Company formation

An LLC or corporation in any state, from choosing the structure to your first year of filings.

What's included

• A review of your situation: which structure and state fit, and why
• Filing the formation documents with the state
• A registered agent through our partners if you need one
• Getting an EIN, the company's tax ID
• Filing the S-corp election (Form 2553) when it makes sense
• Registering as a foreign company in your home state if it was formed elsewhere
• A calendar of annual obligations: state reports and fees, tax returns

Who it's for

• You're starting a business or moving from a 1099 to your own company
• You need a second company for a new line of business
• You're considering an S-corp to lower self-employment tax
• You already have an LLC but aren't sure everything has been filed on time

What I'll need

• ID and address
• Two or three name options
• Owners and their shares
• What the company will do and which state you work in

How it works

1. A call about your situation and the choice of structure and state
2. A name check and filing with the state
3. The EIN and, if needed, the S-corp election
4. A list of annual deadlines and obligations so there are no penalties

Common questions

Which state should I form in?

Usually the state where you live and do business. A company formed elsewhere usually means registering and paying fees in two states instead of one.

How long does it take?

From a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the state. With an SSN, the EIN is usually issued online the same day.

Do I also need a business license?

Often yes: many cities and counties require their own license. I'll tell you what your city needs.