Before you file
- Choose your entity type. An LLC suits most small businesses. An S corporation election can save tax once profits are consistent. A C corporation fits businesses planning outside investment. A nonprofit is a different track entirely — its tax-exempt status is decided by the IRS, not by the state filing alone. Compare the three business structures first if you are unsure.
- Pick a name and check it. Your name must be distinguishable from existing entities in the formation state, and it must include the right designator (LLC, Inc., Corp., or similar). Check availability before you fall in love with a name.
- Choose your formation state. Most businesses form where they operate. Forming elsewhere adds a second state’s filings and a second registered agent, so have a real reason before you do it.
- Line up a registered agent. You need a named contact with a street address in the formation state, available during business hours. Registered agent service is included free for the first year in every formation package on this site.
- Decide who owns what. If there are co-founders, agree on ownership percentages, roles, and what happens if someone leaves — before money is involved.
Filing day
- File the formation documents. Articles of organization for an LLC, articles of incorporation for a corporation. The state filing fee is paid by you at cost, with zero markup, and you see the full total before you pay.
- Get your governing document in place. An operating agreement for an LLC, bylaws for a corporation. It is included in the Standard and Premium packages.
- Apply for your EIN. You need an Employer Identification Number for taxes, banking, and hiring. EIN assistance is included in the Standard and Premium packages.
- Elect S corporation status if it applies. If you chose S corporation treatment, file Form 2553 on time. It is included in the Standard and Premium packages where it applies.
After filing
- Open a business bank account. Keep business and personal money separate from day one — mixing them weakens your liability protection.
- Get your business address and phone sorted. Virtual mail is free for the first month in every package, and a US business phone number is free for the first year in the Premium package.
- Register for state taxes and licenses. Depending on your business, you may need a sales tax permit, a business license, or industry permits. The business license research service maps what your business needs.
- Set up bookkeeping. Even a simple spreadsheet beats nothing. Track income, expenses, and the state deadlines that come with your entity.
Staying compliant
- File your annual reports on time. Most states require one each year, and missing it can cost your good standing.
- Keep your registered agent current. If your agent changes or your address changes, file the update promptly. The change of registered agent service covers agent switches.
- Renew on time. Registered agent service after the first year and virtual mail after the first month continue as separate services — confirm current renewal details before they lapse so nothing gaps.
- Watch for new-state triggers. Hiring employees, opening an office, or selling into a new state can mean registering there too. The foreign qualification service covers that.
If you are closing down
Dissolution is not part of any formation package. If you need to close an entity, the dissolution service is quoted individually — the work depends on the state, the workload, and whether the tax closure is complete.
Packages at a glance
Basic costs $0 plus the state fee. Standard costs $199 plus the state fee and adds EIN assistance, an operating agreement or bylaws, an S corporation election where it applies, and compliance alerts. Premium costs $299 plus the state fee and adds expedited filing where the state offers it, ready-to-use business contracts, a domain name, a business email, and a US business phone number free for the first year. Every tier includes registered agent service free for the first year and virtual mail free for the first month. You see the full total before you pay.
Ready to start? Share your details through the lead form or on WhatsApp, and you will get the full total before anything is charged. Updates come through WhatsApp, not a ticket queue.
Not legal or tax advice.