Start your LLC the right way, with a registered agent behind it.
Most of forming an LLC is one state form and a few smart decisions. We walk you through both, from picking your state to filing your first annual report.
Three guides, written for business owners in the US
No legalese and no upsell. Read the first to decide whether an LLC fits you, the second to get one on file, and the third to get your tax ID.
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The real advantages of forming an LLC
Liability protection, flexible taxes, an S-corp option, credibility with banks and clients, plus the trade-offs nobody puts in an ad.
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How to form an LLC with a registered agent, step by step
Choosing a state and a name, hiring a registered agent, filing your Articles of Organization, getting an EIN and staying in good standing.
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How to get an EIN for your LLC
Get your LLC's federal tax ID free from the IRS in about 15 minutes: what to have ready, how to answer each question and what to do if you lose it.
The whole process, in six steps
In most states you can go from idea to a filed LLC in a week or two. The full guide covers each step in detail.
Pick your state
Usually the state where you live and work. Out-of-state LLCs often end up registering at home anyway.
Choose a name
Search your state's business database and include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company."
Appoint a registered agent
A person or company with a physical in-state address who accepts legal and state mail for your LLC.
File your formation document
Submit Articles of Organization (or a Certificate of Formation) and pay the state fee.
Get an EIN and a bank account
Apply for a free EIN from the IRS, then open a business account in the LLC's name.
Stay compliant
Sign an operating agreement, get local licenses and file your annual report on time.
What a registered agent actually does
Every state requires an LLC to name a registered agent: someone with a physical street address in that state who is available during business hours to receive official documents for your company.
You can serve as your own agent. Many owners hire a commercial agent instead so a lawsuit is never handed to them at home or in front of customers, and so their home address stays off the public record.
- Accepts service of process. If your LLC is sued, the papers go to your agent, who forwards them to you right away.
- Receives state notices. Annual report reminders, tax notices and franchise tax letters arrive at the agent's address.
- Keeps a public address on file. The agent's address is what appears in the state's records, not your living room.
- Keeps you in good standing. A good agent sends compliance reminders so deadlines don't slip by.