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Here are the step by step guide you need to take to start a limited liability company (LLC) in any American state.
Choose a Name for Your LLC
The name of your LLC Company has to comply with your state’s rules. While these rules may differ from state to state, most states need a.) that your LLC’s name end with an LLC identification, such as Limited Liability Company or Limited Company, or an abbreviation of one of these suggested phrases; and b.) That the name should not be the same as the name of another LLC or business entity that has already registered with your state.
A lot of times, for a small fee, you can reserve your LLC name for a short period of time until you document your articles of organization.
File Articles of Organization
To create your LLC, you have to file articles of organization with your state’s corporate filing office. It is often the Secretary of State. Some states (including Delaware, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Washington) use the name “certificate of formation” instead.
Articles of organization can usually be done online or by using a form available on your Secretary of State’s website. You will need your LLC’s name, the name and address of its registered agent, and other similar basic information, like how it will be achieved or the names of the LLC owners. You’ll have to pay a filing fee when you put forward the articles. In most states, the fees are within budget range – usually around $100.
Choose a Registered Agent
LLCs are needed to have a registered agent. This is an individual or company that decides to accept legal papers on behalf of the LLC if it is being sued. The registered agent should have a physical street address in the state where the LLC is listed. Most states keep a list of private service companies (commercial registered agents) that will function as agent for service of process for a fee. An LLC member can also act as registered agent for the LLC. You can learn more about the best registered agent services at Business Fair Field.
Decide on Member vs. Manager Management
Most small-sized LLCs opt to be managed directly by their members. However, LLCs can choose one or more people (outsiders) to manage the LLC. It is somewhat like a board of directors that oversees a corporation. Managers are able to vote on key issues such as taking out a loan, buying real estate, or altering strategic plans.
Create an LLC Operating Agreement
Even though most states don’t need it, you should have a functioning agreement for your LLC. This is an interior document that creates how your LLC will be run. It includes how the LLC will be managed. In the absenteeism of an operating agreement, state law will manage how your LLC operates.
Comply With Tax and Regulatory Requirements
Supplementary tax and regulatory requirements may apply to your LLC. These includes:
EIN: If your LLC consisted of more than one member, it must obtain its own IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN), even when it has no employees. If you form a one-member LLC, you must obtain an EIN number only if the LLC will have employees or you choose to have it taxed as a corporation instead of a sole proprietorship (disregarded entity). You may get an EIN number by completing an online EIN application on the IRS website.
Business Licenses: Contingent on its type of business and where it is situated, your LLC may need to get other local and state business licenses. Cross-check with the suitable state agencies to make sure that you are properly registered, licensed, and allowed to do business in your state.
Sales and Employer Taxes: In some cases (for instance if you will be selling goods and collecting sales tax or if you have employees), you will need to register with the suitable state taxing authority.
File Annual Reports
Many states need LLCs to file a yearly report with a filing fee. In some states these fees can cost quite a sum of money – as high as US$800 per year in California, for example.
Out of State LLC Registration
To manage a business in a state other than the state where your LLC is formed, you will need to register your LLC in that particular state and appoint a registered agent for the service of process.
Conclusion
Above are the step by step guide on how to pick the best LLC filing services.
You may also like: How to Start a Limited Liability Company?
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