Learn How to Form an LLC

Steps in the Process of Starting an LLC

1. What is a Limited Liability Company (LLC)?

A limited liability company (LLC) (sometimes mistakenly called a "limited liability corporation") is an accepted business form in all U.S. states. Learn more about how an LLC works.

2. Determine the Members of the LLC

The people running an LLC are "members." Learn about members - their duties and liabilities.

3. Get an Employer ID for Your LLC

Even if you do not plan on hiring any employees, you should still obtain an Employer ID (Tax ID) for your LLC. The process of completing an EIN application on Form SS-4 can be done online, by phone, or through your attorney.

4. File Your Articles of Organization with Your State Secretary of State

In most states, you will need to register your LLC with your state by filing Articles of Organization. You will need to gather information and make some decisions for this filing, and the format varies by state.

5. In Some States, You Will File a Certificate of Organization

At this writing, only Iowa and Idaho require a Certificate of Organization to be filed, instead of Articles of Organization. Read this article to learn the requirements for filing the Certificate of Organization.

6. Create an Operating Agreement for Your LLC

An operating agreement sets out all of the decisions about the business, including member responsibilities and duties, how profits and losses are distributed to the members, and the effect on the LLC if a member dies, leaves, or is asked to leave.

7. File Form 8832 Entity Classification Election

If you plan to file your LLC taxes as a sole proprietorship (one member) or partnership (more than one member), you do not need to file this form. If you want to file LLC taxes as a corporation, you will need to complete this form.

8. Register Your LLC in Other States

If your LLC does business in more than one state, you will need to register as a "foreign" LLC in the other states. This article explains how to register as a foreign LLC.

9. Some Frequently Asked Questions about Starting an LLC

Do I need an attorney to form an llc? How much will the LLC documents cost? What record keeping requirements are there for an LLC? Find the answers to these and more questions in this article.