Plan, file, then finish the setup.
Choose the formation state, ownership and management before filing. Then select the name and registered agent, file the formation document, and complete the operating agreement, EIN, banking and records after approval.
LLC filing rules and costs depend on the formation state.
Select your state for the official filing steps, current fees and DIY, Northwest and Bizee options.
Before you file
Make the decisions that are harder to change later.
Ownership and management
Identify the members and percentages, then decide whether the LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed.
Purpose and risk
Consider what the LLC will own and whether a holding-company structure should be evaluated first.
Tax direction
Understand the default tax classification and discuss any S corporation election with a qualified tax adviser.
Step by step
Form the LLC in a clear sequence.
Choose and check the name
Use a preliminary name search before filing. Final name availability is determined by the formation state.
Select a registered agent
The agent receives legal and state notices at a physical address in the formation state. Both formation services Chris recommends—Northwest and Bizee—currently include registered-agent service for the first year with qualifying LLC formation. Review current terms and renewal prices.
File the formation document
File the Articles or Certificate of Organization and pay the required state fee. You may file directly or use a service to prepare and submit it.
Keep the approved record
Save the stamped filing and state confirmation with the LLC's permanent records, then complete the post-approval setup.
Prefer help preparing and filing the formation documents?
Bizee provides a guided online formation process and currently includes registered-agent service for the first year. Review the available packages, optional services and renewal terms before ordering.
After approval
The filing is not the finish line.
Document ownership, management, authority and financial rules.
Read the operating-agreement guide →Use it for federal tax administration and commonly for banking and payroll.
Read the EIN guide →Keep the company's income and expenses separate from personal finances.
Read the banking guide →Record owner contributions or loans and establish a clean bookkeeping system.
Read the LLC funding guide →Common questions
How to Start an LLC FAQs
What are the basic steps to start an LLC?+
Choose the formation state, select an available name, appoint a registered agent, decide how the LLC will be managed, file the state formation document, prepare an operating agreement and complete the EIN, banking, licensing and compliance steps that apply.
How much does it cost to start an LLC?+
The cost depends on the state filing fee and any optional formation, registered-agent, expedited-processing or professional services. State guides on The LLC Guide list current filing and recurring costs.
Do I need a registered agent for my LLC?+
Every state requires an LLC to maintain a registered agent or equivalent agent for service of process. An owner may qualify to serve in many states, or the LLC can hire a commercial service.
What should I do after my LLC is approved?+
Keep the approved filing, complete the operating agreement, obtain an EIN when required or useful, open a separate bank account, document funding and address applicable licenses, taxes, insurance and recurring reports.
Use the Roadmap after approval.
Move from formation through setup, operation and protection.