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Get your LLC started in any state without the legal jargon
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You've been sold on the benefits of an LLC for your business, but you want to make sure you set up everything right. When you've put your life into your small business, you're not going to risk losing it because you failed to comply with one of the many local, state, or federal laws that might apply to your business. That's why we've teamed up with New Business Filing to tell you everything you need to know about how to register an LLC.
Registering an LLC: Quick Steps
- Choose a name for your LLC.
- Designate a registered agent for your LLC.
- Complete your state's LLC organization form.
- File the form with your state.
- Maintain your registration status annually.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
How to Register an LLC
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Choose a unique name for your LLC. Brainstorm a name that's catchy and creative—you want something people will remember! Aim for something unique and try multiple combinations. For example, JT Trucking LLC might not be a good choice since it's pretty generic, but James R Thompson Transportation LLC is likely to be available. [1] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Small Business Administration U.S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source
- Search the internet for potential business names to make sure there aren't other businesses near you with similar names.
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Designate a registered agent for your LLC. The registered agent is the person or business you appoint to accept business mail and legal service on behalf of your company. The main point of registering your business in a state where you do business is providing information about your registered agent. [2] X Research source
- Essentially, if you're going to be doing business in the state, the state wants to know how to tell you that someone is suing you. That's why you need a separate registered agent in every state where you do business.
- If you do business in multiple states, you'll need to find someone in each state who will act as your registered agent. Most businesses just use a registered agent service, such as New Business Filing , that has offices in all states.
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Fill out your state's LLC organization form. You don't need to hire a lawyer (although you can) to draw up your paperwork to form an LLC. Each state has its own form and fees that are designed to meet the requirements of the state law that governs LLCs, which is why you will need to file in each state you will be doing business in. Since these business structures only exist under state law, that's all you really need to be concerned about. [3] X Trustworthy Source Internal Revenue Service U.S. government agency in charge of managing the Federal Tax Code Go to source
- While these forms are designed to be relatively straightforward, they might include legal terms that you don't know the full definition of. New Business Filing offers expert filing assistance to help you figure out what information you need to provide so you can get it right the first time, saving you time and money.
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Create an Operating Agreement. An operating agreement outlines the ownership and operating procedures of the LLC. While it's not legally required, creating an operating agreement helps prevent future conflicts among members. [4] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Small Business Administration U.S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source
- Most start-ups typically don't require a complex Operating Agreement, but for more complex agreements you might want to consult a lawyer.
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Obtain an EIN. Even if you don't have any employees, your LLC still needs an employer identification number (EIN). This number is basically like your business's Social Security number—it enables you to keep your own finances separate rom your business's and is required to open a business bank account. [5] X Trustworthy Source Internal Revenue Service U.S. government agency in charge of managing the Federal Tax Code Go to source
- Reporting and tax requirements for your LLC depend on what tax status you've elected for your buisness and how much profit your business is making.
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Maintain your LLC registration status. Different states have different ongoing requirements for registered LLCs. Typically, you're expected to file an annual return and pay annual fees. Your state tax board might require additional documentation. [6] X Trustworthy Source U.S. Small Business Administration U.S. government agency focused on supporting small businesses Go to source
- It's super important to keep up with all of these deadlines so that your registration doesn't lapse. It's typically much cheaper and easier to renew a registration than it is to reapply.
- With New Business Filing , you can sign up for a subscription service that does this automatically each time your annual report is due, keeping you in compliance with the state.
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References
- ↑ https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-your-business-name
- ↑ https://www.score.org/resource/article/should-you-hire-a-registered-agent-or-be-your-own
- ↑ https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/limited-liability-company-llc
- ↑ https://www.sba.gov/blog/basic-information-about-operating-agreements
- ↑ https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
- ↑ https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/register-your-business#id-stay-up-to-date-with-registration-requirements
- ↑ https://www.fincen.gov/boi-faqs#A_1
- ↑ https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
- ↑ https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/register-your-business
- ↑ https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-your-business-name
- ↑ https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
- ↑ https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
- ↑ https://www.score.org/resource/article/should-you-hire-a-registered-agent-or-be-your-own
- ↑ https://andysirkin.com/wp-content/uploads/LLC-Cost-Comparison-By-State.pdf
- ↑ https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/processing-dates
- ↑ https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics
- ↑ https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure
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