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Articles of Incorporation / Operating Agreement

What these business formation docs are, why the SBA needs them, and how to upload the right version—so ownership details don’t slow you down.

WHY

The SBA needs to confirm how your business is legally structured and who owns it. These documents prove your company exists, is registered properly, and that your listed owners match the loan application.

If ownership details don’t line up between this doc, your tax return, and your application, the bank will pause the file until it’s clarified.

WHAT

Depending on your business type, this will be one or more of the following:

  • Articles of Incorporation (for corporations)

  • Articles of Organization (for LLCs)

  • Operating Agreement (for LLCs showing owner/member details)

  • Bylaws (optional for corporations—but don’t typically show ownership)

These should list:

  • Your business name and address

  • The names (and ideally percentages) of owners or members

  • Who is authorized to act on behalf of the business

👉 If your ownership has changed since this was filed, you may need to upload an amended version or other supporting docs.

HOW

  • Pull the original doc from when you registered your business

  • If you used LegalZoom, RocketLawyer, or another service, check your dashboard

  • If you can’t find it, you can usually get a copy from your Secretary of State’s website

📣 Pro Tips:

  • Make sure the names and percentages match what’s on your loan application

  • If your agreement doesn’t show ownership clearly, we’ll ask for a short signed confirmation

  • Be sure it’s signed and dated—no drafts or blank templates

 

FAQ – Articles / Operating Agreement

Q: My Operating Agreement doesn’t list ownership percentages—what do I do?

A: We’ll need either an amended version that includes them or a signed letter confirming ownership breakdown.

Q: The tax return shows different owners—will that be a problem?

A: Not if we have updated paperwork that explains the change. Let us know so we can help flag it properly.

Q: I’m a sole proprietor—do I need this?

A: Usually not. If you don’t have a formal LLC or corporation, just let us know.