Every step from "I have an idea" to a fully legit, compliant LLC — in order, with nothing skipped. Print it, pin it, check it off.
Decisions to lock in first — they're painful to change later.
Default to your home state. Delaware/Wyoming only make sense if you're raising venture capital or have specific privacy needs — otherwise you'll pay fees in two states.
Search your state's business registry, check the domain, and run a quick USPTO trademark search. Your name must include "LLC."
List every member and their ownership percentage before you file — verbal agreements between co-founders are where lawsuits come from.
You can be your own (your address becomes public record, and you must be available during business hours) or use a service (~$100–150/yr).
The actual formation — usually 10 minutes online.
Filed with your state (called a Certificate of Formation in some). State fees range $35–$500. This is the document that creates your LLC.
Apply at irs.gov in ~10 minutes. Never pay a third party for this. You'll need it for banking, hiring, and taxes.
Your LLC's rulebook: ownership, voting, what happens if someone leaves. Required in 5 states, smart in all 50 — even single-member LLCs.
NY, AZ, and NE require publishing a notice in a local newspaper. Miss it and your LLC can lose good standing.
Make it real — and protect your liability shield.
Bring your Articles, EIN letter, and operating agreement. Mixing personal and business money is the #1 way founders lose liability protection.
City business license, seller's permit, industry-specific licenses. Requirements are local — check city, county, AND state.
Even a spreadsheet on day one. Track every dollar in and out from the start — reconstructing a year of records at tax time is misery.
General liability for anything customer-facing; professional liability (E&O) for services and consulting.
The recurring stuff that quietly dissolves LLCs when missed.
Most states require one (with a fee). Miss it repeatedly and the state administratively dissolves your LLC.
Profitable LLC income is taxed as it's earned — April, June, September, January. Set aside 25–30% of profit.
Separate cards, separate accounts, sign contracts as the LLC ("Jane Doe, Member, Acme LLC"), and keep records.
An S-corp election can cut self-employment tax once profits are consistent — talk to a tax pro before switching.
Filerra files your LLC in about 10 minutes — name check, Articles, EIN guidance, and compliance reminders included. Start at filerra.com.
© 2026 Filerra, LLC Filerra is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice; this checklist is general information, not legal or tax advice for your situation.