Business License/LLC Establishment - Start Your Business Today.
Step 1: Choose a Name for Your Business
Most states don’t allow two different business entities to have the same name. So you can’t, for example, have “Bob’s Donuts, LLC” and “Bob’s Donuts, Inc.,” even if they’re located in different cities. Many states also restrict companies from using certain words in their names, such as “bank.”
You can search existing business names online in many states to determine whether your proposed Business name is available. You should always check name availability in your state before filing Business License paperwork.
In addition to state law restrictions, it’s wise to research whether other similar businesses in your area are using the same name or a similar name. Choosing a unique name can help avoid confusion and trademark infringement claims. You might also consider whether a domain name is available that matches your business name.
Step 2: Reserve a Name (optional)
If the Business License name you’ve selected is available, but you aren’t going to be filing your Business License documents right away, you may want to reserve the name. Nearly every state allows you to reserve a name by filing a form and paying a name reservation fee. The length of the reservation period, filing fees, and renewal policies vary from state to state.
Step 3: Choose a Registered Agent
Almost every state requires its Businesses to name a registered agent (also sometimes called a statutory agent). A registered agent is a person who agrees to receive lawsuits, subpoenas and other official documents on behalf of the Business and to pass them along to the appropriate person at the Business.
Most states allow anyone who is a state resident over age 18 to serve as a registered agent—including a member or officer of the Business. There are also companies that provide registered agent services for a fee.
Step 4: Prepare an Operating Agreement
An LLC operating agreement is the roadmap that describes how your Business will be run. It specifies such things as the ownership interests and voting rights of the members, how profits and losses will be allocated, how meetings will be held, how the business will be governed, the rights of the members if one of them dies or leaves the business, and the way the company will be dissolved if it goes out of business.
The operating agreement typically isn’t filed with the state and may not be required by your state’s laws. However, it is an important way for business owners to define their rights and responsibilities and minimize future disagreements.
Step 5: File Organizational Paperwork With the State
Each state has its own form and procedure for establishing an Business. In general, you must file articles of organization that list such things as:
- The name and address of the Business
- The length of its existence, if not perpetual
- The name and address of the registered agent
- The purpose for which the Business was formed
In most states, you’ll file Business formation documents with the secretary of state, but some states have a different department that handles business filings. All states charge a filing fee, but the Business License cost varies from state to state.
Step 6: Obtain a Certificate from the State
After the Business’ formation documents are filed and approved, the state will issue a certificate or other document that confirms that your Business formally exists. Once you’ve received the certificate, you can take care of business matters like obtaining a tax ID number and business licenses and setting up a business bank account.
Step 7: Register to Do Business in Other States (optional)
If your Business does business in more than one state, you may need to register to do business in other states. To do this, you’ll need to fill out and submit paperwork that’s similar to the paperwork you filed when you formed your Business. You’ll also need a registered agent in each state where you are authorized to do business.
An LLC is a popular and flexible business option that works well for many small business owners. In most states, LLCs are relatively easy to set up and maintain. However, it’s important to fill out the paperwork properly and have an operating agreement that defines the members’ rights and responsibilities.
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Why Do You Need an LLC?
- Protection - An LLC shields you from personal liability for your business but only if done correctly.
- Experience - We've done this over thousands of times so you can have total confidence.
- Proficiency - We offer tax, legal, and compliance advice to get your transition to an LLC off to the perfect start.
