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What is an LLC?
A limited liability company is a state-registered business structure that separates business obligations from an owner’s personal assets when it is formed and maintained correctly.
Read the complete LLC guide →Free state-by-state LLC guides
Start an LLC in Your State
Choose your state for the correct filing steps, official forms, current requirements, and a clear path from business name to EIN.
Not sure where to begin?
Tell us where you are and we’ll point you at the right page.
- 01I’m ready to start an LLCSix-step formation roadmap, state guide, and EIN.
- 02I’m still researching LLCsWhat an LLC is, what it costs, and how it is taxed.
- 03I need help choosing a business structureCompare an LLC, sole proprietorship, S corp, or corporation.
- 04I want to compare LLC servicesSide-by-side methodology, features, and current provider details.
- 05I already have an LLCBanking, compliance, taxes, and staying in good standing.
Chapter 01 · The formation process
How to start an LLC in six steps
Every state follows the same basic sequence. The details—fees, forms, publication rules, and timing—change by state.
Select your state
Form in the state where you actually do business. Filing elsewhere can mean registering twice.
Choose your state →Name your LLC
Your name must be distinguishable in state records and include an LLC designator.
Search name availability →Choose a registered agent
Every state requires an eligible in-state address for legal and government notices.
What a registered agent does →File the formation document
Submit your state’s Articles or Certificate of Organization and pay its filing fee.
See state forms and steps →Create an operating agreement
Record ownership, voting, profit distribution, and what happens when a member leaves.
Create an agreement →Get an EIN
Apply through the IRS, then use the EIN to open a dedicated business bank account.
How to apply for an EIN →
Free tool · Chapter 02
Find the right business structure for you
Answer a short series of questions about ownership, liability, funding, and hiring. You’ll get a cautious recommendation and the reasoning behind it.
- Takes about two minutes
- No email or account required
- Your answers stay in this browser
Find the Right Business Structure For You
Question 1 of 7
Figure out which business structure works best for you — in just a few easy questions.
Answer a few short questions about your business and we’ll recommend the right structure for you — plus show you how to get started.
Chapter 03 · Fundamentals
Understand LLCs before you file
Chapter 04 · Directory
All 50 state guides and DC
Northeast
South Atlantic
Midwest
West South Central
Mountain
Pacific
Each state guide contains its own filing steps, official sources, costs, and ongoing obligations. Verify current facts inside the guide.
Chapter 05 · Reviews
If you’d rather not file it yourself
Top pick · TRUiC exclusive
Northwest
Starting at$29+ state fees
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- Registered agent
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ZenBusiness
Starting at$0+ state fees
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Legal support
LegalZoom
Starting at$0+ state fees
- Formation filing
- Included
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- $299 per year
Featured comparison
Best LLC Services Compared
See every ranked provider, plan details, hands-on findings, and TRUiC-only offers in one guide.
Read our Best LLC Services guide →Chapter 06 · Free tools
Tools that do the tedious part
Featured tool
Generate brand ideas and check each name across 60 domain extensions.
Available business names
Domain links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission from GoDaddy at no extra cost to you.
Generated names still require a separate state availability check.
Chapter 07 · After approval
Your LLC is approved. Now keep it healthy.
Formation is one afternoon. Staying compliant and protected is the part that decides whether the liability shield holds up.
Week 1
Open a business bank account
Mixing personal and business money is the fastest way to weaken the separation you just created.
Week 1Maintain the corporate veil
Keep separate records, sign agreements correctly, and avoid personal expenses on the business card.
Month 1Get business insurance
Liability protection does not replace coverage for injuries, advice, property, or employees.
Month 1Understand your LLC taxes
Plan for self-employment tax, estimated payments, and any state obligations.
Month 2Build a website
Claim your domain and publish the pages customers need to understand and trust the business.
OngoingStay compliant
Track reports, franchise taxes, registered-agent updates, licenses, and renewals.
Chapter 08 · Editorial standards
Who writes this, and how it’s funded
Editorial team
TRUiC’s team includes entrepreneurs, graduates, researchers, and writers who review each guide against current requirements.
Meet the editorial teamSources & updates
Fees, forms, and processing times come from official state and federal sources and are checked on a rolling schedule.
How we researchHow we’re funded
The guides and tools are free. When a recommendation is an affiliate link, it is labeled and commissions do not buy placement.
Our funding modelLegal & tax disclaimer
This site provides general educational information, not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Read the termsReady when you are.
Choose your state and we’ll take it from the filing fee to your EIN—free, in order, with official links.