set up and maintained on the books of the LLC for each member. It shall reflect each member's capital contribution to the LLC, increased by each member's share of profits in the LLC, decreased by each member's share of losses and expenses of the LLC, and adjusted as required in accordance with applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and corresponding income tax regulations.

(6) Consent to Capital Contribution Withdrawals and Distributions: Members shall not be allowed to withdraw any part of their capital contributions or to receive distributions, whether in property or cash, except as otherwise allowed by this agreement and, in any case, only if such withdrawal is made with the written consent of all members.

(7) Allocations of Profits and Losses: No member shall be given priority or preference with respect to other members in obtaining a return of capital contributions, distributions or allocations of the income, gains, losses, deductions, credits or other items of the LLC. The profits and losses of the LLC, and all items of its income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated to members according to each member's percentage interest in this LLC.

(8) Allocation and Distribution of Cash to Members: Cash from LLC business operations, as well as cash from a sale or other disposition of LLC capital assets, may be distributed from time to time to members in accordance with each member's percentage interest in the LLC, as may be decided by all of the members.

(9) Allocation of Noncash Distributions: If proceeds consist of property other than cash, the members shall decide the value of the property and allocate such value among the members in accordance with each member's percentage interest in the LLC. If such noncash proceeds are later reduced to cash, such cash may be distributed among the members as otherwise provided in this agreement.

(10) Allocation and Distribution of Liquidation Proceeds: Regardless of any other provision in this agreement, if there is a distribution in liquidation of this LLC, or when any member's interest is liquidated, all items of income and loss shall be allocated to the members' capital accounts, and all appropriate credits and deductions shall then be made to these capital accounts before any final distribution is made. A final distribution shall be made to members only to the extent of, and in proportion to, any positive balance in each member's capital account.

V. MEMBERSHIP WITHDRAWAL AND TRANSFER PROVISIONS

(1) Withdrawal of Members: A member may withdraw from this LLC by giving written notice to all other members at least 60 days before the date the withdrawal is to be effective.

(2) Restrictions on the Transfer of Membership: A member shall not transfer his or her membership in the LLC unless all non-transferring members in the LLC first agree to approve the admission of the transferee into this LLC. Further, no member may encumber a part or all of his or her membership in the LLC by mortgage, pledge, granting of a security interest, lien or otherwise, unless the encumbrance has first been approved in writing by all other members of the LLC. Notwithstanding the above provision, any member shall be allowed to assign an economic interest in his or her membership to another person without the approval of the other members. Such an assignment shall not include a transfer of the member's voting or management rights in this LLC, and the assignee shall not become a member of the LLC.

VI. DISSOLUTION PROVISIONS

(1) Events That Trigger Dissolution of the LLC: The following events shall trigger dissolution of the LLC, except as provided:

(a) the death, permanent incapacity, bankruptcy, retirement, resignation or expulsion of a member, except that within 60 days of the happening of any of these events, all remaining members of the LLC may vote to continue the legal existence of the LLC, in which case the LLC shall not dissolve;

(b) the expiration of the term of existence of the LLC if such term is specified in the Articles of Organization, Certificate of Formation or a similar organizational document, or this operating agreement;

(c) the written agreement of all members to dissolve the LLC;

(d) entry of a decree of dissolution of the LLC under state law.

VII. GENERAL PROVISIONS

(1) Officers: The LLC may designate one or more officers, such as a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Persons who fill these positions need not be members of the LLC. Such positions may be compensated or non-compensated according to the nature and extent of the services rendered for the LLC as a part of the duties of each office. Ministerial services only as a part of any officer position will normally not be compensated, such as the performance of officer duties specified in this agreement, but any officer may be reimbursed by the LLC for out-of-pocket expenses paid by the officer in carrying out the duties of his or her office.

(2) Records: The LLC shall keep at its principal business address a copy of all proceedings of membership meetings, as well as books of account of the LLC's financial transactions. A list of the names and addresses of the current membership of the LLC also shall be maintained at this address, with notations on any transfers of members' interests to nonmembers or persons being admitted into membership in the LLC.

Copies of the LLC's Articles of Organization, Certificate of Formation or a similar organizational document, a signed copy of this operating agreement, and the LLC's tax returns for the preceding three tax years shall be kept at the principal business address of the LLC. A statement also shall be kept at this address containing any of the following information that is applicable to this LLC:

  • the amount of cash or a description and value of property contributed or agreed to be contributed as capital to the LLC by each member;
  • a schedule showing when any additional capital contributions are to be made by members to this LLC;
  • a statement or schedule, if appropriate, showing the rights of members to receive distributions representing a return of part or all of members' capital contributions; and
  • a description of, or date when, the legal existence of the LLC will terminate under provisions in the LLC's Articles of Organization, Certificate of Formation or a similar organizational document, or this operating agreement.

If one or more of the above items is included or listed in this operating agreement, it will be sufficient to keep a copy of this agreement at the principal business address of the LLC without having to prepare and keep a separate record of such item or items at this address. Any member may inspect any and all records maintained by the LLC upon reasonable notice to the LLC. Copying of the LLC's records by members is allowed, but copying costs shall be paid for by the requesting member.

(3) All Necessary Acts: The members and officers of this LLC are authorized to perform all acts necessary to perfect the organization of this LLC and to carry out its business operations expeditiously and efficiently. The Secretary of the LLC, or other officers, or all members of the LLC, may certify to other businesses, financial institutions and individuals as to the authority of one or more members or officers of this LLC to transact specific items of business on behalf of the LLC.

(4) Indemnification: The LLC shall indemnify the Member and those authorized officers, agents, and employees of the LLC identified in writing by the Member as entitled to being indemnified under this section for all costs, losses, liabilities and damages paid or accrued by the Member (as the Member or officer, agent, or employee) or any such officer, agent, or employee in connection with the business of the LLC, except to the extent prohibited by the laws of the state that governs this Agreement. In addition, the LLC may advance costs of defense of any proceeding to the Member or any such officer, agent, or employee upon receipt by the LLC of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified by the LLC.

(5) Mediation and Arbitration of Disputes Among Members: In any dispute over the provisions of this operating agreement and in other disputes among the members, if the members cannot resolve the dispute to their mutual satisfaction, the matter shall be submitted to mediation. The terms and procedure for mediation shall be arranged by the parties to the dispute. If good-faith mediation of a dispute proves impossible or if an agreed-upon mediation outcome cannot be obtained by the members who are parties to the dispute, the dispute may be submitted to arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Any party may commence arbitration of the dispute by sending a written request for arbitration to all other parties to the dispute. The request shall state the nature of the dispute to be resolved by arbitration, and, if all parties to the dispute agree to arbitration, arbitration shall be commenced as soon as practical after such parties receive a copy of the written request. All parties shall initially share the cost of arbitration, but the prevailing party or parties may be awarded attorney fees, costs and other expenses of arbitration. All arbitration decisions shall be final, binding and conclusive on all the parties to arbitration, and legal judgment may be entered based upon such decision in accordance with applicable law in any court having jurisdiction to do so.

(6) Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by, and interpreted and enforced in accordance with, the substantive laws of the State in which the LLC was formed, without reference to the conflicts of law rules of that or any other jurisdiction.

(7) Entire Agreement: This operating agreement represents the entire agreement among the members of this LLC, and it shall not be amended, modified or replaced except by a written instrument executed by all the parties to this agreement who are current members of this LLC as well as any and all additional parties who became members of this LLC after the adoption of this agreement. This agreement replaces and supersedes all prior written and oral agreements among any and all members of this LLC.

(8) Severability: If any provision of this agreement is determined by a court or arbitrator to be invalid, unenforceable or otherwise ineffective, that provision shall be severed from the rest of this agreement, and the remaining provisions shall remain in effect and enforceable.

VIII. SIGNATURES OF MEMBERS

Execution of Agreement: In witness whereof, the members of this LLC sign and adopt this agreement as the operating agreement of this LLC.

Signatures will appear here.

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Is an Operating Agreement required for an LLC in Kansas?

No, as per Section 17-76,134 of the Kansas LLC Act, an Operating Agreement isn’t required for an LLC in Kansas.

However, we strongly recommend having an Operating Agreement for your LLC.

Why every LLC should have an Operating Agreement

Every LLC, including Single-Member LLCs and Multi-Member LLCs, should have an Operating Agreement for the following reasons:

  • To override default state rules
  • To protect your personal liability
  • To define roles and prevent disputes
  • To control how money is distributed
  • To open an LLC Bank Account
  • To plan for ownership changes (ex: adding/removing Members)

What to include in your Operating Agreement

Note: If you use our Operating Agreement Generator, it includes all of the items listed below.

It’s best practice to include the following in your LLC Operating Agreement:

  • LLC formation details: LLC name, LLC address, LLC business purpose, and Kansas Registered Agent information
  • Members and ownership percentages: Who owns the LLC and how much they own
  • How the LLC will be managed: Member-Managed vs. Manager-Managed LLC
  • Voting rights: How Members get to vote
  • Capital contributions: How much money each Member puts into the LLC
  • Profit distributions: How profits are distributed
  • Membership changes: Procedures for adding or removing Members
  • Dissolution: How to shut down the LLC, if necessary
  • Liability protection: Protecting Members/Managers from liability
  • Amendments: Stating how the Operating Agreement can be changed

Ownership, money, and voting rights in your Operating Agreement

When forming an LLC, each Member (owner) needs to put money into the LLC.

In exchange, they get ownership % in the company.

Both the amount they put into the LLC, and their ownership %, gets listed in the Operating Agreement.

What does your ownership % give you?

Ownership % gives you two main things:

1. Profits

  • You receive profits proportionate to what you own.
  • For example, if you own 70% of the LLC, you get 70% of the profits.

2. Voting rights

  • You receive voting rights proportionate to what you own.
  • For example, if you own 70% of the LLC, you get 70% of the votes.

How ownership, money, and voting rights are documented in an Operating Agreement

Single-Member LLC:

In a Single-Member LLC, the single Member owns 100% of the LLC, and they can put in however much money they want.

For example: You can put in $100, or $5,000, (or any amount), and you’ll own 100% of the business.

And it would look like this in the Operating Agreement:

LLC Operating Agreement Ownership Percentage Example with 1 owner

Multi-Member LLCs:

In a Multi-Member LLC, how much of the LLC each Member owns is proportionate to how much money they put into the LLC.

For example:

Let’s say Bob and Sally want to become 50/50 business partners. Since they each want to own half, then they each need to put in the same amount of money. If Bob puts in $500 and Sally also puts in $500, then they’d each own 50% of the LLC. And they each get 50% of the profits.

That would look like this in the Operating Agreement:

LLC Operating Agreement Ownership Percentage Example with 2 owners

On the other hand, if Sally and Bob agree that Sally will own 80% and Bob will own 20%, then Sally can put in $800 and Bob can put in $200. This means Sally gets 80% of the profits, and Bob gets 20% of the profits.

And the amount the Members put in can be as large or small as they want. For example, in an 80/20 split, they can put in $800/$200, $40,000/$10,000, $80,000/$20,000, etc. Again, the amount of money doesn’t matter, as long as the dollar amount is proportionate to the desired percentage of ownership.

And it would look like this in the Operating Agreement:

LLC Operating Agreement Ownership Percentage Example with 2 owners

It also works this way for voting rights:

If Bob and Sally are 50/50 business partners, then they each get a 50% vote on decisions for the LLC. Meaning, they both have to agree on a decision in order to make a change.

On the other hand, if Sally owns 80% and Bob owns 20%, then Sally has the majority vote. And if both Members don’t agree on a decision, then whatever Sally decides is what is legally binding.

Majority Voting Explained (51% wins)

Note: The 51% majority doesn’t apply for Manager-managed LLCs, where the Manager(s) make the decisions.

In most Member-managed Operating Agreements (and the ones we provide), a decision is made by a majority vote (51% or more) of the Members.

Meaning, in order for an action to be taken (or not taken), 51% of the votes need to be in agreement.

(Examples of actions to take could be changing the LLC name, changing ownership %, bringing on a new Member, changing the business model, etc.)

Let’s look at some examples:

1 Member LLC example

In this example, there’s only one person for you to agree with: yourself. So whatever you decide is what happens.

LLC Operating Agreement Pie Chart with 1 Owner

2 Member LLC examples

Member A owns 50% and Member B owns 50%

In this example, both Members must always agree on everything in order for actions to be taken. This is because no Member alone has 51% of the votes.

LLC Operating Agreement Pie Chart with 2 Owners

Member A owns 70% and Member B owns 30%

In this example, Member A basically runs the show. Anything they want to do, they can do, since they have the majority vote. Member B has no power (they just get 30% of the profits).

LLC Operating Agreement Pie Chart with 2 Owners

3 Member LLC examples

All 3 Members own 33.33%

In this example, only 2 Members must agree (or disagree) on an action.

LLC Operating Agreement Pie Chart with 3 Owners

Member A owns 50%, Member B owns 25%, and Member C owns 25%

In this example, Member B and Member C don’t have enough power amongst themselves to make decisions. At least one of them will need to be in agreement with Member A in order for an action to be taken.

LLC Operating Agreement Pie Chart with 3 Owners

Member A owns 40%, Member B owns 30%, and Member C owns 30%

In this example, only 2 Members must agree (or disagree) on an action.

LLC Operating Agreement Pie Chart with 3 Owners

Member A owns 60%, Member B owns 20%, and Member C owns 20%

In this example, Member A has the power to run the show since they have the majority vote. Member B and Member C don’t have enough voting power themselves to take actions.

LLC Operating Agreement Pie Chart with 3 Owners

Does my LLC Operating Agreement need to be signed?

Yes, all LLC Members (owners) need to sign the Operating Agreement to make it official and legally binding.

And make sure that all Members have a copy of the Operating Agreement.

Note: If you have a Manager-managed LLC, the Manager(s) will also sign the Operating Agreement.

Does my LLC Operating Agreement need to be notarized?

No, your Operating Agreement doesn’t need to be notarized.

Each Member (and Manager, if applicable) just needs to sign it. That’s all.

Do I have to send my Operating Agreement to the state?

No, you don’t have to send your Operating Agreement to the state or any government agency.

Kansas LLC Operating Agreements are “internal documents” for business entities. Meaning, the Members just need to keep a copy with their records.

The Operating Agreement is a legally binding document because of the Members’ signatures. It doesn’t need a government stamp of approval.

However, you may also need to show this document to:

  • financial institutions when you open a business bank account
  • financial institutions if you apply for a loan for the LLC
  • a title company if your LLC is buying real estate
  • a court if you were involved in a lawsuit

Operating Agreement FAQs

Does a Single-Member LLC in Kansas need an Operating Agreement?

While not legally required in the state of Kansas, it’s strongly recommended that all Single-Member LLCs have an Operating Agreement.

If you go to court, an Operating Agreement helps prove that your Single-Member LLC is being run as a separate legal entity. This helps confirm the company’s limited liability status, and that is what protects your personal assets.

Does a Multi-Member LLC in Kansas need an Operating Agreement?

While not legally required in Kansas, it’s strongly recommended that all Multi-Member LLCs have an Operating Agreement. The Operating Agreement spells out ownership percentages, profit distribution, operating procedures, and management responsibilities.

And if you go to court, an Operating Agreement helps prove that your Multi-Member LLC is being run as a separate legal entity.

Is an LLC Agreement the same as an Operating Agreement?

Yes, an LLC Agreement is the same thing as an LLC Operating Agreement.

Some states call an Operating Agreement an LLC Agreement or a Company Agreement. These all refer to the same thing. And most states use the term Operating Agreement.

How much does an Operating Agreement cost?

An Operating Agreement doesn’t have to cost anything. There are templates or Operating Agreement Generators online (like ours; see above) that you can use for free.

Many LLC filing companies charge $99 or more for a basic, fill-in-the-blanks Operating Agreement. And you generally can’t edit these.

If you hire a lawyer to draft an Operating Agreement, it can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $1,000.

How to find my Operating Agreement for my LLC?

Since the Operating Agreement isn’t on file with the state (or IRS), it’s your responsibility to keep a copy of it.

Said another way, if you can’t find your Operating Agreement, there’s nowhere to go to get it. (Well, if you have a business partner, your partner may have a copy.)

If not, you can make a new Operating Agreement (called Operating Agreement #2) and enter this language at the top:

“This Operating Agreement #2, dated [date], overrides, replaces, and supersedes all prior Operating Agreements, written and/or oral for this LLC.”

How to Amend an LLC Operating Agreement?

If you’d like to amend your Operating Agreement (make changes), you have 3 options:

Matt Horwitz, founder of LLC University®

Pro Tip: Most people choose option 1 or 2, depending on the number/complexity of changes. For example, if you’re changing a small item – or a few – you can use option 1. If you’re changing a lot of things, you can use option 2.

1. Cross out, change, and initial

Cross out and write the new changes in the Operating Agreement, then have the Members (and Managers, if applicable) initial the changes.

2. Create Operating Agreement #2

Make a new Operating Agreement (give it a heading of “Operating Agreement #2”) to replace the original Operating Agreement. Just add the following clause at the top of Operating Agreement #2:

“This Operating Agreement #2, dated [date], overrides, replaces, and supersedes all prior Operating Agreements, written and or oral for this LLC.”

Note: You can also make Operating Agreement #3, #4, etc., if needed in the future.

3. Create an Amendment (separate document)

Create an Amendment to your Operating Agreement (a separate document). This lists out the changes that were made. And each Member (and Manager, if applicable) signs and agrees to the changes.

How to add a Transfer on Death Provision to my Operating Agreement?

Disclaimer: The Transfer on Death Provision, and related information below, are provided for general informational and educational purposes only, and the intent of the sample language is for the full interest and rights to go to the beneficiary. They are not intended to constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws governing LLCs and transferring LLC Membership Interest vary by state (ex: whether or not LLC Membership Interest can pass outside of probate), and enforceability depends on the specific facts and circumstances of each situation. We recommend consulting with an estate planning attorney before adopting, modifying, or relying upon any Operating Agreement and/or clause.

What is a Transfer on Death Provision?

A Transfer on Death (TOD) provision is a clause in your LLC Operating Agreement that designates who inherits your Membership Interest when you die. And it transfers your LLC Membership Interest to them automatically, without having to go through probate.

If you’re using our Manager-Managed Operating Agreement template:

  • you’ll just need to add the language listed below.

If you’re using our Member-Managed Operating Agreement template:

  • you’ll need to first look in Section VI (Dissolution Provisions) and remove 1(a).
  • then add the language listed below

Transfer Upon Death of a Member

Upon the death of a [Member 1], the deceased Member’s entire Membership Interest shall transfer to the beneficiary designated below, effective as of the date of death, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

The designated beneficiary shall automatically be admitted as a substituted Member and shall receive all economic, voting, and management rights associated with the Membership Interest, without the need for further approval by any other Member.

If no beneficiary is designated below, or if the designation is ineffective under applicable law, the Membership Interest shall transfer to the deceased Member’s estate, and the estate’s legal representative shall be admitted as a Member with full rights.

Beneficiary Designation
Member Name: ________________________
Beneficiary’s Name: ______________________
Beneficiary’s Address: ______________________________

Matt Horwitz, founder of LLC University®

Pro Tip: Another option is to first create a Revocable Living Trust and then create an LLC, and have the Trust be the owner (Member) of the LLC. Or if you already have an LLC, then you can assign the LLC Membership Interest to the Trust. In both of these cases, the LLC Member Interest will not go through probate when you die because the Trust – not you – owns the LLC.

Matt Horwitz
Matt Horwitz
Matt Horwitz is the leading expert on LLC education, and has been teaching for 15 years. He founded LLC University in 2010 after realizing people needed simple and actionable instructions to start an LLC. He's cited by Entrepreneur Magazine, Yahoo Finance, and the US Chamber of Commerce, and was featured by CNBC and InventRight.
 
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.

7 comments on “Free Kansas LLC Operating Agreement”

Disclaimer: Nothing on this page shall be interpreted as legal or tax advice. Rules and regulations vary by location. They also change over time and are specific to your situation. Furthermore, this comment section is provided so people can share their thoughts and experience. Please consult a licensed professional if you have legal or tax questions.

  1. Matt, thank you so much for taking your time to create these videos and all the information about forming an LLC.

    Mila Snider

    Reply
    • Hi Mila, thank you for taking the time to leave such a nice comment. You’re are very welcome! So glad to hear we could help :)

      Reply
  2. Can an LLC have policies/procedures that implement or interpret the operating agreement, or can they only have the operating agreement?

    Reply
    • Hi Susan, the LLC Operating Agreement can be customized if you’d like to add additional sections and expand upon anything. An LLC can also enter other agreements outside of the Operating Agreement, but they typically wouldn’t be created to interpret the Operating Agreement. Hope that helps.

      Reply

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