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How to Start an LLC
Forming an LLC takes 30-60 minutes online and costs $50-300 depending on state. It separates your personal assets from business liability — critical the moment you have customers or contractors. This walks through name, state, registered agent, articles of organization, EIN, and operating agreement.
Your Progress
0 of 7 steps completedStep-by-Step Instructions
1 Step 1: Pick the state to form in
Step 1: Pick the state to form in
Form in YOUR home state unless you have a specific reason not to. Wyoming and Delaware get hyped — they're only useful if you're doing high-value or interstate business. For most solopreneurs, your home state is cheapest and simplest.
Your home state (recommended for most)
No 'foreign LLC' registration in another state. Annual reports and taxes simplest. The default for 90% of LLCs.
Wyoming
$100 filing, $60/year. Strong asset protection, anonymous ownership allowed. Useful for holding companies or out-of-state real estate.
Delaware
$110 filing, $300/year. Best for raising venture capital or having complex member structures. Overkill for typical LLCs.
2 Step 2: Pick a business name
Step 2: Pick a business name
Must be unique in your state and end with 'LLC' or 'Limited Liability Company.' Search your state's business registry (usually free) before getting attached to a name.
Check state registry for availability
Google '[your state] business entity search.' Most states have free name lookups. Reserve the name if your state offers it.
Check matching domain available
Use Namecheap to verify the .com is available. Skip names where the domain is taken.
Avoid restricted words
Banking, insurance, university — most states restrict these. Avoid in your LLC name unless you actually do that work.
3 Step 3: Pick a registered agent
Step 3: Pick a registered agent
Every LLC needs a registered agent — a person or company that receives legal mail. You CAN be your own, but your address becomes public and you must be available during business hours.
Northwest Registered Agent ($125/year)
Privacy-focused — they're the listed agent. Includes mail scanning. ~$125/year.
Self (free, public address)
List your home or office address. Free but means your personal address is on public records, and you must be available 9-5.
ZenBusiness ($199/year + filing)
All-in-one — they file your LLC AND act as registered agent. Easier but pricier. ~$199/year + state fee.
4 Step 4: File Articles of Organization with the state
Step 4: File Articles of Organization with the state
Submit the form online via your state's Secretary of State website. Fee ranges $50-$500 depending on state ($50 in Arizona, $500 in Massachusetts). Approval is usually 1-7 business days.
File online via Secretary of State website
Search '[your state] file LLC' for the official portal. NEVER use random Google ads — they're third-party services charging $200 markup over the state fee.
Pay only the state filing fee
$50-500 depending on state. Your state's site shows the actual fee. Anything labeled 'expedited processing' is optional ($25-200 extra for faster approval).
5 Step 5: Get an EIN from the IRS (free)
Step 5: Get an EIN from the IRS (free)
Employer Identification Number — your business's federal tax ID. Required to open a business bank account, hire employees, or file taxes. Apply directly at irs.gov for free; never pay for an EIN through a third party.
Apply free at irs.gov
EIN Online Assistant: irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online. Takes 5 minutes, immediate.
International? Fax or mail Form SS-4
Non-US residents can't use the online tool. Fax SS-4 to (855) 215-1627 — takes 1-2 weeks.
6 Step 6: Write an operating agreement
Step 6: Write an operating agreement
Most states don't require one but every LLC NEEDS one. It documents who owns what, who decides what, and what happens if a member leaves. Single-member LLCs need a simple one; multi-member LLCs need a detailed one.
Single-member template (free)
Templates from Northwest Registered Agent or RocketLawyer. 1-2 pages. Just adapt and sign.
Multi-member: pay a lawyer ($500-2000)
Multi-member operating agreements address profit splits, voting, dissolution. Worth paying for if you're partnering with anyone.
7 Step 7: Open a business bank account
Step 7: Open a business bank account
Separate business banking is the #1 thing that maintains the LLC's liability shield. Co-mingling personal and business funds gives lawyers an opening to 'pierce the corporate veil' and come after your personal assets.
Mercury (free, online-only)
Built for startups. Free business checking with debit card, no monthly fees. Best fit for solopreneurs. ~$0/year.
Bluevine Business Checking (free)
Free, includes 2% APY on balances up to $250k. Good rates, decent app.
Chase Business Complete ($15/month or $2k balance)
Brick-and-mortar option. Local branch deposits, cash deposits. Best for businesses handling physical cash.
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