I Formed My LLC. Now What?
Your state approved your LLC. That's the moment many business owners think they're done — and the moment many of them get lost. Forming the LLC creates the legal entity. These next steps make it a functioning, protected, compliant business.
1. Put your formation documents somewhere safe
Save the approved Articles of Organization (or Certificate of Formation) and the state's confirmation. Banks, landlords, licensing offices, and future investors will ask for them.
2. Sign an operating agreement
Most states don't file it, but you should have one — even as a single-member LLC. It sets out ownership, how decisions are made, what happens if a member leaves, and it helps show that your LLC is a real, separate business.
3. Get an EIN
An Employer Identification Number is your business's federal tax ID. Multi-member LLCs and any LLC with employees need one, and nearly every bank will ask for one to open a business account.
4. Open a business bank account
Keep business money completely separate from personal money. Mixing the two is one of the most common reasons courts disregard an LLC's liability protection.
5. Get licenses and register for state taxes
- City or county business tax receipt or license
- Industry or professional licenses, if your work requires them
- State sales tax registration if you sell taxable goods or services
- State payroll withholding and unemployment accounts once you hire
6. Decide how you'll be taxed
By default, a single-member LLC is taxed like a sole proprietorship and a multi-member LLC like a partnership. Some owners later elect S corporation tax treatment to manage self-employment taxes. Talk to a tax professional before electing.
7. Calendar your annual report
Most states require an annual or biennial report with a fee. Miss it and your LLC can be administratively dissolved — which can cost you your name and your liability protection. In Florida, for example, LLC annual reports are due between January 1 and May 1, with a steep late fee after that.
8. Keep your registered agent current
Your registered agent receives lawsuits and official state notices. If they move or stop serving, update the state right away so you don't miss something important.
Related service: Business Registration Services →