LLC Startup Guide

LLCs are the best business structure for most small businesses. Some startups must depend on outside investors. If that's the case for your business, we'll discuss starting a corporation.

An LLC is a business structure that combines the limited liability protection (personal asset protection) of a corporation with the simplicity and favorable tax structure of a sole proprietorship.

Learn more here: What is an LLC guide

An LLC can protect your personal assets. A business that carries any risk of liability should become an LLC or corporation because these business structures will protect your personal assets in the event that your business is sued or defaults on a debt.

LLCs are very easy to run, unlike a corporation. Only a startup that needs to attract investors should choose a corporation. 

LLCs offer several tax options, like S corporation tax status, that can save you money. 

Learn more here: LLC Benefits

Most startups will benefit most from an LLC but for those that will need funds from outside investors, it might be best to start a corporation.

There are 5 simple steps to starting an LLC:

1. Name your LLC
2. Choose a Registered Agent
3. File LLC Articles of Organization
4. Create an Operating Agreement
5. Get an EIN

Choose your state from the list below to learn what needs to be done in your state:

• Alabama LLC
• Alaska LLC
• Arizona LLC
• Arkansas LLC
• California LLC
• Colorado LLC
• Connecticut LLC
• Delaware LLC
• Florida LLC
• Georgia LLC
• Hawaii LLC
• Idaho LLC
• Illinois LLC
• Indiana LLC
• Iowa LLC
• Kansas LLC
• Kentucky LLC
• Louisiana LLC
• Maine LLC
• Maryland LLC
• Massachusetts LLC
• Michigan LLC
• Minnesota LLC
• Mississippi LLC
• Missouri LLC
• Montana LLC
• Nebraska LLC
• Nevada LLC
• New Hampshire LLC
• New Jersey LLC
• New Mexico LLC
• New York LLC
• North Carolina LLC
• North Dakota LLC
• Ohio LLC
• Oklahoma LLC
• Oregon LLC
• Pennsylvania LLC
• Rhode Island LLC
• South Carolina LLC
• South Dakota LLC
• Tennessee LLC
• Texas LLC
• Utah LLC
• Vermont LLC
• Virginia LLC
• Washington LLC
• Washington D.C. LLC
• West Virginia LLC
• Wisconsin LLC
• Wyoming LLC

If your LLC will have a physical presence in other states, you will need to file as a foreign LLC in those states.

Not sure which state you should start your LLC? Check out our Best State to Form an LLC guide.

You need the right business name in order to register your LLC with the state. You'll need to check your state's naming requirements and make sure the name is available by doing an LLC name search.

If you need help coming up with a catchy name, try our business name generator.

You can also search Godaddy for available domain names.

When you fill out your LLC registration forms, you'll also need to list your registered agent in most states.

A registered agent’s most important job is to accept service of process (legal summons) in the event of a lawsuit.

Many entrepreneurs choose to hire a registered agent service to help with this part of their business.

Step 4: File Your LLC With the State

This is the step we’ve all been waiting for— it’s time to officially form a limited liability company. You can do this on your own, with the help of a lawyer, or through one of these Best LLC Services.

To form an LLC, you will have to file your LLC formation documents with the state. These formation documents are usually called the Articles of Organization.

Most states offer online filing and fees for registering your LLC will vary from state to state.

Step 5: Create an LLC Operating Agreement

Creating an LLC operating agreement when forming an LLC is the only way for you and your members to legally define your roles and lock down your LLC’s management and ownership structure.

To learn more, read our What Is an LLC Operating Agreement guide. You can also download a template or create a custom Free LLC Operating Agreement using our online tool on How to Start an LLC.

Step 6: Get an EIN

The Employer Identification Number (EIN), is basically a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

You can easily get an EIN for free online through the IRS website. To learn more, read our What Is an EIN guide.

An LLC is taxed by default as a pass-through entity. This means the income passes through to LLC owners (members) individual tax returns where they are subject to self-employment taxes and income taxes based on the owner's tax bracket.

LLCs can also choose to be taxed as an S corporation or C corporation.

Learn more here: LLC Taxes

So you've formed your LLC, now what?

The first and most important thing to do is to protect your LLC’s corporate veil by opening a business bank account to separate your business from your personal accounts.

These are some of the most important things you need to do after forming your LLC:

• Open a business bank account
• Establish business credit
• Hire an accountant
• Register for business licenses and permits 
• Get business insurance
• Establish your web presence

Learn more here: After Forming an LLC

• How to Name an LLC
• Best LLC Services
• Best Registered Agent Services
• LLC Formation Checklist

IRS - Limited Liability Company (LLC):
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/limited-liability-company-llc 

IRS - S Corporations:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/s-corporations 

IRS - EIN:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online 

SBA - Small Business Guide:
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide 

SBA - Choose a Business Structure:
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure 

US Census Bureau - Small Business Statistics:
https://www.census.gov/smallbusiness 

SBA Office of Advocacy - Data on Small Business:
https://advocacy.sba.gov/data-on-small-business/ 

FRED - SBA Data for Small Business:
https://fred.stlouisfed.org/tags/series?t=sba