Register Your Business in Any State, With the Right Entity Type
Your state decides where you file and what the state charges. Most businesses register with the Secretary of State in the state they're in. This filing creates your legal business record in public databases. MyCorporation prepares the forms and files them with the state office. You pay a service fee plus state fees, based on your state.
Your entity type shapes liability, ownership and how you add investors. An LLC works well for many owners and flexible profit splits. A corporation works well when you plan to offer shares and look for outside funding. A registered agent receives legal and state mail in your filing state. If you operate in more than 1 state, you may need a foreign qualification.
Choose the Right Business Entity
Your business entity determines who owns the business and who takes the risk. Your entity type impacts taxes and how profit is divided among owners. Choose a structure that supports your day to day work and long-term growth.
Some owners want flexible profit splits and a small team setup. Others want shares, investors and a board structure. Use the options below to match ownership, risk and tax filing needs.
LLC
An LLC is good for 1 owner or a small group. Members can split profits in a flexible way under an operating agreement. The IRS can treat an LLC for taxes as a sole owner, partnership or corporation.
Corporation
A corporation uses shares to show ownership and value. Shareholders own stock and the business can issue more shares later. Directors make big decisions and officers run the day to day. Many founders choose a corporation when they plan to raise outside investment.
Partnership
A partnership is when 2 or more people share a business. Partners share profits, losses and control so roles must be defined. A written partnership agreement sets voting, pay splits and exit terms.
Sole Proprietorship
A sole proprietorship links the business to 1 owner. The owner reports income on Form 1040 using Schedule C. Many sole proprietors also file Schedule SE for self employment tax. This structure is good for low-risk work but limits growth options later.
Federal vs State vs Local Registration
Business registration in the US has three separate layers: federal, state and local. Each has its own distinct role, so the process can add up pretty quickly. The state level sets up your LLC or corporation on the public record. Meanwhile, the feds handle your tax reporting and opening up a payroll account. Then there's the local level, where you'll need to handle permits, city tax accounts and do a DBA filing if you need one.
What Happens at Each Level
Federal level: The IRS manages your federal tax accounts and gets you an EIN number if you need one. Some companies that supply goods to the feds will also go to SAM.gov and obtain a UEI number for contract work.
State level: Your state will create a record for your business and keep it up to date. Some of them will want to see some extra filings shortly after you form your business - things like an initial report.
Local level: Cities and counties control many permits tied to your address and work type. Local offices may also require a DBA filing if you use a trade name.
Business Formation Documents You'll Need to File
So what kind of documents do you need for this process? You will manage 2 document types during business formation. The documents you file to establish your business in a US state make it legal and confirm it exists. Internal business documents show ownership and who has the decision making authority. Banks and vendors may ask for additional documents before opening a bank account or signing a contract.
Articles of Organization and Articles of Incorporation
Articles create the official record that forms your entity with the state. Which one goes with which entity type? An LLC uses Articles of Organization, while a corporation uses Articles of Incorporation. The Articles usually list the legal name and a business address.
They may list an organizer or incorporator, plus basic company details. Some states use other labels, such as Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Incorporation. Banks may accept an original or certified copy to verify registration. Keep a clean copy ready for leases, vendors, and account setup.
Internal Governance Documents
The internal governance documents control the authority to make decisions and share profits. If you are establishing an LLC, you need an operating agreement to decide the roles of members and managers. A corporation uses bylaws and board decisions for approvals and provides authority. Governance documents reduce internal conflicts and streamline consistent decisions. It works in the same way even after the owner changes.
You will need these documents while opening a business bank account. Meeting minutes or written notes can also be used for approvals. It is important to amend these changes after ownership, rule, or role changes.
- Operating agreement
- Corporate bylaws
- Written resolutions
- Meeting minutes
- Partnership agreement
Supporting Documents for Banking and Records
Banks verify the business exists and confirm who can sign. They may request a certified formation document or other state proof. Some vendors request the same items for payment setup. Keep current copies ready for renewals and account reviews.
- Certified formation document copy
- Certificate of Good Standing or Certificate of Existence
- Operating agreement or bylaws
- Bank resolution or signer authority record
Registered Agent Rules for US States
What is a registered agent? A registered agent is the contact name the state and courts use when they need to reach your business. Most states require an in-state street address for the agent. Someone must be there during business hours to accept delivery of official papers. In many states, the agent address appears on the public record, so a home address can be shown. Keep the agent details current so you do not miss notices.
Address and Availability Rules
States send official mail to the registered office address on file. The address must be a real street location in the state. It can be a home address, an office address, or a service address. A P.O. box often does not meet the rule because delivery needs a person to receive it.
Process servers may deliver time sensitive papers during business hours. Someone needs to be present to accept the documents. If delivery is missed, you can lose time to respond and you may miss state reminders.
The registered agent address often shows in the state database. Many owners choose a service address to keep personal addresses off filings. If the agent address changes, file an update with the state. Keep email and phone details current so notices reach you. Serving as your own agent works only if you can stay available.
What a Registered Agent Receives
Courts and state offices send official documents to the registered agent's address. The agent accepts delivery and then sends the papers to the business contact on file. Receiving them quickly helps you respond on time and keep the business in good standing.
- Service of process
- Summons and complaint
- Subpoenas
- Annual report notices
- Franchise tax notices
- State notices
EIN and Tax Elections
Now it's time to get into the not as much fun part, taxes. The IRS issues an EIN after you submit Form SS‑4. Many owners use an EIN for payroll setup and a business bank account. Keep the EIN notice with your main business records.
Online EIN filing requires a responsible party with a taxpayer ID. The online tool is limited to businesses with a principal location in the United States or U.S. territories. Get the EIN before payroll work or federal tax filing begins.
EIN Application Options
- Online: U.S. or territory location, EIN issued at the end of the session.
- Phone: International applicants only, EIN issued during the call.
- Fax: IRS sends the EIN back by fax, often within about 4 business days.
- Mail: Allow about 4 to 5 weeks before you need the EIN.
Use one application method per entity so you do not end up with more than one EIN.
Tax elections change federal tax treatment without changing the legal entity. S corporation status is a tax election, not a separate entity type. An LLC can use default IRS tax rules or elect a different tax classification.
Form 2553 is used for an S corporation election and the IRS deadline rules apply. The IRS describes the timing as 2 months and 15 days from the start of the tax year shown on the form. Form 8832 is used when an eligible entity wants corporate tax treatment. Eligibility depends on ownership and tax facts, so confirm fit with a tax professional.
Beneficial Ownership Reporting
FinCEN runs beneficial ownership information reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act. Under the current FinCEN interim rule, entities formed in the United States and U.S. persons are exempt from BOI reporting. It shows that most domestic LLCs and corporations do not file BOI reports with FinCEN.
BOI reporting applies to foreign entities that register to do business in a U.S. state or Tribal jurisdiction. Foreign reporting companies may file through the FinCEN BOI E-Filing System, and the initial report is due within a short window after the state confirms the registration is effective.
Costs and Timelines by State
State filing fees depend on the state you choose and the type of entity you form. Every state has its own filing fee and may add related charges. MyCorporation formation packages start at $109 with the state fees for your filing.
Each state takes a different amount of time to process a filing. Standard processing depends on the state office workload and how the filing is submitted. Some states also require extra filings soon after formation, such as an initial report.
What Changes the Total Cost
| Cost factor | What changes |
|---|---|
| State filing fee | Varies by state and entity type. |
| Our service price | Packages list "Plus State Fees" and vary by tier. |
| Expedited processing fee | Some states offer expedited tiers with extra fees. |
| State follow up filings | Some states require extra filings soon after formation. |
| Copies and certificates | Certified copies and certificates can add state charges. |
What Affects State Processing Time
Standard processing depends on the state workload and filing method. Delaware notes that standard timing varies with volume and corrections. Expedited service adds cost and can shorten turnaround when offered.
- Standard processing vs expedited processing
- Online filing vs mail filing
- State workload and season
- Rejection and correction cycle
- Extra state steps after formation
Ongoing Compliance After Registration
So what else do you need to take care of after you've registered your business with the government? Registration puts your business on the state record, but ongoing compliance keeps that record in good standing. States set filing dates and expect updates when important details change. MyCorporation can help you keep track of the filings that protect your reputation and help you avoid missed due dates.
Many states require an annual report or a statement of information. The business formation date is the compliance due date. You may lose business credibility and may need to pay penalties if you file after the due date.
Foreign qualification applies when your company operates in another state. That state registers your company as a foreign entity through a certificate of authority filing. Many states ask for a certificate of good standing from your home state first. File before signing a lease, hiring staff, or opening a new location in that state.
