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Template Tuesday: The Initial Resolution You Need After LLC Formation

A foundational resolution template, free to all our readers.

Good Morning!

  1. Feature: Template Tuesday: The Initial Resolution You Need After LLC Formation (3 min read + free template)

  2. From the Archive: Who Can Own Your LLC—and What It Can Own Read it here

We hope your week is off to a great start!

-TCoL

Missed our last feature article? The Most Important New-Hire Document Read it here

Forming an LLC is about protection. You are building a legal wall between your business and your personal assets. But that wall is only as strong as the foundation you lay. The first layer of that foundation is documentation.

That is why you need an Initial Resolution.

Today we are giving you the template for free. No Premium subscription required. Because it is important that every LLC, even a single-member one, has this basic resolution to start doing business the right way.

TCL TEMPLATE Initial Resolution 082025.pdf142.64 KB • PDF File

What This Document Does

An Initial Resolution records a company decision. It says that your LLC has elected its officers and has authorized the opening of a bank or brokerage account. You sign it. The LLC signs it. And from that point forward, there is a written record that your company has officially acted.

Without this, you may run into problems. Banks often ask for a signed resolution before allowing you to open an account. If you show up with nothing in writing, you may be told to come back when your company paperwork is in order.

But this is not just about banks. This is about credibility and protection. A signed initial resolution begins the process of proving that your LLC is not a hobby or an alter ego. It is a business that follows proper formalities. That matters if you ever need to prove to the IRS or in court that your company and personal finances are separate.

Why You Need It Even if You Are the Only Member

Sole member LLCs still need to act like companies. Courts do not care how many members you have. They care whether you are treating the LLC like a business. When you sign a resolution as both the sole member and the lead officer of the company, you create a clear paper trail. That trail shows that decisions were made in a formal way.

This is how you maintain the limited liability that comes with the LLC structure. If you treat the company like it is just you, a judge may do the same. If you treat the company like a real entity with its own decisions and records, you give yourself the full benefit of legal protection that a limited liability company gives its owners.

What the Template Covers

This Initial Resolution template does a few important things, all in plain language.

  • Confirms that your LLC was approved by the state

  • Elects officers, such as a President or Secretary

  • Authorizes the opening of financial accounts

  • Gives specific people the authority to act on behalf of the company

It also anticipates common needs. The language allows designated officers to fill out applications, request debit or credit cards, and sign forms. Banks require that someone be specifically authorized to open the account. This document gives them what they need.

Get tools that work as hard as you do.

The Co. Letter Premium gives you instant access to a growing library of proven templates designed to help you and your LLC save time, improve cash flow, and protect your business. All are professionally prepared.

No Operating Agreement Yet? That’s Fine

You do not need to wait for an Operating Agreement to use this resolution. The resolution stands on its own. You can adopt it the day your LLC is approved. It is often the first formal action a company takes.

You should still prepare an Operating Agreement soon, especially if there is more than one member. But this document will let you take immediate steps while you work on the rest.

If you need an Operating Agreement, read our article Your LLC Is Missing Its Most Important Document to get started.

What This Is Not

This resolution is not an agreement between members. It is a company record. A clear and specific statement that the LLC has decided to take certain actions.

These kinds of records help build the story that your company is real and properly run.

Get It Done Early

We are giving this template away because it is essential and everyone should have it. You can fill it out in a few minutes and avoid common early-stage delays and confusion.

Complete the blanks. Sign it. File it in your records. And if this helps, know that we offer dozens more templates behind our inexpensive Premium subscription.

But today, this one is yours for free.

Because the best way to run your business is like a business, from day one.

Have an interesting business question and need a free bit of advice? Send your question to [email protected]. No confidential info, please!