Form an LLC to Make Your Business Official
When you form an LLC, you give your business a legal structure that the state can register. Your business then exists as its own entity on record. Before you learn how to obtain an LLC, it helps to understand what that filing establishes for your business.
Applying for LLC status takes a few required steps. You need to provide business details, name a registered agent, and file the formation papers with the state. MyCorporation helps you move through that process in order.
Two Ways to Start an LLC
You can start an LLC in two main ways. You can complete the forms and file them yourself with help from our free guide, or you can choose one of our packages and we'll handle the paperwork for you. Either way, the state reviews your filing, but your involvement will differ.
File and Submit the Documents Yourself
You can prepare the LLC filing yourself and submit it to the state. You are responsible for the business name, registered agent entry, form details, and filing fee. It's also crucial to make sure the information is correct and to follow up after submission.
Choose MyCorporation to Manage Filing and Submission
If you want help from the beginning, you can choose MyCorporation. We'll prepare your LLC documents using your information and submit them to the state. You can also add our registered agent service. This way, you have less paperwork to handle yourself.
Step‑by‑Step Process to Obtain an LLC
To start an LLC, your business needs to go through a step‑by‑step state filing process. That process includes several required components that work together in a single submission. Each step adds something important to the application.
Here's what you need to do before sending your filing to the state.
Choose the Formation State
You need to decide which state will form your LLC. Many people file in the state where they run the business. In some cases, you may look at another state based on filing rules, fees, or ongoing requirements. Your filing choice should fit the state where you plan to operate. You also need to check what that state asks from a new LLC.
Pick the LLC Name
Before you file, you need to choose a business name that the state can approve. The name must meet state naming rules and appear correctly on the formation paperwork. You also need to check name availability before filing to avoid using a name that's already on record.
Appoint a Registered Agent
Appoint a registered agent before filing your LLC documents. This person or service will receive legal papers and state mail for your business and must have a physical address in the state where you're forming the LLC. Include their name and address in your filing.
Prepare the Filing Details
When you're ready, collect all the details needed for your filing. The state might ask for your business address, registered agent information, and details about ownership or management. The form can vary by state, so have this information ready before you file.
File the Articles of Organization
The Articles of Organization are the main documents you use to form an LLC with the state. Submit this form with the required fee and your business details. Some states let you file online, while others offer different methods. The state reviews your submission to process your LLC request.
Wait for State Approval
After you submit your filing, the state reviews your information. Processing times differ by state. Sometimes your filing is approved right away, but the state may ask for corrections first. Once approved, your LLC is added to the state's records.
Documents Required to Form an LLC
You'll need a few important documents to form an LLC. Some are filed with the state, while others are kept with your company after approval. Keeping these papers organized shows your LLC was formed and helps you track key business details.
- Articles of Organization: The filing documents used to form an LLC with the state. You submit them with the required business details and filing fee. They may ask for the LLC name, business address, registered agent, and management details.
- LLC Operating Agreement: A business record that sets the rules for running your LLC. It may cover ownership shares, member duties, voting, profit distribution, and internal rules. Some states don't require it for filing, but many owners prepare one for business records and daily use.
- State Approval Documents: After the filing is accepted, the state issues approval records (a stamped filing copy, a certificate, or another notice). Keep these papers with your business records; they may be requested for tax purposes or business account setup.
- Internal Business Records: Your LLC should also keep internal records after formation, including an Operating Agreement, ownership records, meeting notes (if used), tax records, and copies of filed documents. Good recordkeeping helps you track business activity and keep company information in one place.
Information We Need Before Filing Your LLC
Starting an LLC begins with gathering the right business information. We use these details to prepare your filing for the state. Some entries identify your company, while others complete the form. Each part helps move your LLC filing along.
- Business Name: The name you want on the LLC filing. It should match the one you plan to register and follow the state naming rules.
- Principal Business Address: The main business address listed on the company's form. It becomes part of the filing record.
- Registered Agent Details: The registered agent's name and street address (a person or service listed to receive legal and state mail). You can use our registered agent service.
- Member or Manager Information: Names of the LLC's owners or managers, depending on how the business is organized and what the state asks for.
- Business Purpose and State Filing Details: What your business will do. Some states keep this broad; others ask for additional state‑specific details. We use those entries to prepare the paperwork in the required format for your state.
Benefits of Obtaining an LLC
Forming an LLC makes your business a legal entity with its own record and status. This affects how your business is owned, taxed, managed, and how you handle paperwork and daily operations.
- Personal liability separation
- Separate business identity
- Flexible ownership setup
- Tax treatment options
- Less corporate paperwork
- Organized business records
- Support for business banking
- Business name protection in the state
- Defined member roles
- Business continuity over time
Start an LLC Online in Any State with MyCorporation
MyCorporation gives you a way to start an LLC online across the United States through one filing service. The information entered for your order is used to prepare the formation papers and submit them to the state. Registered agent service can also be added during the process.
Support can continue after the filing is sent. We can also help with other LLC paperwork related to your business after formation, providing a single service for filing and support.
What Happens After You Form an LLC?
Once the state approves the LLC, the next business steps can begin. That may include tax items, compliance work, and recordkeeping for the company. The exact work can differ from one business to another.
Get Your Approved LLC Documents
After approval, the state returns documents (a stamped copy, certificate, or other record). Save these papers with your business records.
Apply for an EIN if Needed
Some LLCs need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax and business reasons. This is required for multi‑owner LLCs, hiring employees, certain tax setups, or opening a business bank account.
Keep Up with State Compliance Requirements
Your LLC may need to file annual reports, pay fees, or submit other documents. Missing a filing or a deadline can create problems for your business records.
Maintain Your LLC Records
Keep approval papers, tax records, ownership details, and copies of later documents in your files. This helps you track the business over time and saves time when you need to review or provide paperwork later.
Ongoing LLC Requirements After Formation
The LLC may still have state filing duties after the first approval. You may need to submit annual reports, pay required fees, keep the registered agent information up to date, and update the record if business details change. These are the ongoing requirements for maintaining an LLC's active status after formation.
- Annual report filing
- State renewal fees
- Registered agent maintenance
- Business address updates
- Member or manager changes
- Amendment filings
- State tax registrations
- Business license renewals
- Recordkeeping updates
- Good standing status checks
Our Limited Liability Company (LLC) Formation Packages
MyCorporation offers four LLC formation packages, each with different levels of filing and document support. Some are basic, while others include extra services for your business after filing. Review the details and choose the package that fits your needs.
Basic — $109 + state fees
Our basic package covers the main LLC formation step for business owners who want help. It's best if you just want to file your LLC and send the paperwork to the state without extra services.
- LLC formation filing
- Name availability check
- Preparation of formation documents
- Submission to the state
Standard — $134 + state fees
The Standard package offers more support with filing and includes business records you might need after approval. It covers the main LLC filing service and provides extra company documents for your business.
- LLC formation filing
- Name availability check
- Preparation of formation documents
- Submission to the state
- LLC Operating Agreement
- Membership certificates
- Meeting minutes and resolutions
Deluxe — $234 + state fees
The Deluxe package helps with LLC formation and includes registered agent service. We prepare your filing documents and submit them to the state, and you get registered agent support included in the package.
- LLC formation filing
- Name availability check
- Preparation of formation documents
- Submission to the state
- Registered agent service
- LLC Operating Agreement
- Membership certificates
- Meeting minutes and resolutions
Premium — $334 + state fees
The Premium package gives you the most support of all four options. It includes LLC filing, registered agent service, and extra business tools. This is a good choice if you want more included from the beginning.
- LLC formation filing
- Name availability check
- Preparation of formation documents
- Submission to the state
- Registered agent service
- LLC Operating Agreement
- Membership certificates
- Meeting minutes and resolutions
- Federal tax ID service
- Business forms kit
Why Choose MyCorporation for Starting an LLC?
Choose MyCorporation if you want help beyond just the initial LLC filing. We support document preparation, state submission, and other business filings in all 50 states, giving your business one place for formation and ongoing support.
- LLC formation support in all 50 states
- More than 25 years of filing experience
- Over 1 million business formations
- Document preparation and state submission support
- Registered agent service available
- Ongoing business filing support
- Help with annual reports and compliance filings
- Filing packages for different support levels
- One service for formation and related paperwork
Get Ready to Obtain an LLC
Begin your LLC filing once your business details are ready. Our team can prepare your paperwork, submit it to the state, and help with other LLC filing needs. We handle business formations in all 50 states. Review our packages to find the best fit, then place your order. For help, call us at 877‑692‑6772.
