How to Start an LLC
Forming an LLCLimited Liability Company — A business structure that protects your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits.Click for official info ↗ means filing Articles of Organization with your state ($50–$500), getting a free EINEmployer Identification Number — A federal tax ID number for a business, like an SSN for the company. Issued free by the IRS.Click for official info ↗ from the IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗, and signing an operating agreement. No lawyer required.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official US sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 8 steps
- Before You Go 30 min
Choose your state
Form the LLCLimited Liability Company — A business structure that protects your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits.Click for official info ↗ in the state where you will do business. Delaware/Wyoming only make sense for investors or specific cases — otherwise your home state is cheapest and simplest.
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go 1 hour
Pick and check a name
Your name must include "LLCLimited Liability Company — A business structure that protects your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits.Click for official info ↗" or "Limited Liability Company" and be unique in your state. Search the Secretary of State's business name database. Also check the USPTO trademark database.
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go 30 min
Choose a registered agent
This person/company receives legal mail for the LLCLimited Liability Company — A business structure that protects your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits.Click for official info ↗. You can be your own agent (you must have a physical state address), or pay a service ~$100–$300/year.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare 30 min
File Articles of Organization
File online with your Secretary of State ($50–$500 depending on state). The form is short: LLCLimited Liability Company — A business structure that protects your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits.Click for official info ↗ name, agent, members, and management structure.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare 15 min
Get an EIN from the IRS
Apply free at irs.gov/ein (takes 10 minutes, number issued instantly). Never pay a third party for this. Non-citizens without an SSNSocial Security Number — A 9-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration. It is the main US identity number for work, taxes, and credit.Click for official info ↗ can still get an EINEmployer Identification Number — A federal tax ID number for a business, like an SSN for the company. Issued free by the IRS.Click for official info ↗ by faxing Form SS-4.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare 1 hour
Sign an operating agreement
Even for single-member LLCs, this document proves your LLCLimited Liability Company — A business structure that protects your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits.Click for official info ↗ is a separate entity — critical for liability protection. Free templates are widely available.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay 1–2 weeks
Handle licenses, banking, and taxes
Open a dedicated LLCLimited Liability Company — A business structure that protects your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits.Click for official info ↗ bank account (never mix personal and business money), check if your industry needs licenses, and register for state sales tax if selling goods.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up yearly
Stay compliant annually
Most states require an annual report or franchise tax ($0–$800 — California is the priciest). Miss it and your LLCLimited Liability Company — A business structure that protects your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits.Click for official info ↗ can be dissolved.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-US resident form an LLC?
Yes. There is no citizenship or residency requirement. You need a registered agent in the state and can get an EINEmployer Identification Number — A federal tax ID number for a business, like an SSN for the company. Issued free by the IRS.Click for official info ↗ without an SSNSocial Security Number — A 9-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration. It is the main US identity number for work, taxes, and credit.Click for official info ↗ (by fax or mail using Form SS-4).
LLC or S-corp — which is better?
An LLCLimited Liability Company — A business structure that protects your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits.Click for official info ↗ is simpler and fine for most small businesses. An S-corp election can save on self-employment tax once net profit is roughly $40k–$60k+, but adds payroll requirements. Ask an accountant at that point.
Does an LLC protect me from everything?
No. It protects personal assets from business debts and lawsuits, but not from your own negligence, fraud, or unpaid payroll taxes — and not if you commingle personal and business funds.
Related