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LLC Formation Guide

How to Start an LLC: Before, During and After Filing

Forming the LLC is straightforward. Choosing the right state and structure—and completing the work after approval—deserves equal attention.

Chris Jackson
Chris Jackson, Esq.California Business Attorney
Reviewed August 2026
SHORT ANSWER

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.

READY TO FORM?

Start your LLC with Bizee and receive Chris's Free LLC Starter Kit.

Choose the state, follow the guided formation process and return to request your qualifying startup documents.

Start My LLC + Get the Free Starter Kit →
Follow the formation process step by stepWatch on YouTube ↗

Before you file

Make the decisions that are harder to change later.

01

Formation state

Your home state is often practical. Wyoming or Delaware can make sense in particular situations, but another-state formation may add costs.

02

Ownership and management

Identify the members and percentages, then decide whether the LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed.

Step by step

Form the LLC in a clear sequence.

02

Select a registered agent

The agent receives legal and state notices at a physical address in the formation state. Bizee currently includes registered-agent service in the first year when it forms the LLC; review the renewal terms.

03

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.

04

Keep the approved record

Save the stamped filing and state confirmation with the LLC's permanent records, then complete the post-approval setup.

READY TO FORM?

Make the filing easier—and start with the right documents.

Bizee offers a $0 Basic option plus state fees and one-time Standard and Premium packages. Eligible formations through Chris's link can receive the Free LLC Starter Kit.

Form My LLC with Bizee + Get the Starter Kit →

After approval

The filing is not the finish line.

Obtain the EIN when appropriate

Use it for federal tax administration and commonly for banking and payroll.

Read the EIN guide →
CONTINUE THE JOURNEY

Use the Roadmap after approval.

Move from formation through setup, operation and protection.

Continue on the Roadmap →
Educational information only. This page is not legal or tax advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Some links are affiliate links.