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Starting An LLC

Forming an LLC 5 Simple Steps to Get Started

What is an LLC?

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a type of business structure that separates your personal assets such as your home, vehicle, and savings from your business. This protects you in case the company faces legal action.

LLCs are created at the state level, so the formation process and fees vary depending on where you file.

Generally, the cost to start an LLC ranges from $30 to $350, and in most states, you can complete the process online either instantly or within 1 to 2 weeks.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start an LLC

Choose a Name for Your LLC
Appoint a Registered Agent
File the Articles of Organization
Create an Operating Agreement
Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Note: if you want someone to take care of it for you, we recommend hiring Registered Agents INC.

Here are the steps to form an LLC in any of the 50 states:

Step 1: Choose Your LLC Name

Pick a unique name that meets your state’s naming requirements. It must include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company” and not conflict with any existing business name in your state.

Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent

Designate someone (either yourself, a trusted individual, or a commercial service) to receive legal and state documents on behalf of your LLC.

Who can be an LLC Registered Agent?

In most states, you have 3 options for who can be the Registered Agent for your LLC:

You
A friend or family member
A Registered Agent Service

The Registered Agent for your LLC must have a physical street address in the state where your LLC is located. PO Boxes aren’t allowed, except in Ohio.

And it’s important to know that the Registered Agent’s name and address will be listed on public records.

If you don’t have an address in your LLC’s state, or you want more privacy, you can hire a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.

We recommend Registered Agents Inc

Why Choose Registered Agents Inc ?

Registered Agents Inc. offers more than just registered agent services—they help lay the foundation for your entire business presence. Here’s why they’re a great choice:

Available in All 50 States: Form and manage your LLC anywhere in the U.S. with one trusted provider.
Straightforward Pricing: Flat rate of $199 per year, with no hidden fees.
Privacy and Protection: Keeps your personal address off public records by using their professional address.
Compliance Made Easy: Get reminders and tools to stay current with state filings and annual reports.
Online Account Access: View all official documents and legal notices securely through your dashboard.
Professional Business Presence: They also offer services to help you build credibility, including a domain name, business website, and a dedicated business phone number—ideal for creating a trustworthy and professional image online.

If you're looking to launch your LLC and build a strong, professional presence from day one, Registered Agents Inc. provides everything you need in one place.

Hire Registered Agents Inc for all in one solution

Hire Business Anywhere

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

Submit the official LLC formation document (called Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation) with your state. This can often be done online and typically includes a state filing fee.

What Details Are Needed to File the LLC Articles of Organization?

The specific information required in the Articles of Organization can vary slightly depending on the state.

However, most states generally ask for the following:

The name of your LLC
A brief description of your business purpose
Your principal business address
The name and physical address of your Registered Agent
Whether the LLC will be managed by its members or by appointed managers
The intended duration of the LLC (if not perpetual)
The signature of one or more LLC organizers

Always check your state’s official filing guidelines, as some may have additional requirements.

How long does it take to start an LLC?

The time it takes to start an LLC depends on the state where you file.

In some states, online filings are processed instantly. In others, it can take several days to a few weeks.

If you file by mail, expect additional delays due to mailing and manual processing times.

However, many states offer expedited processing for an extra fee, which can significantly speed up approval.

How Much Does It Cost to File the LLC Articles of Organization?

The cost to file the Articles of Organization varies by state. On average, the filing fee ranges from $30 to $350, depending on where you form your LLC. For example, Montana has one of the lowest fees at $35, while Massachusetts charges the highest at $500.

Note: Fees may change, so it's always best to check with your state’s official business filing office for the most up-to-date information.

If you want to file your Articles of Organization yourself, or read about your state’s specific filing fee, you can use our free, step-by-step LLC Formation Guides for every state (linked above). Or, you can hire a company to do it for you.

We recommend Registered Agents Inc

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

Although not required in all states, an Operating Agreement outlines how your LLC will be managed and defines the roles of each member. It helps prevent future conflicts.

Why Is an Operating Agreement Important for My LLC?

Having a written Operating Agreement helps LLC members handle internal disagreements by clearly outlining the rules and responsibilities of the business.

Many banks also require an Operating Agreement when opening a business bank account for your LLC.

If legal issues arise, this document can serve as evidence that your LLC is being managed properly, which helps protect your liability status.

For these reasons, we recommend that every LLC, including Single-Member LLCs, create and keep an Operating Agreement.

Keep in mind, this is an internal document you don’t need to submit it to any state agency or the IRS. Simply store it with your company’s records.

Step 5: Get an EIN from the IRS

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS—this is like a Social Security number for your business. It’s free and required to open a business bank account, hire employees, or file taxes.

What Is the Cost of Getting an EIN for an LLC?

Applying for an EIN from the IRS doesn’t cost anything it's entirely free.

How Long Does It Take to Receive an EIN?

If you apply online through the IRS website, you can receive your EIN in about 15 minutes.
If you apply by mail or fax, processing can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months.

How can I get an EIN? US Residents

You can apply for an EIN online if you have a valid SSN or ITIN.

How can I get an EIN? Non-US Residents

You can’t get an EIN online, but you can still get one by fax or by mail.

After Getting Your LLC Then There Are some Additional Tips :

Open an LLC business bank account

It's important to open a dedicated business bank account for your LLC.

Doing so simplifies bookkeeping and helps you clearly track your business income and expenses.

A separate account also protects your personal liability by keeping your business finances separate from your personal ones—an essential step in maintaining your LLC’s legal protection.

Apply for Business Licenses and Permits

The good news is that most states don’t require a general state business license for an LLC.

Local and Industry-Specific Requirements

Depending on your LLC’s location, you may need to obtain a local business license or permit.

For instance, if you're opening a daycare, your city or county may require a specific license.

If your LLC sells taxable products or services, you’ll likely need a Seller’s Permit, which allows you to collect and submit sales tax to the state.

Certain industries—such as alcohol sales or commercial fishing—also require specialized licenses at the federal, state, or local level.

For detailed information, check out our state-by-state LLC guides linked above.

Submit Your LLC Annual Report

Most LLCs must file an Annual Report each year to stay in good standing with the state.

This filing keeps your business information current and ensures ongoing compliance.

In some states, the Annual Report may be referred to as an Annual Renewal or Annual Fee these terms mean the same thing.

Some states require this filing every two years instead of annually. In those cases, it’s called a Biennial Report, but it serves the same purpose.

To know more about annual report you can click here

File Your Taxes and Pay Any Required Fees

LLCs themselves don’t pay federal or state income taxes.

Instead, the responsibility falls on the LLC members, who report and pay taxes on their share of the business income through their personal tax returns.

To learn more about how your LLC would be taxed move to this page

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