Before you start any type of business, you need to first choose a niche. It’s not enough to just decide you want to start a restaurant, for example. You need to choose which type of restaurant and the menu you intend to offer.

The idea is to drill down as much as you can and identify a niche catering to a specific market need. Your choice of niche should not only depend on your interests and skills but also on feasibility and market demand.

The next step is to check whether your chosen niche has enough demand for you to successfully enter and capture a share of the market. You will need to do thorough market research and understand the level of competition.

Based on the insights, and assuming the business idea is feasible, you need to make a business plan. This will include all important information, such as your target customers, your competitors, the services you’ll offer, etc.

Every new business needs an official name that is unique and follows the naming guidelines of the state in which it’s registered. So, your first order of business when starting an LLC in Hawaii is also to shortlist a business name.

To ensure your chosen name is not used by any other business, you’ll need to check the state database for matches. Once you’ve chosen the perfect business name, you can register it while submitting your Hawaii articles of organization.

Sometimes the process of registering a new business may get delayed due to various unforeseen reasons. In such cases, it’s best to reserve your chosen business name to ensure that no other business can register it before you do.

You can reserve a business name for 120 days in Hawaii. While at it, you should also look for and secure a matching domain name for your website. It’s better to do it early on to make sure you can get one matching your LLC name.

A registered agent is a person or organization that legally agrees to receive all business correspondence only on behalf of your business. They should be based in the state in which you’re registered and must have a physical address there.

The registered agent will receive legal documents on your behalf and forward them to you in a timely manner. They’ll also be responsible for notifying you of any upcoming deadlines or compliance requirements for your business.

Another important decision that you need to make when starting an LLC in Hawaii is deciding whether it would be a domestic LLC or a foreign LLC. This decision depends on whether you already have an LLC in another state.

If you already have an LLC registered in another state and simply want to expand your business in Hawaii, you need a foreign LLC. If you want to start a new business in Hawaii, then you will need to register a domestic LLC.

An operating agreement is a document that details the rules of governance for an LLC. It is drafted by members and all the policies and procedures are put in place once the LLC members mutually agree upon all of them.

This document is not legally required but is a must if you want your business to run smoothly. The rules and guidelines ensure that all the important business decisions are made properly and all conflicts are resolved seamlessly.

This is the most important step in the process as this is where you officially register your new business in Hawaii. You need to fill out and submit Form LLC-1 to file your Articles of Organization along with the required documents and fees.

You need to submit the application to the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), which is the authority responsible for business registrations. You can submit the form online, via mail, via fax, or in person.

After getting your Hawaii LLC registered, you must obtain a federal EIN or Tax ID number. This is a must-have for all businesses as it is required for various business purposes, such as opening a business bank account.

An EIN is like a social security number for a business. This is what the Internal Revenue Service and the government use to identify a business. It’s especially important for tax purposes as the IRS will use this to track your tax filings.

Keeping personal and business finances separate is a must for every small business. As a small business owner, you can’t afford to risk your personal assets in case the business incurs losses or dissolves completely.

That’s why it’s so important to open a separate bank account for your business, to keep the business finances completely separate. This is also useful in securing loans and funding for your business, without involving the members.

Once you’ve registered your business, you can still not start operations until you acquire the required business licenses and permits. These differ from state to state and different types of licenses may be required for different businesses.

Find out the requirements for your specific business at the local, state, and federal levels and then get the required licenses. You may need a general business license or a professional license depending on your type of business.

One of the defining characteristics of a Limited Liability Company is that it has more tax flexibility than any other business entity. A single-member LLC, by default, is treated as a Sole Proprietorship, and the taxes are paid by the members.

A multi-member LLC, however, can choose to be taxed as a C-Corp, an S-Corp, or a Partnership. You need to consider the tax advantages and disadvantages of each to make an informed decision for your new LLC in Hawaii.

Sometimes the official business name becomes too long if the state requires adding words like LLC or limited to it, which is the case in most states, including Hawaii. This makes the name unsuitable for marketing and branding purposes.

In such cases, you can choose to run your business under an assumed name or fictitious name by filing for a DBA (doing business as). This will allow you to register a more marketable name that you can use for branding purposes.

The process of starting an LLC is now complete, but your work doesn’t end here. As a new business owner, you need to make sure that your Limited Liability Company complies with all ongoing compliance requirements.

Make sure you file your taxes on time, file timely annual reports, and meet any other compliance requirements set forth by the state of Hawaii. This will ensure that you stay in good standing with the state and maintain your LLC status.

Here are the features you’ll get with this plan:

• Business name search: Conduct a free and quick business name search to determine if your chosen name is available for use within the state.

• Complimentary registered agent services: Get free registered agent services for 1 year from a local resident agent with a physical address in Hawaii.

• Digital document storage: Get access to an online dashboard where you store and manage your business documents, instead of maintaining physical copies.

• Tax consultation: Talk to a tax expert and get a brief consultation on how to maximize your tax savings and get the most tax benefits for your business.

• LLC filing: Let a team of experts review, prepare, and file your Hawaii Articles of Organization with the State’s business registration division.

• S-Corp election: Seek expert help in filing Form 2553 for the S-Corp election if you want to acquire the special tax status of an S-Corp for tax benefits.

• Business funding analysis: Let an expert assess your short-term business funding needs and give you options to secure funding for your business.

Overall, the free plan is perfect for those who simply want an error-free and hassle-free way to start an LLC in Hawaii. But those looking for additional services should check out the two paid plans, described below.

Price: Free

Here are the additional services you’ll get with this plan apart from what you get in the free plan:

• LLC operating agreement: Get detailed templates for creating an LLC operating agreement yourself or seek help from experts who can do it for you. In any case, you’ll be sure that you don’t miss any important details to add to it.

• Employer Identification Number: Easily apply for and quickly obtain a federal EIN with the help of Inc Authority. Its team will take care of the entire application process from filling out the application to reviewing and submitting it.

• Corporate forms and documents package: Get access to a comprehensive package of templates for various business and legal documents. Use this to quickly draft professional documents without needing expert help.

• Annual compliance notifications: Focus on growing your business without worrying about missing important deadlines and Inc Authority’s team will inform you of any upcoming ones and ensure you don’t miss anything.

• Detailed tax consultation: Get access to a tax expert who will dedicatedly work with you to help you achieve maximum tax benefits. Ask questions, seek help, and get as detailed a tax consultation as you need to understand things.

• Web domain + 5 business email addresses: Easily launch a website and get organic traffic by using Inc Authority’s web design and marketing services, which it offers via a tie-up with leading service providers like GoDaddy.

This plan is perfect for those who want some essential add-on services, such as EIN filing and web design, at an affordable price.

Price: Custom

Here are the additional services you’ll get over and above what you get with the Starter plan:

• Customer success advisor: Get a dedicated customer success advisor who will help you make use of Inc Authority’s services to your advantage. They’ll answer all your questions, guide you through the LLC formation process and beyond, and help you establish a successful business.

• Private banking specialist: Work with a banking professional who will help you understand your business banking requirements and provide you with some great options. From choosing the right banking partner to opening different types of accounts they’ll guide you through everything.

• Personalized business advisory: Consult with experts in various aspects of business and get advice on how to start a successful business and scale it. You will get unlimited access to personalized business advisory services that can help you market and grow your business quickly.

• Expedited preparation & filing: Let the team at Inc Authority treat your LLC application as the top priority and file it within the same day. This helps you skip the queue and get your new business started quickly. You will also get priority support and prompt resolution to your needs.

The top-tier plan is perfect for those who want priority services and are willing to pay for them. But if all you want to do is register a Hawaii LLC, then the free plan is enough for you.

Price: Custom

Your official business name represents your business, so choose one carefully. Make sure it’s unique, easy to spell, relevant, and easy to remember. Also, make sure that it follows the Delaware naming guidelines for LLCs.

This may require adding words like “LLC” or “limited” to your LLC name, which may make it longer. To ensure that your chosen business name is not in use by any other business, you will need to thoroughly search the state database.

If you anticipate delays in submitting your LLC application, it’s a good idea to reserve your business name. In Delaware, you have the option to reserve a business name for up to 120 days by paying a small filing fee of $75.

This is in line with what you’ll get in most states. Next, find a matching domain name and get it for your business before someone else snatches it up. This is important as it will help customers easily find your business online.

Unlike many other states, Delaware necessitates the appointment of a registered agent for the service of process. Whether you want to start a business or reserve a name, you will need a local resident agent to represent your business.

The registered agent will also be responsible for receiving all legal correspondence on behalf of your business and notifying you in time. The registered agent can be an individual or a business entity with a local address.

An operating agreement is a document that contains the rules of governance for a Limited Liability Company. This includes guidelines for how day-to-day decisions will be made and how conflicts will be resolved among LLC members.

While you’re not legally required to create an LLC operating agreement, it’s still recommended that you draft one in writing. This will make managing your Delaware LLC easier and will help streamline decision-making.

To officially register your LLC with the state you need to file Articles of Organization (called Certificate of Formation in Delaware) with the concerned authorities. In this case, this would be the Delaware Secretary of State.

You can fill out the form available on the official website and either upload it online or send it via mail. It will cost you a $110 state filing fee to submit the application and $50 or $100 extra for 24-hour and same-day services, respectively.

An EIN, aka Tax ID, is the number through which the Internal Revenue Service identifies a business for tax purposes and other reasons. You can think of it as a social security number but for a business instead of an individual. 

This is an important identification number that lends credibility to a business. So, get an EIN for your LLC in Delaware as it will be useful for various purposes, such as opening a business bank account or paying employee taxes.

Every smart entrepreneur knows the importance of keeping business finances separate from their personal finances. That’s why it’s important to open a separate bank account for your Limited Liability Company in Delaware.

You should consider various options to find a bank that offers the best services and rates for a new business. Also, consider online and hybrid banking options as they offer more flexibility, which is great for small businesses like yours.

To officially start operating your LLC in Delaware, you will need several licenses and permits, based on your type of business and locality. You may need such permits at federal, state, and local levels, so find out the requirements.

Some businesses may just need a general Delaware business license while others may require special industry-specific licenses. If you plan on running a restaurant, for example, you may need food, liquor, and health permits for it.

One of the benefits of choosing an LLC is that it offers flexibility on how you want the business to be taxed. A single-member LLC is treated as a Sole Proprietorship by default and a multi-member LLC is treated as a Partnership.

This means that it is considered a pass-through entity and does not pay corporate taxes. As such, if you want a different tax structure, you can choose to be taxed as a Corporation or fill out Form 2553 to get the S-Corp tax status.

Delaware LLCs are required to follow certain rules when naming an LLC. You are, for example, required to add words like “LLC” or “limited” to your LLC name, which can cause your business name to get longer and less marketable.

If you want to run your business under a shorter, more memorable name, you can file for a DBA (doing business as). This allows you to register a fictitious or assumed name of your choosing and run your business under this name.

Forming a Delaware Limited Liability Company is easy. What’s tough is getting those initial customers and letting your target audience know that your business exists. Having a website plays a crucial role in achieving this.

A business website is an organic way of letting your prospects know about your business and the products or services it offers. Make sure you get professional web design and marketing services to create a user-friendly website.

Lastly, you should follow all the rules and regulations laid down by the state government and the Delaware Secretary of State. This will ensure that you remain in good standing with the state and retain your Delware LLC status.

This typically requires paying your annual taxes on time. Make sure you find out all other requirements or hire professional legal services to help you stay compliant. There is no annual report requirement for LLCs in Delaware.

Here are the features you’ll get with the free business formation plan:

• Name check: You’ll get a free tool to search for your chosen business name and ensure that it’s available for use within the state of Delaware.

• 1-year registered agent services: Inc Authority will connect you with a local Delaware registered agent and you can get their services for 1 year for free.

• Online document storage: With your Inc Authority account, you’ll get access to an online dashboard where you can store your business documents.

• Tax planning consultation: A tax expert will provide you with a brief consultation on how to best manage your taxes and get the most tax advantages.

• LLC formation: A team of experts will review and file your Certificate of Formation and ensure that your application gets approved in a timely manner.

• S-Corp election and filing: If you want to convert your LLC to an S-Corp, Inc Authority will help you with the application and filling out Form 2553.

• Business funding analysis: An expert will assess your short-term business funding needs and provide options for various sources of funding.

The free plan has everything you’ll need to start an LLC in Delaware from scratch. But if you want more add-on services, consider the following two paid plans.

Price: Free

Here are the additional services you’ll get with this plan:

• LLC operating agreement: You will get expert guidance and a template to help you prepare a comprehensive LLC operating agreement for your business.

• Tax ID/EIN: You’ll get expert assistance while filing your EIN application, including review, preparation, and filing of the documents and quick service. 

• Corporate forms and documents package: With this package, you’ll get tons of templates for preparing various types of business documents and forms.

• Compliance notifications: The team at Inc Authority will inform you of all upcoming deadlines and legal requirements for your Delaware LLC.

• Detailed tax consultation: Unlike the brief consultation offered in the free plan, this will be a more detailed consultation with a tax professional.

• Web domain + 5 business email addresses: You will get a domain name for your website, matching your business name, and business email addresses.

Price: Custom

Here are the additional services you’ll get with this plan:

• Customer success advisor: You will be assigned a dedicated customer success advisor who will guide you on how to best use Inc Authority’s services. You can clear any questions you have about your account and get a quick response. 

• Private banking expert: A private banking specialist will be at your disposal to help you with your business banking needs. From giving you banking advice to helping you choose the right bank, they will help you with it all.

• Personalized business advisory: With this plan, you will also get access to a variety of experts in various fields who will help you start and grow your business. You will get personalized advice on how to launch a successful business.

• Expedited preparation & filing: The customers on the Fasttrack plan are treated with the utmost priority, so your application will go right to the top of the pile. You can expect your application to be processed and filed within the same day.

Your first order of business when forming an LLC in Connecticut is to select a unique, memorable, and relevant business name. It should follow Connecticut LLC naming guidelines, so make sure you find out the requirements.

To check whether your chosen name is available for use within the state, you can check the state database. If any other business is using the same name, you will need to find another name for your new LLC in Connecticut.

Sometimes, it may take you months before you’re ready to file your LLC application and get your business started. In such cases, if you have a particular business name in mind, it’s better to get it reserved so no one else can use it.

In Connecticut, you can reserve your business name for 120 days, by filing a $60 state filing fee. Apart from that, you should also consider choosing and buying a matching domain if you plan on launching a website for your business.

When filing your Certificate of Organization, you will be required to fill out the name, address, and contact information of your registered agent. That’s why it’s a good idea to hire a local agent before you start the application process.

The registered agent can be an individual (over 18 years of age) or an organization with a physical address in the state of Connecticut. The resident agent for the service of process will receive and forward your business correspondence.

Though it’s not necessitated by the state of Connecticut, it’s still a good practice to draft a written LLC operating agreement. This will ensure that your business will have clear rules on how it should be governed and decisions are taken.

An LLC operating agreement is prepared after all LLC owners discuss and agree upon a set of rules and codes of conduct. Having a written operating agreement ensures that there’s no conflict and that the LLC operates smoothly.

The most important step when forming an LLC is to submit your Articles of Organization to the Secretary of State. This document is called the Certificate of Organization in Connecticut and costs $120 to file and submit.

Connecticut offers an online document filing option, which saves time and effort. You simply need to fill out the required information and submit it. This includes all important details about your business and resident agent.

An EIN is the identification number of a business through which the Internal Revenue Service and the government recognize it. It’s like the social security number of an individual, which distinguishes them from anyone else.

This is an important identification that every business should acquire. It will help you with various other business processes, such as opening a business bank account, paying business taxes or employee taxes, and much more.

Every business, whether it’s a Sole Proprietorship or a Corporation, should have a separate bank account. This ensures that the personal finances of the owners don’t mix with the business finances, which can be quite messy.

That’s why you should open a business bank account that can help you better manage your finances. Make sure you go through several options and choose one that suits your specific business needs and offers the best services.

When you file your Certificate of Organization, you will need to fill out your NAICS code. It’s a five-digit industry code that helps categorize your business. You will also need to find out the industry-specific business permits you’ll need.

That’s why you should find out your exact NAICS code and research the business licenses and permits you’ll need. These may also differ from state to state, so check for your state-specific requirements and get everything you need.

An LLC has the most tax flexibility of all business entities. It can choose to be taxed as a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, S-Corporation, or C-Corporation. The choice depends on the number of members and their business preferences.

If you form a single-member LLC, it will be treated as a Sole Proprietorship by default. For a multi-member LLC, you can choose the pass-through taxation of a Partnership or choose to be taxed as a C-Corp and pay corporate taxes.

More often than not, the official name of an LLC is not the name that it uses for day-to-day business operations and not the name its customers know. Many LLCs opt for an assumed name or a fictitious name by filing for a DBA.

The reason for this is that many states require LLCs to add words like ‘Limited” or “LLC” to their names, which makes them long and not memorable. If you want a shorter LLC name, you can file for a DBA (doing business as).

In today’s digital world, every business needs an online presence and a website is the best way to do that. It is the face of your business and the first place a prospective customer will go to find more information about your business.

We recommend choosing a good partner for web design and marketing services and launching your website even before your business starts. This will build confidence and trust in your business and help people find your new business.

Your job is not done once you register your business and start operations. You need to follow the state’s rules and regulations to maintain your LLC status and stay in good standing with the state. Otherwise, you may face consequences.

The two most important requirements for doing that are paying your taxes on time and filing your annual report, along with the filing fee. Find out all other compliance requirements for an LLC in Connecticut and follow those.

Here’s what you’ll get with the free LLC formation plan:

• Business name search: You can use the search tool on its website to see if your chosen business name is available for use or taken by some other business.

• 1-year registered agent services: You will get free services from a local Connecticut registered agent for service of process for one year.

• Online document management: You can securely store your business documents online and easily access them from anywhere, anytime.

• Tax planning consultation: You’ll get a brief consultation with a tax specialist on how to realize the most tax advantages and maximum tax savings.

• LLC formation: This, of course, is the core service offered by Inc Authority where you’ll get access to experts who’ll prepare and file your LLC application.

• S-Corp election and filing: You can get the special tax status of an S-Corp by filing Form 2553, and Inc Authority’s team will help you with that.

• Business funding analysis: You will get advice from an expert on your future funding requirements and the best sources of funding for your business.

Price: Free

Here are the additional services you’ll get with the Starter plan:

• LLC operating agreement: If you’re a new entrepreneur who needs help preparing an operating agreement, Inc Authority’s team will help you.

• Employer Identification Number: You will need a Tax ID number for your business and Inc Authority’s team will assist you with the entire process.

• Corporate forms and documents package: This gives you access to numerous templates for creating various types of business documents.

• Compliance notifications: As part of this service, Inc Authority’s team will notify you of all upcoming deadlines and compliance requirements for your business.

• Detailed tax consultation: With the Starter plan, you will get a more detailed tax consultation with an expert on how to maximize your business tax savings.

• Web domain + 5 business email addresses: This plan also comes with website design services from an expert, along with business email addresses.

Price: Custom

This includes everything in the Starter plan plus:

• Customer success advisor: You’ll get a dedicated advisor who will guide you through the entire process of starting and running your business. You can ask them any questions on how to best use Inc Authority’s services. 

• Private banking expert: A banking specialist will be at your disposal and will assist you with your business banking needs. They’ll guide you on which accounts to open and also provide you with a list of the best banking options.

• Personalized business advisory: With Inc Authority’s top-tier plan, you get access to experts in various fields, from tax to business funding. You can seek consultation from them regarding all aspects of your business.

• Expedited preparation & filing: Lastly, the biggest benefit of choosing this plan is that your application gets the highest priority. Inc Authority’s team will prepare, review, and process your application within the same day.

If you want more personalized services and access to experts who can guide you on your entrepreneurial journey, then this is the best plan for you. But if you’re only looking for essential LLC formation services then you can start with the free plan.

Price: Custom

Before you can start your new LLC in Alabama, it’s important to choose a name for it. The business name you choose for your LLC must be unique and also comply with the LLC naming rules of the state of Alabama.

Some things to keep in mind include:

• The name must use LLC, Limited Liability Company, or L.L.C.
• You must choose a unique name that’s not used by any other business in the state. Verify this with the state’s business name database.
• Don’t use restricted words (like bank) and the name must not include any names of federal agencies like CIA, FBI, etc.

Once you’ve chosen a business name, you need to reserve it to ensure no other company ends up picking it before you do. You can file an application to reserve your business name for up to 90 days. It’s also possible to renew this duration.

Additionally, it’s important to purchase a domain name for your business. This will ensure that no one else picks it up as it could harm your brand at a later stage. It’s also a good idea to claim your social media handles before anyone else does.

The state of Alabama requires businesses to have a Registered Agent within the state who can receive documentation and legal communications on their behalf. While you can be your own Registered Agent, you’d have to be present at the registered office during all normal working hours. 

Instead, you could hire Inc Authority as your Registered Agent and have them receive the communication for you. They’ll even share the received communication with you instantly so you can act upon it.

This is especially helpful for foreign LLCs that may not have an office in the state of Alabama.

When you start your LLC in Alabama, you’ll also need to choose your LLC type. Now, this decision may be simple if you’re starting a new business. You’d have to opt for a domestic LLC. But if you have a business in another state, you could choose to start a domestic or foreign LLC. 

Make your choice well as the filing fees for foreign LLCs are just $150 while domestic Alabama LLCs will cost $200.

To formally start your LLC in Alabama, you have to file your Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State. This is essentially the Articles of Organization.

You’ll need to prepare your Alabama LLC Certificate of Formation and submit it to the Secretary of State to get your LLC formation process started. Inc Authority will handle this process for you, so all you have to do is provide the required documents and information and you’re good to go.

You’ll also need to create an LLC Operating Agreement for your business in Alabama. This document essentially outlines how your LLC will conduct business. It includes things like:

• Roles and responsibilities of the LLC members
• Name and address of the Registered Agent
• Whether the LLC will be managed by members or managers
• Contribution of members and their share of profits
• Procedure to add or remove members from the Alabama LLC

The Operating Agreement comes in handy when any organizational issues pop up. It’s also a handy document that helps keep your organization’s operations running smoothly. If you don’t have an agreement in place, the courts will take decisions related to your business in case of any legal disputes within the members.

Your LLC in Alabama isn’t legally formed until now. While you’ve filed and submitted your Certificate of Formation to the Secretary of State, your business only starts legally when this certificate is approved. 

So, once the Secretary of State approves your application, you’ll receive your Certificate of Formation confirming your LLC formally exists in the state of Alabama. You have to use this certificate to apply for your business bank account and EIN, among other things.

If you want to hire employees or conduct even the most basic business transactions like sending and receiving payments, you’ll need to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is basically your LLC’s federal tax ID number. It’s necessary to get an EIN for every LLC in Alabama, so make sure you apply for it before you start your operations.

It’s imperative that you open a separate bank account for your business to conduct transactions for it. This will help keep your business and personal finances separate—something that’s important to maintain the limited liability cover of LLCs. 

By opening your business bank account, you’ll be able to make and receive payments for your products or services. To open one, you’ll need to submit your Certificate of Formation, EIN, and other personal identification documents as requested by the bank. 

The state of Alabama requires you to keep certain important documents in your registered office. Some of the documents you need to have in your LLCs office include:

• A list of all the members of your Alabama LLC along with their updated addresses.
• A copy of your Certificate of Formation along with any amendments that you may have made.
• Your LLC’s Operating Agreement or its copy.
• Any financial statements you’ve filed with the Department of Revenue. 

It’s important to keep these documents handy in your office to remain in good standing with the state and ensure smooth business continuity. 

While your LLC may be operational by now, it’s important to get certain licenses and permits for it to operate legally. These will completely depend on the nature of your business and you’ll need to check if you need these licenses at both the state and federal levels. 

For instance, you may need a fire safety license if you run a restaurant or eatery. Similarly, if you intend to serve liquor, you may need a liquor license from the state. 

Every business in Alabama is required to file an Alabama Business Privilege tax return with the Department of Revenue according to Alabama Law. This must be done on or before 3.5 months of the tax year for your new LLC in Alabama. 

The rate of Business Privilege tax varies in Alabama based on the revenue of your new LLC. So make sure you’re representing your revenues accurately in your return and paying the relevant tax to keep your business in the good books of the state of Alabama.

Here are the features you’ll get with the free plan:

• Business name check: You can use Inc Authority’s website to quickly check if your desired business name is already in use within your state by using their free search tool.

• Registered Agent services: Inc Authority will work as your Registered Agent for one year for free.

• Digital document storage: Your business formation documents like Certificate of Formation will be saved digitally.

• Tax advisory: Inc Authority will help with your taxation, including the Business Privilege Tax.

• LLC formation: From filing your Certificate of Formation to paying the filing fees,

• S-Corp election and filing: You might want to get your LLC taxed as an S-Corp. If that’s the case, Inc Authority will do the S-Corp filing for your LLC in Alabama without any additional fees.

• Business funding analysis: You may need some financial support in the form of funding or debt. Inc Authority will analyze your business needs and suggest the best modes of financing for your new LLC in Alabama. 

In a nutshell, the free plan has everything you need to get your LLC off the ground in the state of Alabama. You only need to pay the state filing fee, and Inc Authority will do the filing process for you. 

Price: Free

The first step is to find a name for your Alaska LLC that’s catchy and reflects well on your brand and everything you’re trying to achieve. You’ll need to conduct a name search on the state website to make sure the names you come up with aren’t taken already.

It’s important to abide by Alaska state rules while choosing a name for your LLC. For instance, the name must contain the words Limited Liability Company or any of its abbreviations. The name must also not imply any affiliation with government bodies.

This isn’t a compulsory step for every LLC. However, it’s important for those businesses that aren’t looking to start their paperwork immediately but are confident about their business name and want to reserve it.

Alaska allows you to reserve your business name for up to 120 days for which you’ll be charged a small fee (currently $25). You are allowed to renew this reservation twice. However, during renewal, you must include a statement of intent to start a business.

Before registering a firm under your chosen name, research existing trademarks to make sure there isn’t a conflict. Trademark infringement lawsuits can be devastating to your brand if it happens after you’ve already opened your business.

The state of Alaska will not research whether or not your business name is already trademarked, so you should. You can do so through a trademark attorney or by searching the website of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Your Registered Agent will be tasked with receiving legal notices and other government correspondence on behalf of your business. They can either be an Alaska resident or a company authorized to conduct business in the state. But the company must be a Corporation and not any other business structure like an LLC or partnership.

You need a Registered Agent for your LLC to remain in good standing in Alaska. The agent must have a physical address in Alaska where your documents will be sent. Finally, they must be available at the address during all business hours.

Next, you’ll need to fill out your Articles of Organization with the Alaska Division of Corporations to make your LLC legal. After 6 months, you’ll need to submit an Initial Report, then biennial reports thereafter. 

Your Articles of Organization should contain details such as your business name, Registered Agent details, the purpose of your business, and more. You can file the document online or by mail—either would cost $250.

Your Articles of Organization will require that you decide whether you want your LLC to be member-managed or manager-managed. An LLC can either be managed by the owners or a third party.

If you and your fellow members decide that you want your LLC to be manager-managed, you’ll need to provide the name or names of appointed managers in the Articles of Organization. You’ll need to list them in your Alaska LLC Operating Agreement as well.

This step is not legally required in Alaska but is very crucial for businesses. An Operating Agreement sets the tone for the business, stating rules and policies about how everything should be handled. 

Some items you could include in your Operating Agreement include establishing ownership percentages, assigning member responsibilities, LLC dissolution rules, and more. In the absence of this document, your LLC will be subject to default state laws.

LLCs need to apply for a tax ID or EIN with the Internal Revenue Service. This is a nine-digit number that will act as your business’s social security number to uniquely identify it for tax purposes. 

An EIN is especially important if you plan on having employees work for you. You can apply for an EIN on the IRS website. Alternatively, if you find this too tedious, Inc Authority can handle the process for you at a fee.

Besides federal pass-through tax, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with state taxes and licensing in Alaska. For instance, depending on the industry your business operates in, you’ll be required to pay taxes like Alcoholic Beverage Tax.

Alaska does not levy state-level sales or use tax. However, some local counties may levy their own. You’ll need to check out their Tax Department’s homepage or Tax Department’s Revenue Online portal for more information.

Whether you’re running the business along with other members or by yourself, it’s important to separate your personal finances from business finances. This ensures your personal assets are secure in case of any business liability.

A business account also makes it easy for you to report your taxes. It also increases your business’s credibility amongst your customers, lenders, and investors. You’ll need an EIN when opening your business bank account.

In today’s digital world, businesses need an online presence, and your Alaska LLC is no exception. A professional website helps you build credibility and makes it easier for prospects to find you. 

The first step will be to get a domain name for your business. Make sure your domain name matches your business name to make it easier to find your website. Be sure to include items like your physical location, hours of operation, social media pages, etc. on your website.

Unlike most states that require businesses to file annual reports, Alaska requires their LLCs to file biennial reports. This means that you will need to file your report with the state’s Division of Corporations every two years.

The filing fee charged as of 2023 is $100 for all domestic LLCs and $200 for foreign LLCs. You can start filing your report on October 2nd with a deadline of January 2nd. A late fee is charged if you file your report late ($37.50 for domestic and $47.50 for foreign).

In this package, you will have access to the following services:

• LLC registration: Incorporating an LLC is Inc Authority’s primary service. This includes filing and submitting your Articles of Organization with Alaska’s Division of Corporations. 

• Business name search: Inc Authority’s website features a free search tool where you can type out your proposed business name to determine if it’s already in use in your state.

• Free registered agent: For one year, you’ll get free Alaska Registered Agent services. This means that you won’t have to worry about finding an eligible company to receive documents on your behalf. 

• Digital document storage: Having all your Alaska LLC documents in one digital dashboard keeps them well organized and makes it easy to access them. It also ensures the safety of your important documents.

• Tax advisory: To ensure you select the most advantageous tax structure for your Alaska LLC, and realize the most possible tax savings, Inc Authority will assign a tax expert to you.

• S-Corp election: If you want your Limited Liability Company to be taxed as an S-Corporation, you must complete and file a federal S-election form. Inc Authority does this for you.

• Business funding analysis: Inc Authority’s free plan includes business finance analysis as one of its many perks. Professionals will evaluate your financial needs and recommend reliable funding options.

The free plan includes most of what you need to form your business in Alaska. To get more specialized services, you’ll need to upgrade to the paid plans.

Choose a name for your business that is short, memorable, and relevant. Check the state database to ensure that no other business is using your chosen name. Ensure that the name follows the Arkansas LLC naming guidelines.

Sometimes it may take some time for you to complete all the formalities. To protect your chosen business name during this period, you can reserve it with the state by paying a filing fee of $22.5 for online filing or $25 for paper filing.

While this is completely optional, we recommend that you reserve a domain name for your website that matches your chosen business name. The simple reason is that your website’s domain should represent your brand and this will help.

You don’t want to end up in a situation where you register your Limited Liability Company and later realize that there’s no available domain name matching your business name. That’s why it’s prudent to think about this beforehand.

According to the new LLC laws of the state, you need to provide the information for your registered agent while filing the application to receive a Certificate of Organization. There is no separate filing fee that you need to pay for this.

A registered agent can be an individual or a company who accepts the responsibility of receiving all business correspondence on your behalf. They’re also responsible for forwarding any time-sensitive legal notices to you on priority.

According to the modified LLC laws by the state, filing a written LLC operating agreement when registering an LLC is no longer required. The state allows LLCs to run based on oral operating agreements among the members.

Also, in the absence of any operating agreement, the default provisions of the ULLCA apply. However, we highly recommend forming one for internal use and it can simplify your operations by listing the rules of governance.

The “Articles of Organization” are called the “Certificate of Organization” in Arkansas. This is the official document that you need to file with the Arkansas Secretary of State to register your Limited Liability Company in the state.

As per new regulations, you only need to provide important information like the name and address of the business and the registered agent information when filing this. When the state accepts your application, your LLC is legally registered.

Even after your Arkansas LLC is registered, you need to take a few steps before you can start your business operations. Obtaining a Tax ID number or an Employer Identification Number is one such necessary step you must complete.

An EIN is your business’ identity and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses it to identify your business for tax purposes. It is also required for various business purposes, such as opening a business bank account and paying employment taxes.

Next on your list of things to do when starting an LLC in Arkansas is to open a business bank account. This will help you keep your business finances separate from your personal finances and also manage your accounts better.

You should do some research and find the best business accounts and banking options for your small business. Make sure you choose a bank that offers a hybrid banking model and allows you to manage your finances on the go.

This is another mandatory requirement for running a business in Arkansas. You must find out the requirements for any business licenses and permits you need for your specific business at Federal, state, or local levels.

As the requirements vary by type of business and the area of operation, it would be specific for your LLC in Arkansas. You may, for example, need an occupational license if you start a professional Limited Liability Company.

Unlike other business entities, LLCs have the flexibility to choose how they want to be taxed. By default, a single-member LLC would be taxed like a Sole Proprietorship where the business profits and losses pass to the owner.

A multi-member LLC in Arkansas, however, can choose to be taxed as a C-Corp, an S-Corp, or a Partnership. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so make your choice after careful consideration of each option.

A DBA is an assumed name or fictitious name that businesses often use to conduct their day-to-day business. One of the main reasons why businesses use this is to shorten their official name to make it more memorable and catchy.

The naming conventions for LLCs, in many states, require businesses to add words like “limited” or “LLC” to their registered names. This sometimes leads to names being long. If that’s the case for you, you can file for a DBA for your business.