BEST ASSET PROTECTION SERVICES: LAWYER FOR BUSINESS: SETTING UP AN LLC

WFB Legal Consulting - Business Law Tips and Advice

SETTING UP AN LLC: Take a look at what it takes to set your business up as a Limited Liability Company.

1. Choose a Name

Your name will be the first thing people see or hear as it relates to your new business, so make it a good one. Next, make sure you are only one using the selected company name. You can do that with a free corporate name search in your state. 

2. Register the LLC and File Your Paperwork

Call WFBLC, Inc. and I’ll file your state’s Articles of Organization paperwork for only $600.00. 

3. Get Your LLC’s Tax ID

Before you can start operating as an LLC, you need an Employer Identification Number. This is like a social security number for your business, and one you’ll need before opening a business bank account. This is included in my price above. 

4. Create Your Operating Agreement

This document outlines the rights and obligations of the members of your LLC, as well as lists the distribution of income of the Limited Liability Company to its members. Your Operating Agreement doesn’t need to be filed with your state, however you do need to keep one on premises, signed, if you have other shareholders. This is separate and apart from the filing fees, and is particularized depending upon the particular needs of your company. 

5. File Business Licenses and Permits

Additionally, you should apply for any business licenses or permits you’ll need to operate your business. It’s best to do this before you start operating your business to avoid potential fees or issues down the road. This is usually accomplished through your local city or county offices. 

6. Keep Your LLC Compliant

Once you’re operating as an LLC, your work isn’t done for good. Each year, or every other year depending upon your state of residence, you will need to file your Statement of Information. The due date for this report depends on where you filed your LLC. For example, if you filed it in Michigan, Delaware, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, or Texas, there’s a specific date that your annual report is due. In other states, it’s due on the anniversary of when you filed your LLC. 

7. Finally, Take Care of Loose Ends

Depending on where you’re based, you may need to publish your intent to form an LLC in a local newspaper. If you form an LLC in New York, for example, you are required to run that intent in an approved newspaper for 6 consecutive weeks. This is not so in California.