LLC guides
Everything to know about your LLC.
From the first filing to the last one, in plain English. Read what you need now, and come back when the business reaches the next step.
LLC by state
Form in your state.
Every state has its own filing, fees, and yearly report. Pick yours for the steps, the state's current fees, and its official links.
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Start here
What an LLC is, how one comes together, and what it costs.
- 017 min read
What is an LLC?
What a limited liability company is, how it protects you, how it is taxed, and when forming one makes sense for a new business.
Read the guide - 028 min read
How to start an LLC
The steps to form an LLC in any state: choose a state and name, appoint a registered agent, file, write an operating agreement, get an EIN, and handle what comes after.
Read the guide - 038 min read
Forming a U.S. LLC from outside the U.S.
How founders outside the United States form a U.S. LLC: choosing a state, a registered agent and address, getting an EIN without an SSN, ITIN basics, banking, and yearly IRS filings.
Read the guide - 046 min read
Types of LLCs
Single-member and multi-member LLCs, member-managed and manager-managed, professional LLCs, series LLCs, and how tax choices fit in.
Read the guide - 056 min read
What an LLC costs
Every cost to plan for when you form an LLC, from the state filing fee to registered agent, licenses, annual reports, and franchise taxes.
Read the guide
Set it up
The name, the filing, and the paperwork behind a new LLC.
- 066 min read
Naming your LLC
LLC naming rules, restricted words, how to check availability, reserving a name, DBAs, and why a state filing is not a trademark.
Read the guide - 075 min read
Articles of organization
What articles of organization are, what goes on them, what they are called in different states, how to file, and why filings get rejected.
Read the guide - 086 min read
Operating agreement
What an LLC operating agreement does, whether your state requires one, what to put in it, and why single-member LLCs should have one too.
Read the guide - 095 min read
LLC lookup
How to search a state's business records to check a name, verify a company, find a registered agent, or confirm your own LLC is in good standing.
Read the guide - 106 min read
Foreign vs. domestic LLC
What domestic and foreign LLCs are, when you need to register in another state, how foreign qualification works, and whether to form out of state.
Read the guide
Keep it running
Reports, taxes, and changes that keep the business in good standing.
- 115 min read
Annual report
What an LLC annual report is, what it asks for, how often it is due, and what happens if you miss it, including late fees and administrative dissolution.
Read the guide - 127 min read
LLC taxes
How single-member and multi-member LLCs are taxed by default, self-employment tax, S corp and C corp elections, payroll, and state taxes.
Read the guide - 136 min read
Amending an LLC
How to change an LLC's name, registered agent, address, management, or members, which filings each change needs, and who else to notify.
Read the guide
Change or close
Bringing an LLC back, selling it, or closing it the right way.
- 145 min read
Reinstating an LLC
Why states dissolve LLCs, what the statuses mean, and the steps to reinstate an LLC and get back in good standing.
Read the guide - 157 min read
Selling an LLC
How selling an LLC works: membership interest sales vs. asset sales, what your operating agreement says, valuation, due diligence, closing, and taxes.
Read the guide - 166 min read
Dissolving an LLC
How to close an LLC properly: member approval, filing articles of dissolution, winding up, final tax returns, closing accounts, and keeping records.
Read the guide
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