West Virginia LLC Conversion & Amendment Guide Rashad Evans, June 3, 2023June 7, 2023 Welcome to the West Virginia LLC Conversion & Amendment Guide, your comprehensive resource for understanding the process of converting and amending your LLC in the state of West Virginia. Table of Contents Toggle Converting from Sole Proprietorship to LLC in West VirginiaSecretary of State and State Tax Department Requirements for LLC ConversionUnderstanding Trade Name (DBA) for West Virginia LLCConversions and Mergers of Corporations to LLCs in West VirginiaStep By Step Guide to Filing a West Virginia LLC AmendmentWest Virginia LLC Amendment: Restating Initial Articles or Filing an AmendmentCost and Processing Time for West Virginia LLC AmendmentFiling and Return Process for West Virginia LLC Amendment Converting from Sole Proprietorship to LLC in West Virginia Converting from a sole proprietorship to an LLC in West Virginia involves filing an amendment form with the West Virginia Secretary of State. The procedure requires changes to the original Articles of Organization, including changes to officers, managers, addresses, and the company’s name. The process changes the business structure from a sole proprietorship to an LLC, which provides benefits such as limited liability protection and tax flexibility. The conversion process has specific requirements and may have tax consequences, so it’s essential to plan through the changes carefully. Follow the step-by-step guide provided by the West Virginia Business Division and file the necessary forms and fees to complete the conversion. Secretary of State and State Tax Department Requirements for LLC Conversion To convert your West Virginia LLC, you need to file an amendment form with the West Virginia Secretary of State (SOS) and State Tax Department. Officers and managers must approve the amendment and file it with the SOS. You will also need to file a statement of the changes made to your LLC. Address changes, officer changes, and manager changes all require separate forms. If your LLC has a trade name, you will need to file an application for the trade name. Once you have filed the necessary forms, you will receive a certificate of amendment and a certificate of authority if you’re a foreign corporation. Don’t forget to update your business license and LLC operating agreement to reflect the changes. Understanding Trade Name (DBA) for West Virginia LLC A trade name, also known as DBA (doing business as), is a name under which a company conducts business. West Virginia LLCs can use a trade name in addition to their legal name. The trade name must be registered with the West Virginia Secretary of State (SOS). The procedure for filing amendments to change a trade name is similar to other changes, such as manager or officer changes, address changes, or amendments to articles of organization. The process involves filing an application with the West Virginia SOS and paying a filing fee. It’s important to note that changing the trade name does not change the company’s legal name, and the original West Virginia Articles of Amendment must be kept on file. Conversions and Mergers of Corporations to LLCs in West Virginia Converting your corporation to an LLC in West Virginia is a straightforward process. The first step is to file an amendment with the West Virginia Secretary of State (SOS) to change your corporation into an LLC. This amendment should include a statement of conversion and any manager changes. You’ll also need to file the original West Virginia Articles of Amendment. Next, you’ll need to create an LLC operating agreement and file a certificate of authority if you plan on doing business through the LLC in another state. You may also need to withdraw the corporation from any states where it was previously registered. Be aware of the tax consequences of this conversion, and make sure to obtain any necessary business licenses and registrations. Webinarcare and ZenBusiness Inc offer services to assist with the LLC formation process. The filing fee for the conversion is $50, and additional fees may apply for other filings. west virginia“> Step By Step Guide to Filing a West Virginia LLC Amendment Filing an amendment for your West Virginia LLC can be a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through it: 1. Start by visiting the West Virginia Secretary of State (SOS) website and downloading the LLC amendment form. 2. Fill out the form with accurate and up-to-date information. 3. Pay the required fee for the amendment filing. 4. Submit the completed form to the West Virginia SOS either in person, by mail, or online. 5. Wait for the West Virginia SOS to process your amendment, which can take up to two weeks. 6. Once your amendment is approved, make sure to update your company records and any other relevant documents, such as your operating agreement. 7. If you’re also considering converting your business entity, make sure to review West Virginia Code and consult with a legal professional. 8. Lastly, keep in mind that the process changes if you’re a foreign corporation or have withdrawn from West Virginia. By following these steps, you can ensure that your West Virginia LLC amendment filing goes smoothly and without any issues. West Virginia LLC Amendment: Restating Initial Articles or Filing an Amendment West Virginia LLCs may need to amend their initial articles if they contain errors or omissions. This can be done by either restating the initial articles or filing an amendment. Filing amendments can be done online or by mail using the West Virginia Code. The process involves providing information such as the LLC’s name, the two points of amendment, and the name and address of the director or member making the request. The Business Division will review the amendment and issue a copy of the amended articles. If withdrawing from one state or converting to a different kind of business-entity, a business-entity conversion process must be followed. Ensure you have all the facts and necessary information before starting. A service such as ZenBusiness Inc or WebinarCare can help guide you through the process. Don’t forget to update your business name, agent, and business license accordingly. Cost and Processing Time for West Virginia LLC Amendment Amendment Type Cost Processing Time Articles of Amendment $25 1-2 business days Amendment to the Operating Agreement No fee Filed with the Secretary of State and effective immediately upon filing Change of Registered Agent/Office $15 1-2 business days Conversion from LLC to Corporation $50 1-2 business days Conversion from Corporation to LLC $50 1-2 business days Filing and Return Process for West Virginia LLC Amendment To file an amendment for your West Virginia LLC, you will need to complete a form with the West Virginia Secretary of State. The form requires you to provide information about your LLC, such as its name and the changes you wish to make. Once completed, you will need to file the form and pay a fee. The processing time for the amendment can vary based on factors such as the workload of the Secretary of State’s office. You will also need to update any relevant business registrations and IRS filings. It may be helpful to consult with a service or attorney familiar with the business-entity conversion process to ensure that you complete all steps correctly. Rashad EvansWas this article helpful?YesNo LLC Formation Process