How to File an Iowa LLC Amendment
In order to amend your Certificate of Organization for an Iowa LLC, you must file an Amendment to Certificate of Organization with the Iowa Secretary of State, Business Services Division. In addition, you must pay the $50 filing fee. Our page offers a free, step-by-step guide to amending your Iowa LLC.
Amend Certificate of Organization for an Iowa LLC
Over time, you may need to update the information provided on your original Certificate of Organization. These changes can be made by filing an Amendment to Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State.
When do I need to file an Iowa Amendment to Certificate of Organization?
An Iowa LLC files an amendment when updates need to be made to the entity’s name, duration, principal/mailing address, or registered agent. If you only need to change your Iowa registered agent, you can file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent Office or Both (instead of an amendment) for $0—saving your business some money.
Do I need to amend my Iowa Certificate of Organization if I add a member to my LLC?
No. Changes in LLC membership are recorded on your Iowa LLC’s operating agreement. The operating agreement contains your members’ names and addresses, which means that when you want to add a new member, you just need to update your LLC’s operating agreement with the new member’s information. To change your LLC operating agreement, you should follow your operating agreement’s own rules for how it can be amended.
Note: If adding a new member changes your Iowa LLC from a single-member to a multi-member LLC, you will need to inform the IRS by filing Form 8832, Entity Classification Election. That’s because single-member and multi-member LLCs have different tax classifications by default. Single-member LLCs are taxed as disregarded entities, whereas multi-member LLCs are taxed as partnerships.
What do I include in my Iowa LLC amendment?
You’ll need to include the following information in your Iowa LLC amendment:
- Business name: Provide the current name of your entity.
- Date your Certificate of Organization was filed: Include the day, month, and year the Certificate of Organization was initially submitted. If you don’t know the exact date, you can easily find it by searching the Iowa Business Database.
- Amendments: Write all necessary amendments.
- Signature: Sign and print the name of the person filing the amendment. This must be a member, manager, or attorney-in-fact.
- Fees: Include a payment for $50.
Unfortunately, the state doesn’t provide businesses with a form—which means you’ll need to create your own.
How do I file an Iowa LLC amendment?
The Iowa Amendment to Certificate of Organization can be filed by mail, in person, or online. Paper filings must be paid with a check/money order made payable to “Secretary of State.” Online submissions must be paid with a credit card.
To file online, go to the Iowa Fast Track Filing page. Select “Amendment” from the drop down menu.Enter your payment information, contact information, and upload a PDF file of your Iowa LLC amendment. Then click “Send.”
How much does an Iowa LLC amendment cost?
The filing fee for an Iowa LLC amendment is $50.
How long does it take the state to process an Iowa LLC amendment?
Amendment to Certificate of Organization takes approximately 1-3 business days to process. There are no options for expedited processing.
Can I restate the initial articles instead of filing an Iowa LLC amendment?
Yes, you can restate your initial certificate instead of filing an amendment. Again, the state doesn’t provide businesses with a form, so you will need to create your own. The document must include the entity’s current name and initial filing date. You’ll also need to include any necessary amendments. The filing fee is the same—$50.
Does my Iowa LLC Amendment need a specific title?
No, the requirements for filing an Amendment to Certificate of Organization do not include a specific title. However, if you choose to restate your Certificate of Organization instead, you must title your document “Restatement of Certificate of Amendment.”
Where do I submit my Iowa LLC amendment?
Iowa LLC Amendments must be submitted to the Iowa Secretary of State, Business Services Division.
Mailed/In-Person Filings:
321 E. 12th Street
First Floor, Lucas Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
Online Filings:
Iowa Fast Track Business Filing