How to Form an LLC
Here's what you need to do to form a limited liability company.
Forming an LLC (limited liability company) is not as hard as most people think. Here are the steps you need to take to make your LLC a legal reality.
- Choose an available business name that complies with your state's LLC rules.
- File formal paperwork, usually called articles of organization, and pay the filing fee (ranging from about $100 to $800, depending on your state's rules).
- Create an LLC operating agreement, which sets out the rights and responsibilities of the LLC members.
- Publish a notice of your intent to form an LLC (required in only a few states).
- Obtain licenses and permits that may be required for your business.
To learn about the ins and outs of LLCs, including the advantages of forming one, see LLC Basics.
Choosing a Name for Your LLC
The name of your LLC must comply with the rules of your state's LLC division. (Typically, this office is combined with the corporations division within the secretary of state's office.) While requirements differ from state to state, generally:
- the name cannot be the same as the name of another LLC on file with the LLC office
- the name must end with an LLC designator, such as "Limited Liability Company" or "Limited Company," or an abbreviation of one of these phrases (such as "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Ltd. Liability Co."), and
- the name cannot include certain words prohibited by the state, such as Bank, Insurance, Corporation or City (state rules differ on which words are prohibited).
Your state's LLC office can tell you how to find out whether your proposed name is available for your use. Often, for a small fee, you can reserve your LLC name for a short period of time until you file your articles of organization.
Besides following your state's LLC naming rules, you must make sure your name won't violate another company's trademark. For information on trademark law and general advice on picking a successful business name, see Naming Your Business.
Once you've found a legal and available name, you don't usually need to register it with your state. When you file your articles of organization, your business name will be automatically registered.
Filing Articles of Organization
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After settling on a name, you must prepare and file "articles of organization" with your state's LLC filing office. While most states use the term "articles of organization" to refer to the basic document required to create an LLC, some states call it a "certificate of formation" or "certificate of organization." (To learn about the specific requirements of forming an LCC in your state, see Nolo's articles on Forming an LLC in Your State.)
Filing Fees
One disadvantage of forming an LLC instead of a partnership or a sole proprietorship is that you'll have to pay a filing fee when you submit your articles of organization. In most states, the fees are modest -- typically around $100. A few others take a bigger bite: California, for example, charges an $800 annual tax on top of its filing fee.
Required Information
Articles of organization are short, simple documents. In fact, you can usually prepare your own in just a few minutes by filling in the blanks and checking the boxes on a form provided by your state's filing office. Typically, you must provide only your LLC's name, its address, and sometimes the names of all of the owners -- called members. Generally, all of the LLC owners may prepare and sign the articles, or they can appoint just one person to do so.
Registered Agent
You will probably also be required to list the name and address of a person -- usually one of the LLC members -- who will act as your LLC's "registered agent," or "agent for service of process." Your agent is the person designated to receive legal papers in any future lawsuit involving your LLC.
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