LLC Guides and Resources
Guides to forming, running and maintaining a limited liability company, from state filing fees to operating agreements.
100 articles
Articles of Organization vs. Operating Agreement: What Is the Difference?
Compare Articles of Organization and operating agreements, including what each document covers, who requires one, and when you need both.
Best States to Form an LLC
Learn which states charge the lowest LLC filing fees, skip annual report fees, or have no state income tax, and why your home state is usually still best.
Can a Non-U.S. Resident Form an LLC?
Find out how a non-U.S. resident can form and own an LLC, including EIN rules without a Social Security number, registered agents, and federal tax filings.
Can a Nonresident Form an LLC in the United States?
Find out whether a nonresident can form a U.S. LLC, including registered agent rules, EIN options without a Social Security number, and Form 5472 filing.
Can an LLC Be a Member of Another LLC?
Find out whether an LLC can own a membership interest in another LLC, including ownership rules, tax classification, and liability effects.
Can an LLC Have Multiple Businesses?
Find out how one LLC can run multiple businesses through DBAs, a holding company, separate LLCs, or a series LLC, and what each option means for liability.
Can an LLC Own Another LLC?
Find out whether an LLC can own another LLC, including holding company structures, EIN rules for subsidiaries, and liability protection.
Can an LLC Own Real Estate?
Find out how an LLC can own real estate, including titling the deed, rental income taxes, due-on-sale clauses, and transferring an existing property.
Can You Form an LLC Yourself?
Find out how to form an LLC yourself, including the filing steps, state fees, registered agent rules, and when a formation service helps.
Can You Start an LLC With No Money?
Find out whether you can form an LLC with no money, what the one mandatory state fee costs, and how to skip every other optional expense.
Delaware LLC vs. Home-State LLC
Compare forming a Delaware LLC against your home-state LLC, including filing fees, the annual LLC tax, dual registration costs, and privacy.
DIY LLC Filing vs. LLC Formation Service
Compare filing LLC paperwork yourself against using a formation service, including cost, time, registered agent needs, and what each option actually does.
Do LLCs Need Business Insurance?
Find out whether your LLC needs business insurance, including coverage types, workers' compensation rules, and liability protection limits.
Does a Single-Member LLC Need an Operating Agreement?
Find out whether a single-member LLC needs an operating agreement, which states require one, and why most owners draft one even where it isn't mandatory.
Does an LLC Need an EIN?
Find out when an LLC needs an EIN, including rules for single-member LLCs, employees, taxes, and business bank accounts.
Florida LLC vs. Delaware LLC
Compare a Florida LLC against a Delaware LLC, including filing fees, annual report costs, registered agent rules, and name reservation.
How LLC Owners Pay Themselves
Learn how LLC owners pay themselves through owner's draws, guaranteed payments, or S corporation salary, and how each option is taxed by the IRS.
How Long Does It Take to Form an LLC?
Find out how long LLC formation takes in your state, from same-day online filing to several weeks by mail, plus expedited processing options.
How Much Does It Cost to Form an LLC?
See what forming an LLC costs, including state filing fees, registered agent costs, EIN fees, and ongoing annual report requirements.
How to Add a Member to an LLC
Learn how to add a member to an LLC, including operating agreement approval, ownership percentages, state filings, and when a new EIN is required.
How to Amend Articles of Organization
Learn how to amend Articles of Organization, including what changes require it, state filing fees, processing time, and registered agent updates.
How to Change an LLC Address
Learn how to change an LLC address with your state and the IRS, including which form updates your principal address versus your registered agent.
How to Change an LLC Manager
Learn how to change an LLC manager, including the operating agreement vote, state filing requirements, and updating the IRS responsible party.
How to Change an LLC Name
Learn how to change an LLC's legal name, including the state amendment filing, fees from $15 to $220, and how to notify the IRS without a new EIN.
How to Change LLC Ownership
Learn how to change LLC ownership, including operating agreement consent rules, membership interest transfers, and EIN and state filing updates.
How to Change Your LLC Registered Agent
Learn how to change your LLC's registered agent, including the state form you file, the consent a new agent needs to give, and fees from $0 to $100.
How to Check LLC Name Availability
Learn how to check LLC name availability using your state's business search, naming rules, trademark records, and name reservation options.
How to Choose a Name for Your LLC
Learn how to choose an LLC name that meets your state's rules, clears a trademark search, and is available as a domain before you file.
How to Choose an LLC Formation Service
Learn how to choose an LLC formation service, including what to check for pricing, registered agent coverage, renewals, and support.
How to Choose the Best State to Form an LLC
Learn how to choose the best state to form an LLC, weighing filing fees, annual report costs, taxes, and whether you'd need to register as a foreign LLC.
How to Close an LLC With the IRS
Learn how to close an LLC with the IRS, including filing a final tax return, handling employment taxes, and canceling the EIN by letter.
How to Convert a Partnership to an LLC
Learn how to convert a partnership to an LLC, including statutory conversion filings, partner consent, and why you likely keep the same EIN.
How to Convert a Sole Proprietorship to an LLC
Learn how to convert a sole proprietorship to an LLC, including EIN rules, asset transfers, licenses, and state filing requirements.
How to Convert an LLC to a Corporation
Learn how to convert an LLC to a corporation, including statutory conversion filings, why a new EIN is required, and the tax issues to plan around.
How to Create an LLC Operating Agreement
Learn how to create an LLC operating agreement, including what sections to cover, who needs to sign it, and which states require one by law.
How to Dissolve an LLC
Learn how to dissolve an LLC, including the member vote, winding up debts, the state filing fee, and how to close your final tax return and EIN.
How to Elect S Corporation Tax Status for an LLC
Learn how to elect S corporation tax status for an LLC, including Form 2553 deadlines, eligibility rules, and reasonable compensation.
How to File an LLC Annual Report
Learn how to file an LLC annual report, including where to file, what information you need, typical deadlines, and fees that range from $0 to $500 a year.
How to File Articles of Organization
Learn how to file Articles of Organization to form your LLC, including what information you need, state fees, and online filing options.
How to Form a Real Estate LLC
Learn how to form a real estate LLC, including choosing a single or multi-property structure, financing, insurance, and foreign qualification rules.
How to Form an E-Commerce LLC
Learn how to form an e-commerce LLC, including sales tax nexus, seller permits, the FTC shipping rule, and business licenses.
How to Form an LLC for a Consulting Business
Learn how to form an LLC for a consulting business, including naming rules, client contracts, professional liability insurance, and state tax registration.
How to Form an LLC for a Family Business
Learn how to form an LLC for a family business, including ownership splits among relatives, succession planning, and rules for hiring family members.
How to Form an LLC for a Rental Property
Learn how to form an LLC for a rental property, including transferring the deed, notifying your lender, switching insurance, and assigning the lease.
How to Form an LLC for a Startup
Learn how to form an LLC for a startup, including when an LLC fits better than a C corporation, founder agreements, and equity.
How to Form an LLC for Freelancers
Learn how to form an LLC for freelance work, including filing steps, getting an EIN instead of using your Social Security number, and handling 1099 income.
How to Form an LLC in Arizona
Learn how to form an Arizona LLC step by step, including the $50 filing fee, statutory agent rules, and the publication requirement most owners miss.
How to Form an LLC in California
Learn how to form a California LLC, including the $70 filing fee, the $800 annual tax, registered agent rules, and Statement of Information deadlines.
How to Form an LLC in Delaware
Learn how to form an LLC in Delaware, including the Certificate of Formation fee, registered agent rules, and the annual LLC tax.
How to Form an LLC in Florida
Learn how to form an LLC in Florida, including the $125 filing fee, registered agent rules, the $138.75 annual report, and Florida's name requirements.
How to Form an LLC in Georgia
Learn how to form a Georgia LLC step by step, including the $100 filing fee, registered agent rules, and the yearly Annual Registration deadline.
How to Form an LLC in Nevada
Learn how to form a Nevada LLC, including the $75 filing fee, the required $425 initial filing package, and the annual List and Business License renewal.
How to Form an LLC in New York
Learn how to form an LLC in New York, including the Articles of Organization fee, the publication requirement, and operating agreement rules.
How to Form an LLC in North Carolina
Learn how to form an LLC in North Carolina, including the $125 filing fee, registered agent rules, expedited options, and the $200 annual report.
How to Form an LLC in Texas
Learn how to form a Texas LLC step by step, including the $300 filing fee, registered agent rules, and the franchise tax report due every May 15.
How to Form an LLC in Wyoming
Learn how to form a Wyoming LLC, including the $100 filing fee, instant online formation, the $60 annual report, and the registered agent requirements.
How to Get an EIN for an LLC
Learn how to get an EIN for an LLC, including what information you need, the online application, and options without a Social Security number.
How to Keep an LLC in Good Standing
Learn how to keep an LLC in good standing, including filing annual reports on time, maintaining a registered agent, and paying state taxes on schedule.
How to Open an LLC Business Bank Account
Learn how to open an LLC business bank account, including the documents banks require, beneficial ownership rules, and why to avoid personal accounts.
How to Protect the LLC Corporate Veil
Learn how to protect your LLC's corporate veil by separating finances, following your operating agreement, and avoiding mistakes that let courts pierce it.
How to Register a Foreign LLC
Learn how to register a foreign LLC in another state, including certificate of good standing requirements, fees, and registered agents.
How to Register an LLC for State Taxes
Learn how to register an LLC for state taxes, including when you need a state tax ID, a sales tax permit, and an employer withholding account.
How to Reinstate a Dissolved LLC
Learn how to reinstate an administratively dissolved LLC, including filing late reports, paying penalties, and state-specific reinstatement fees.
How to Remove a Member From an LLC
Learn how to remove a member from an LLC, including buyout clauses, valuing their interest, and what happens without a written operating agreement.
How to Reserve an LLC Name
Learn how to reserve an LLC name, including state fees, how long a reservation lasts, and which state does not offer it at all.
How to Start an LLC: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to start an LLC step by step, from choosing a name and registered agent through filing, getting an EIN, and registering for state taxes.
LLC Annual Report Requirements by State
Review LLC annual report requirements by state, including fees from $0 to $500, filing deadlines, and the five states that require none at all.
LLC Compliance Checklist
Learn the recurring compliance items every LLC should track, including annual reports, registered agent upkeep, licenses, taxes, and BOI reporting status.
LLC Estimated Taxes: What Owners Need to Know
Learn what LLC owners need to know about estimated taxes, including quarterly due dates, safe harbor rules, and self-employment tax.
LLC Formation Checklist for New Business Owners
Review an LLC formation checklist covering what to prepare before filing, what the filing itself requires, and what to finish right after approval.
LLC Naming Rules by State
Review LLC naming rules by state, including required designators, the distinguishability standard, restricted words, and name reservation fees.
LLC Tax Classification Explained
Learn how the IRS classifies an LLC for tax purposes by default, and how to elect corporation or S corporation status with Form 8832 or Form 2553.
LLC vs. C Corporation
Compare an LLC against a C corporation, including double taxation, ownership rules, stock options, and raising outside investment.
LLC vs. Corporation
Compare an LLC and a corporation, including ownership structure, management formalities, default taxation, and which one fits raising outside investment.
LLC vs. Partnership
Compare an LLC and a partnership, including liability protection, state filing requirements, and how the IRS taxes each by default.
LLC vs. S Corporation
Compare an LLC and an S corporation, including ownership rules, self-employment tax, and how an LLC can elect S corp tax status while staying an LLC.
LLC vs. Sole Proprietorship
Compare an LLC against a sole proprietorship, including personal liability protection, formation costs, taxes, and continuity.
Member-Managed vs. Manager-Managed LLC
Compare a member-managed and a manager-managed LLC, including who can run daily operations, who can sign contracts, and how to choose in your filing.
Nevada LLC vs. Home-State LLC
Compare forming an LLC in Nevada against your home state, including the real $425 starting cost, no state income tax, and dual registration fees.
PLLC vs. LLC: Key Differences
Compare a PLLC and a regular LLC, including which licensed professions must use one, ownership restrictions, and why it doesn't cover malpractice claims.
Series LLC States: Where Can You Form One
Learn which states allow a series LLC, including the full current list of states and how Florida added the option in 2026.
Should You Form an LLC in Your Home State?
Find out whether to form your LLC in your home state or elsewhere, including what foreign qualification costs if you operate where you didn't file.
Single-Member LLC vs. Multi-Member LLC
Compare single-member and multi-member LLCs, including tax classification, EIN rules, charging order protection, and ownership transfer.
Top 10 Benefits of Forming an LLC
Learn the top benefits of forming an LLC, including personal liability protection, pass-through taxation, flexible management, and fewer formalities.
Top 10 Disadvantages of an LLC
Learn the top 10 disadvantages of an LLC, including self-employment tax, state fees, limited transferability, and veil piercing.
Top 10 First Steps After Forming an LLC
Find out the top first steps after forming an LLC, from getting a free EIN and opening a bank account to registering for taxes and required licenses.
Top 10 LLC Formation Mistakes to Avoid
Learn the top 10 LLC formation mistakes to avoid, from registered agent errors to missed annual reports and mixing business with personal funds.
Top 10 Operating Agreement Clauses to Consider
Learn the top clauses to include in an LLC operating agreement, including ownership, voting rights, distributions, buyouts, and dissolution terms.
Top 10 Things to Know Before Forming an LLC
Learn the top 10 things to know before forming an LLC, including fees, registered agents, taxes, EINs, and business licenses.
What Do You Need to Start an LLC?
Find out what you need to start an LLC, including a compliant name, a registered agent, member information, the state filing fee, and an EIN afterward.
What Happens if You Do Not File an LLC Annual Report?
Find out what happens if you miss an LLC annual report deadline, from late fees and loss of good standing to administrative dissolution.
What Is a Domestic LLC?
Learn what a domestic LLC is, how it differs from a foreign LLC, and when you need to register as a foreign LLC in another state.
What Is a Foreign LLC?
Learn what a foreign LLC is, including how it differs from a domestic LLC, registration triggers, and what happens if you skip it.
What Is a Holding Company LLC?
Learn what a holding company LLC is, how it owns other businesses or assets, why owners use one for liability separation, and how its taxes typically flow.
What Is a Low-Profit LLC?
Learn what a low-profit LLC (L3C) is, which states authorize one, and how it differs from a nonprofit for tax and investment purposes.
What Is a Professional LLC (PLLC)?
Learn what a professional LLC (PLLC) is, which licensed professions use one, how it's taxed, and what it does and doesn't protect against.
What Is a Series LLC?
Learn what a series LLC is, including how liability separation works, protected versus registered series, and federal tax rules.
What Licenses and Permits Does an LLC Need?
Find out what licenses and permits an LLC needs, including federal licenses for regulated industries, state professional licenses, and local permits.
What to Do After Forming an LLC?
Learn what to do after forming an LLC, including getting an EIN, opening a bank account, drafting an operating agreement, and tracking annual filings.
Wyoming LLC vs. Home-State LLC
Compare forming an LLC in Wyoming against your home state, including fees, taxes, and why operating where you don't form usually means paying twice.