A sample operating agreement for a corporation is a legally binding document that outlines the rules, regulations, and procedures that govern the operations and management of a corporation. The agreement serves as a roadmap for the corporation's shareholders or members, detailing their rights, responsibilities, and obligations. The key components of a sample operating agreement for a corporation typically include: 1. Name and Purpose: The agreement begins by stating the corporation's full legal name and its primary purpose or objectives. 2. Formation and Duration: This section describes how the corporation was formed, including the date of incorporation and the duration of the agreement. 3. Capital Contributions: This clause outlines the initial capital contributions made by the shareholders and details any future contributions required. 4. Ownership and Stock: It specifies the ownership structure of the corporation, details the types and classes of stock available, and defines the rights and privileges associated with each class. 5. Voting Rights and Decision-Making: This section establishes the voting rights of shareholders or individuals, outlining how major decisions are made, and determining the voting thresholds required for various actions. 6. Management and Officers: It delineates the roles, responsibilities, and authority of the corporation's officers and managers, clarifying their decision-making powers and term limits, if any. 7. Meetings and Quorum: This clause defines the procedures for conducting shareholder meetings, establishing the required quorum for decision-making, and determining how voting is conducted. 8. Distributions and Allocations: It outlines the distribution and allocation of profits, losses, and other earnings among the shareholders, determining how dividends or distributions are distributed. 9. Dissolution and Termination: This section establishes the conditions and procedures for dissolving the corporation, including the provisions for distributing assets and settling debts. 10. Amendments: It details the process for amending the operating agreement, including the required majority vote or consent of the shareholders. Different types of sample operating agreements for corporations can vary based on factors such as the jurisdiction, industry, or specific requirements of the corporation. Some common variations include: 1. Single-Member Operating Agreement: This agreement is designed for corporations with a single owner or shareholder and may have specific provisions related to the management and governance of such entities. 2. Multi-Member Operating Agreement: This type of agreement applies to corporations with multiple owners or shareholders and may include additional provisions related to voting rights, profit-sharing, and dispute resolution. 3. Professional Corporation Operating Agreement: Specifically tailored for professional service firms such as accounting, legal, or medical practices, this agreement may have unique clauses related to professional liability and restrictions on ownership. 4. Nonprofit Corporation Operating Agreement: For nonprofit corporations, this agreement typically focuses on the organization's charitable purposes, tax-exempt status, fundraising regulations, and governance structure. In conclusion, a sample operating agreement for a corporation is a crucial legal document that establishes guidelines for the corporation's operations and management. Customization is important, as different types of corporations may require specific agreements to suit their unique needs.