Key Takeaways

  • LLC titles clarify authority, roles, and responsibilities within the company.
  • Members are the owners of an LLC, while managers or officers may handle daily operations.
  • Titles such as CEO, President, or Managing Member help build credibility with third parties.
  • Flexibility allows LLCs to adopt corporate-style officer titles if desired, but clarity and professionalism should guide the choice.
  • Legal requirements vary by state, and some titles may carry restrictions or liability risks.
  • Business documents, contracts, and communications should consistently use correct titles to avoid confusion or disputes.

An LLC title refers to the title of someone within a limited liability company (LLC). A person's business title helps denote his or her authority to act on behalf of the company. If someone is considering entering into a contract with another person, the person's title might provide assurance of their role and authority within the LLC. In an LLC, the partners or owners might have various titles, depending on the original organization of the business.

Members

The owners of an LLC are referred to as members. A member is basically the same as a partner in a partnership, with a voice in managerial and operational decisions. Members also have the right to receive a portion of the LLC's profits. Because LLCs offer more flexibility in how they are structured, the members of an LLC might choose different titles for the various people involved in the business.

Manager-Managed Structures

Limited liability companies can be managed by the members or by designated managers. A manager-managed LLC's ownership is split between the members and the managers. The members can invest in the company and receive a portion of its profits, but they won't make managerial decisions for the business. In this type of LLC, the managers take care of the operations on a daily business and help shape how the business will run through the decisions they make.

Member-Managed vs. Manager-Managed Titles

In a member-managed LLC, each owner is directly involved in decision-making. Common titles include Managing Member or simply Member. This structure works best for small businesses where all members want an active role.

In a manager-managed LLC, members appoint one or more managers who handle day-to-day decisions. Managers may adopt corporate-style titles such as CEO, President, or Managing Director to signal authority. Meanwhile, non-managing owners typically retain the title Member to reflect their ownership interest without implying managerial power.

Officers and Directors

The owners of a corporation, referred to as shareholders, will elect a board of directors. The board runs the business. Some of the members of the board of directors might be shareholders in the company, but this isn't a requirement. While the board of directors is responsible for running the business, it can also elect officers to handle certain tasks.

For example, an elected treasurer is typically responsible for financial matters. Although this is more common in corporations, LLCs can use a similar organizational structure. According to a California-based business law firm, Methven & Associates, it is not common for an LLC to structure itself with directors and officers, but it is certainly an option.

Common Officer Titles in LLCs

Although LLCs are not required to use officer titles, many choose to adopt them for clarity and professionalism. Common examples include:

  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Oversees strategy and operations, often used in larger LLCs.
  • President: Similar to a CEO but may focus more on day-to-day management.
  • Vice President: Handles specific divisions or serves as second-in-command.
  • Treasurer or Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Manages finances, reporting, and budgets.
  • Secretary: Responsible for recordkeeping, compliance, and internal documentation.

Using officer titles can make external dealings easier since many vendors, banks, and partners expect to interact with individuals holding recognizable authority.

Membership Interests

Something that sets LLCs apart from other business structures is each member's interest in the business. All members might have an equal interest in the company, although this isn't a requirement. Some LLCs choose to formulate membership interest based on the investment each member makes. When forming a multi-member LLC, make sure to include membership interests and ownership stakes in the operating agreement. The owner of a single-member LLC owns 100 percent of the business. 

When forming a multi-member LLC, you should make sure to write an operating agreement that describes each member's ownership stake in the company. This description should include how profits and losses will be distributed to company members. With a single-member LLC, you would have complete ownership of the company, as you are the only member. You will not need to write an operating agreement for this type of LLC.

Official Names for LLC Owners and Managers

An owner of an LLC is referred to as a member. An LLC might have one or up to 100 members. Some LLCs are managed by the members, while other LLCs' members have no involvement in the day-to-day operations of the business. If the latter applies, the LLC is run by managers that have been selected by the members. During an LLC's formation, the members must specify whether the business is member-managed or manager-managed.

Titles for External Representation

Choosing the right LLC titles is especially important when dealing with outsiders such as banks, clients, or regulators. A title should:

  • Clearly reflect authority to bind the company in agreements.
  • Avoid misleading implications (e.g., “Partner” or “Proprietor,” which imply different legal structures).
  • Remain professional and credible for business negotiations.

Some LLCs use traditional business titles like CEO or President externally while using Member or Managing Member internally in legal documents. This dual approach maintains legal clarity while projecting professionalism in the marketplace.

Business Cards and Communications

With regard to business cards, be sure to keep it simple. If you are the sole proprietor in your LLC, you can call yourself whatever you like — CEO, President, etc. But be professional and, as always, remain consistent. If your business card indicates that you are the CEO, then make sure that you send emails with that title in your signature line so not to confuse your current or prospective clients.

LLC Flexibility Benefits

LLC regulations can differ depending on the state where you form your company. The laws regulating LLCs, however, were specifically designed to help small business owners structure their company in whatever way that they want or need. The flexibility provided by the LLC structure allows you to create an operating agreement that works best for your company.

In your operating agreement, you can describe the titles that you wish to use in your LLC. Unlike your operating agreement, which you can tailor to your needs, your LLC's Articles of Organization must follow a rigid format as determined by the rules in your state.

Explanation of LLC Titles

The terms ‘managing member' and ‘member' are the two most common titles for the owners of an LLC. While you can stick with these titles, there are other terms you can use to refer to your LLC owners if state laws allow them. Some of the other terms you could use for the owners of your company include:

  1. Principal
  2. Founder
  3. Co-founder
  4. Owner

If you are an LLC member that has no day-to-day role in the company, your title could simply be ‘investor.' Managing members can use titles that are easily understood by those outside the business, such as president or CEO. Before forming your LLC, it's a good idea to learn about some of the titles you can give to individuals within your company.

Many of the titles you will use in your LLC are meant to indicate your company's corporate officers. Titles such as treasurer, for example, indicate what a person does in your company. Corporate titles are often not a legal requirement, although most LLCs use them. Depending on your state's laws, there are some titles that you will be legally required to use. These titles are crucial if you want to agree to contracts with other businesses and individuals. Required LLC titles will be similar in most states, although you should check the rules in your state to make sure you are using the correct terms.

Choose Titles With Authority

In many cases, when you choose a title, you should use terms that describe what you do for your LLC. For example, you could use the title ‘sales director,' which means you are in charge of overseeing your company's sales. You should be certain that your title provides an accurate description of your role by fully describing all LLC titles and roles in your company's operating agreement. By providing a full description of your title, and ensuring that the title reflects your responsibilities, you'll be guaranteeing that you have the legal authority to sign documents using your title on behalf of your company.

Industry-Specific Considerations for LLC Titles

Depending on the industry, certain titles may hold more weight. For example:

  • In real estate LLCs, Managing Member or Managing Partner is common.
  • In professional service LLCs (law firms, medical practices), titles like Managing Partner or Principal are often used.
  • In tech startups, founders frequently adopt CEO or Co-Founder to establish credibility with investors.

When selecting an LLC title, consider both legal accuracy and industry norms to ensure that clients, lenders, and partners clearly understand your authority.

Good Choices for Titles vs. Titles to Avoid

There are three important things you should remember when picking a title for LLC. To begin with, there are certain titles that are better than others. If you include something like ‘CEO,' ‘President,' or ‘Principal' in the title, this may show that you have more authority. Further, you'll have to indicate LLC or L.L.C. at the end of your title. Most importantly, you'll want to pick a name that is available to you! Before you start getting creative and jotting down title ideas, you'll want to run searches on the Secretary of State's website to ensure that the name ideas you have are free and available for use. While you're at it, look online and ensure that the domain name is free to use so that you can have a matching website address.

Some LLC titles that are unseemly or could cause you issues include:

  • Titles with the word ‘accomplice'
  • Titles that would otherwise steer potential clients and customers away, i.e., titles that are inappropriate, uninviting, and otherwise lack a sense of professionalism.
  • Based on state law (in most states), you cannot have an LLC with certain words in it; this includes but is not limited to University, School, Bank, Insurance, etc. These types of names are generally restricted. You'll want to check with your respective Secretary of State's website to ensure that you are fully aware of what terms can and cannot be used.
  • Additionally, remember that, if you are not a doctor, you cannot utilize the word ‘Doctor.' Similarly, if you are not a lawyer, you cannot utilize the term ‘Lawyer' or ‘Legal Services' in your title name.

Certain LLC titles, while they can be used, may cause problems for your business, and are probably best avoided. For example, you should refrain from using the word partner in any of your company titles.

LLC members could certainly consider themselves as partners, but it's important to remember that limited liability companies and partnerships are legally distinct business entities. With a general partnership, for example, no partners receive limited liability. If you use the word partner in an LLC title and sign a contract using this title, you could be exposing yourself to personal liability.

Proprietor is another word to avoid using in an LLC title, even if you are the only owner of your company. While you may like how the title sounds, calling yourself the proprietor may result in confusion, since a sole proprietorship is its own type of business entity. The better idea is to call yourself an owner.

You should never use made-up titles in your LLC. To avoid using dry corporate titles such as president, business owners sometimes create their own titles such as lead coordinator. The problem with made-up titles is that they often don't give the public any idea what you actually do within your company. If you are set on using an invented title, you should combine it with a title that people are likely to recognize. For example, you could call yourself the lead coordinator/president.

Finally, you should be cautious about using a humorous title. Although your customer base may appreciate humorous titles, they can be embarrassing when it comes time to negotiate a deal with another company. If you want to use a humorous title, do so internally, and stick to traditional titles for interacting with people outside your LLC. As always, do your research beforehand. Take your time and understand the state requirements before creating your LLC title. This name will be with you for a long time, so you want to ensure that you not only follow the requirements of the law, but also choose a name that will work for you.

Legal Title Issues

When you file for state recognition of your new LLC, you typically must designate how your company will be managed: either member-managed when you have one or more members manage the company, or manager-managed when you hire a professional who is not a member to make operational decisions for your company. When your top executive signs legal documents, contracts or agreements, they must use their legal title to properly execute these documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do LLCs need official titles like corporations do?
    No. Unlike corporations, LLCs are not required to have officer titles, but adopting them can help clarify authority and build credibility.
  2. What is the difference between a Member and a Managing Member?
    A Member is an owner of the LLC. A Managing Member is both an owner and someone who actively manages operations.
  3. Can I call myself CEO of my LLC?
    Yes. Many LLC owners adopt corporate-style titles like CEO or President to establish authority, especially when dealing with external parties.
  4. Should my LLC title appear on contracts?
    Yes. Using your correct title in contracts ensures that agreements are legally binding and prevents confusion over your authority to act for the LLC.
  5. Are there titles I should avoid in my LLC?
    Yes. Avoid terms like Partner, Proprietor, or misleading professional titles (e.g., Doctor or Lawyer without credentials), as these may create liability or misrepresentation issues.

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