The safe and easy way to get your LLC

Form your LLC from $0 + state fees. We’ll take you through every step so you can open your business, worry-free.

How to start your LLC in 7 simple steps:

The term ‘legal entity’ often strikes fear into the hearts of soon-to-be business owners; even seasoned sole traders sometimes shake at the thought.

You might even be sitting here asking yourself “what is an LLC?” and you’d be in good company. Many new business owners have no clue what a limited liability company is or where to start; they just know that it’s important to have one.

If any of this applies to you, don’t sweat it; while learning how to start an LLC appears complicated at first, it’s a straightforward 7-step process.

And if you follow them, you’ll be up and running in no time.

How to start your LLC in 7 simple steps:

Easily form your LLC with Tailor Brands

Step 1. Name your LLC

Pick a name that’s unique in your state. It must include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company” and avoid restricted words like “bank” or “insurance.” You can also choose a different business name for branding and file it under a DBA (Doing Business As).

Rules vary from state to state, as they do with every step of starting a a limited liability company. You’ll find your state’s laws on its website.

Reserve your LLC name while filing the documents

When you find the perfect business name but aren’t ready to make an LLC, you can reserve it by filing with your secretary of state’s office. Reservation requirements and duration vary by state, ranging anywhere from 30 to 120 days.

Step 2. Select your state

Most people form their LLC in the state where they live or do business. Some choose other states for tax or legal benefits. Make sure you understand your chosen state’s rules and requirements.

Don't stop with your state

Registering your name in one state doesn’t mean it will be available in another, nor does it stop another business in a neighboring state from using it.

If you are currently doing business in a single state but might expand in the future, securing your LLC in other states could be a wise move.

You can secure your business name in all 50 states and protect your brand nationwide by trademarking it using our trademark registration service.

Step 3. File articles of organization

Submit your LLC’s formation document (sometimes called a certificate of formation) to your state. This officially creates your business. Filing fees vary by state.

You can download the articles of organization form for free from your state website. Filing fees are state-dependent, ranging anywhere from $50 to $800. General costs differ and you can check them out your state’s website.

Once approved, you’ll receive a state certificate of organization proving your LLC’s existence as a legal entity within your state. And that’s great news because you can then do business!

Step 4. Choose a registered agent

A registered agent is an individual who will receive legal and other documents on behalf of your business, such as subpoenas, regulatory and tax notices, and correspondence.

Depending on your state laws, you could nominate yourself or appoint your business to act as its own registered agent.

If you want to hire a registered agent for your LLC and reduce your paperwork, finding one isn’t difficult. Still, sourcing a legitimate one at a reasonable price can be.

Check with your secretary of state’s office and ask for a recommendation, or, if you want to go the simpler route, register your LLC here at Tailor Brands!

Step 5. Create an operating agreement

An operating agreement covers essential points, such as each member’s responsibilities, profit, and loss allocation, proceedings when a member wants to leave or sell their share, and more.

Most states don’t require an LLC to create an operating agreement. But if you’re looking for investors or end up in court because of internal disagreements between partners (it happens), you’ll need one.

Step 6. Apply for an EIN

An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, is used to identify a business entity. It’s a 9-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify taxpayers who are required to file business tax returns.

There are 3 ways you can apply for an EIN:

The preferred method when applying for an EIN is online. Be aware that the online application is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time. Once the application is completed, an EIN number will be issued immediately.

There is also the option to mail in the completed Form SS-4 to the IRS address listed on the Instructions for Form SS-4 PDF or see “Where to File Your Taxes” (for Form SS-4). You’ll receive your EIN in the mail in approximately 4 weeks.

Lastly, you can fax the completed Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number to the appropriate fax number, which you can find here: “Where to File Your Taxes” (for Form SS-4)). You can apply by fax 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You’ll receive your EIN by fax generally within 4 business days.

Step 7. Comply with tax requirements

Death and taxes—the 2 things in life we can’t avoid.

To operate and run daily business activities, you must first get and file any licenses and permits with the state and local agencies, then pay your taxes.

Your state determines your tax filing, license, and permit requirements. You’ll find what you need on the sba.gov website or by contacting your secretary of state’s office.

Easily form your LLC with Tailor Brands

State Specific LLC Formation Pages

Real Tailor Brands reviews, from real business owners

Easily form your LLC with Tailor Brands

Why is Tailor Brands the Best LLC Service

At Tailor Brands, we love nothing more than helping people start their business. We take care of the LLC filing and offer additional services so you can focus on launching and growing your business, while staying informed and compliant with state regulations.

Here’s why people choose to form their LLC with us:

Ready to form an LLC?

If you were feeling anxious about forming an LLC business before this post, it's normal. After all, it can seem like a giant leap into the legal unknown. Now that you know how to start an LLC, there's nothing stopping you. Follow our steps one at a time, and if you get stuck or need further advice, revisit this guide or reach out to other business owners in your area. Support is available every step of the way.

Easily form your LLC with Tailor Brands

FAQ

1. Why should I form an LLC?

An LLC isn’t required, but forming an LLC can help protect your personal assets. Through an LLC, you can open a business bank account, among other things, and it comes with potential tax benefits that allow you to save money. Additionally, an LLC can signal to customers, partners and potential investors that you’re a legitimate business.

2. How do I form an LLC?

We’ll take care of it for you. Choose from either of our LLC Bundles and get a professional, all-in-one LLC formation service. Simply fill out our online form, and we’ll help you get your EIN (tax ID), apply for an LLC, and more!

3. How much does it cost to apply for an LLC?

The cost for applying for an LLC depends on which state you’re operating in and what licenses you may require for your business. State filing fees range between $50-$500, depending on the state. Additional fees may apply if you choose to hire a professional service to submit your LLC application.

4. What is the difference between a corporation and LLC?

Both corporations and LLCs can protect business owners from liability. That said, LLCs have one or more individual members and are less formally maintained than corporations, while corporations have shareholders, and stricter reporting requirements than LLCs.

5. How long does it take to form an LLC?

This depends on the state in which you’re starting your business. It usually takes between 7 to 10 days to form an LLC.

6. What is a registered agent?

A registered agent, or a statutory agent, refers to a third-party individual or business entity that can accept official documents on behalf of your business. The main purpose of a registered agent is to receive things like tax forms and legal documents, government correspondences, and notices of a lawsuit.

7. Do all LLCs need a registered agent?

In most states, the law requires you to appoint a registered agent when you form an LLC. Registered agents can include a friend you trust, a service like Tailor Brands, or even yourself, as long as the designated person is over the age of 18 and has a physical address in the state where your business is formed.

This portion of our website is for informational purposes only. Tailor Brands is not a law firm, and none of the information on this website constitutes or is intended to convey legal advice. All statements, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions are solely the expression of the author and provided on an as-is basis. Accordingly, Tailor Brands is not responsible for the information and/or its accuracy or completeness.

The safe and easy way to get your LLC

How to start your LLC in 7 simple steps:

Easily form your LLC with Tailor Brands

Step 1. Name your LLC

Reserve your LLC name while filing the documents

Step 2. Select your state

Don't stop with your state

Step 3. File articles of organization

Step 4. Choose a registered agent

Step 5. Create an operating agreement

Step 6. Apply for an EIN

Step 7. Comply with tax requirements

Easily form your LLC with Tailor Brands

State Specific LLC Formation Pages

Real Tailor Brands reviews, from real business owners

Easily form your LLC with Tailor Brands

Why is Tailor Brands the Best LLC Service

Easy and intuitive

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Additional services

Ready to form an LLC?

Easily form your LLC with Tailor Brands

FAQ

1. Why should I form an LLC?

2. How do I form an LLC?

3. How much does it cost to apply for an LLC?

4. What is the difference between a corporation and LLC?

5. How long does it take to form an LLC?

6. What is a registered agent?

7. Do all LLCs need a registered agent?