Guides and templates for forming and running an LLC: operating agreements, EIN and registered-agent setup, S-corp elections, and state-by-state formation costs. Practical, fill-in-the-blank, and built for small-business owners.
Dissolving an LLC requires a formal process, not merely ceasing operations. Owners must submit dissolution paperwork to their state to avoid accruing fees and penalties. This guide details the necessary steps, including winding up the business, notifying creditors, and filing final tax returns, while clarifying distinctions between dissolution and withdrawal.
A registered agent is a mandatory point of contact for businesses in the U.S., essential for receiving legal documents. Setting one up online is quick and necessary to maintain good standing. Businesses can choose between acting as their own agent or hiring a service, with various implications for privacy, availability, and compliance.
An EIN is the Social Security number of your business, and getting one is one of the first things you’ll do after forming a company. Here’s the part nobody advertises: you can file for an EIN online directly with the…
You don’t need a lawyer, a trip to the courthouse, or weeks of waiting to start a business. In 2026 you can form an LLC online in well under an hour, and in some states the state itself approves it…
Business licensing costs vary significantly across the United States. Only five states require a general statewide business license, with fees ranging up to $500 yearly. Most businesses primarily incur local licensing fees, which can range from zero to several hundred dollars. Compliance with federal, state, and local regulations is essential to avoid penalties.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a free tax ID issued by the IRS, essential for businesses with employees or specific tax structures. The application takes approximately ten minutes online without any fees. Various paid services may offer filing assistance, but they often resell the same free application, making them unnecessary for most founders.
Every business in the United States must have a registered agent to receive legal documents. Costs range from $0 for self-service to $99-$249 for professional services. Factors influencing the choice include privacy, availability, and multi-state operations. Each state’s regulations differ, but fees remain consistent across the nation.
The bottom line: electing S-corp status can lower your self-employment tax, but it only pays off once your profit clears the cost of running payroll and filing a separate business return. For most one-owner businesses, that tipping point lands around…
How much does it cost to form an LLC? The answer depends entirely on your state. Filing fees range from $35 (Montana) to $500 (Massachusetts). But the state filing fee is only the start. Registered agents, operating agreements, EINs, and…