Plan: Starter contracts — $99/year
An operating agreement for your US LLC
Reviewed by Thiago Vieira — Lawyer admitted in Brazil (OAB) and Portugal (OA), founder of Pactum Global · Reviewed on October 12, 2026
The operating agreement sets out how your LLC works: who owns what, who decides, how profits are distributed and what happens when a member leaves. Banks, investors and partners ask for it — and without one your LLC falls back on default state rules that rarely match what the members agreed.
What your operating agreement covers
- Ownership percentages and capital contributions
- Profit distribution rules
- Management: member-managed or manager-managed
- Quorum and unanimous-consent matters
- Admission, withdrawal and death of members
- Single-member or multi-member LLC
- Included in the Starter contracts plan ($99/year), together with the services agreement, operating agreement, bylaws and shareholders agreement, privacy policy and terms and conditions.
Who needs it
Every US LLC, including single-member LLCs. If you formed your LLC and still have no operating agreement, this is the first document to sort out — many banks ask for it when opening an account.
Frequently asked questions
Does a single-member LLC need an operating agreement?
Yes. It helps show separation between you and the company and is requested by banks and payment processors.
Can I edit it later?
Yes. You download an editable .docx and can generate new versions during the year.
Is this legal advice?
No. Pactum generates general templates from your answers; for complex situations, consult a licensed attorney.