A registered agent is the person who or entity that you designate to receive service of process if your company gets sued. New York handles the registered agent requirement differently than any other state. You must appoint the secretary of state as your agent for service of process. However, you may choose to designate your own registered agent in addition to the secretary of state.

You can appoint yourself in the role, or you may choose a friend, family member or someone who will work in your company. The state only requires that the person you choose is over 18 years of age and a resident of the state with a physical address. You may also opt for a professional registered agent service.

The next step in how to file an LLC in New York is to complete and submit your articles of organization. This filing is how you make your business official with the state. It is a legal document that establishes a record of your company with the state. The form provides your official name and identifies the company structure. It may also include a statement of LLC member rights, liabilities, responsibilities and powers.

You can file your AoO online or by mail, and the filing fee is $200. If you submit your form online, you receive an email notification of receipt and a PDF copy of your application. If you opt to file using the paper form, the Department of State offers expedited services as follows:

These fees apply to expedited services for any official, time-sensitive document and are per-document fees.

Though the operating agreement is strictly an internal document, New York law requires every business to have one. The OA identifies all LLC members — even if you are the only one — and establishes the relationship between the LLC members and with the company. It also describes each member’s responsibilities, liabilities, powers, obligations, and rights. Your OA should also outline your company’s operating procedures. You may want to include other vital pieces of information, such as:

Every business entity needs an EIN, provided by the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS and the state use this nine-digit number for tax purposes. You also need it to open a business bank account and if you plan to hire any employees. Applying for your EIN is free, and you can apply online. A word of caution: Be prepared to complete your application in one sitting, as you cannot save your application, and the site times out when there is no activity for 15 minutes.

Once you obtain your EIN, you may want to open a business bank account. It’s essential that your business banking is separate from your personal banking to protect your personal assets. It also makes it easier to organize your financial information when filing your taxes.

Within 120 days of forming your LLC, the State of New York requires you to publish your AoO — or an article announcing the formation of your LLC — once per week in two newspapers for six consecutive weeks. The county clerk designates the newspapers for your publications. The county you work with is the one in which your registered agent’s address is located. Your notice must contain the following information:

Either an individual or company can operate as a registered agent for an LLC. The agent accepts legal and official mail on behalf of the LLC and contacts you with vital information, such as government notifications. The requirements to be a registered agent in New Jersey are:

Starting an LLC in NJ requires completing a Public Records Filing for New Business Entity through the New Jersey Department of Treasury and Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Include the following information to complete the formation documents:

The filing fee is $125. You can file by fax or mail using a preprinted form on the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website. You can also file online, but you must pay an extra $3.50 for paying by credit card. 

State law does not require an operating agreement for a New Jersey LLC. However, it is an important component. The operating agreement includes your business plans and displays all employee responsibilities. Without an operating agreement, state law governs the operations of your LLC. 

You can change an operating agreement whenever necessary. Try to include the following components:

Your IRS Employer Identification Number is an absolute necessity for your business. You need it to pay taxes, hire staff, apply for grants, and create annual tax forms for your employees. You also need it to open a bank account or get a loan. The government uses your EIN to identify your business. It functions like a Social Security number for your company.

You can complete the EIN application for free online through the IRS website. Be sure to do it in a single session. You need an EIN if your business has more than one member, even if you do not have employees. If you are the sole member, you still need an EIN in case you decide to hire employees in the future. You need it to have your LLC taxed as a corporation rather than a sole proprietorship as well. 

When starting an LLC in NJ, you must file a Statement of Information with the Secretary of State. This is a standard requirement to keep your business legally compliant. The details needed for a statement of information include:

Once you’ve chosen a unique name, the next step is to choose an agent. When creating an LLC in Virginia, you must appoint a registered agent. This is a person or business willing to accept official documents and legal paperwork on your behalf. Virginia has strict guidelines regarding who can serve as a registered agent. All agents must either be a manager or owner of the business, or licensed to practice law in Virginia. The person must also reside and have a physical address located in Virginia.

Alternatively, you can choose a company to act as your registered agent. Many nationwide companies can perform this service in Virginia. A number of law offices can also perform the service on behalf of your LLC for a small fee.

In Virginia, you have the option to operate under a “doing business as” name. This fictitious name is different from your LLC’s legal name. You do not have to use a DBA, but sometimes it is helpful to do so. For instance, sole proprietors can use one to operate under a different name than the business owner’s persona. If you decide to use a DBA, you need to register with the county clerk’s office in your local jurisdiction. You must then pay a $10 filing fee and file the certificate with Virginia’s SCC.

Are you wondering what else do you need to know about how to start an LLC in Virginia? It is important to determine whether you need a business license before filing your official paperwork. Virginia does not require a general business license, but LLCs operating in specific industries need one. For example, real estate agents, property developers, engineers, and lawyers must have a license to operate legally.

Further, many cities in Virginia have separate zoning or licensing requirements based on the location of the business. If you are not aware of your local regulations, contact your local zoning office for specifics. If your LLC is planning on selling taxable services or goods, you must register with the Virginia Department of Taxation. You need this registration to collect sales tax from customers and report the sales to the state.

This state entity handles the registration process for all business entities. This includes corporations, sole proprietorships, and partnerships. Every LLC must file articles of organization with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. This agency also collects filing fees and enforces regulations.

Virginia allows LLCs to file formation paperwork online or via the mail. File your paperwork online if you want a shorter processing time. The filing fee is $100 for online and mail submissions. The template for your articles of organization is on the SCC’s website. The document must include your LLC’s name, address, and the name and signature of the form’s preparer.

After you receive approval from the Virginia SCC, you can conduct business legally. However, it is important to complete a few more steps before you officially open up your LLC. First, you should create an operating agreement. Though not required by Virginia law, this document outlines how your business functions. Operating agreements also describe each owner’s input and profit share information.

Further, an operating agreement helps establish your LLC as an independent business entity. Without this document, Virginia law dictates how your business operates. You can create the operating agreement yourself, or a lawyer can help you for a small fee. Your document should include the following info:

You must meet a few more obligations when creating an LLC in Virginia if you have employees. You can disregard these obligations if you are the only member of your business. Otherwise, be sure to do the following:

• Report employees: Virginia requires you to report all new employees to the SCC within a certain period. You must notify the hiring of all full-time, part-time, or seasonal employees. It is state law to note all employees within 20 days. 
• Pay taxes: If you have employees, you must comply with payroll taxes and state withholding requirements. Make sure to withhold payroll rates and file payroll tax returns along with your regular business returns.
• Buy workers’ compensation insurance: Virginia law requires you to purchase workers’ compensation insurance if your LLC has more than three employees. This insurance is a must, even if you only have part-time or seasonal employees.
• Pay unemployment taxes: Your LLC must pay unemployment taxes if you meet specific requirements. If your payroll is more than $1,400 per quarter, or you have year-round workers, you have to pay this tax. You must also file tax reports four times a year. The Virginia Employment Commission, not the State Corporation Commission, collects unemployment taxes. 

Along with any employer-related obligations, familiarize yourself with your LLC’s tax obligations. Your LLC is also required to pay annual fees to continue conducting business legally.

Virginia considers LLCs pass-through businesses for purposes of income taxes. Pass-through entities are not required to pay taxes on the LLC itself. The business profits and losses appear on the owner’s personal tax return. Each owner or manager pays state and federal taxes on their share of the LLC’s profits.

Owner leadership can choose to be taxed as an S-corporation or C-corporation by filing specific documents with the Internal Revenue Service. An LLC that is taxed as a C-corporation must pay federal and state corporate taxes.

As mentioned before, LLCs with employees should deduct payroll taxes and pay unemployment taxes. A percentage of unemployment taxes goes to Virginia, while another portion goes to the federal government.

Finally, you must pay a fee when you renew your state registration. You must renew your registration each year. The yearly payment of $50 must arrive on the last day of the month in which your company started. The Virginia SCC will mail the renewal paperwork to your registered agent. You can also submit this paperwork online. There is a $25 penalty if you pay this fee late. While Virginia requires you to pay your registration fee annually, you do not have to submit an annual report.

Another item to cross off your “how to get an LLC in Ohio” checklist is appointing a statutory agent. Statutory agents are entities or individuals who receive notice of lawsuits, tax forms, legal documents and official government correspondence on your behalf. You may choose one of your LLC’s employees or yourself for the role. An entity that offers a statutory agent service also works.

No matter the person or entity you choose, your candidate must meet specific criteria:

Choose a statutory agent with a physical street address in Ohio. Your chosen agent may also use a P.O. box as an address.

With Articles of Organization, you draft fundamental information about your company and officially establish it. Details to add to your articles of organization include:

The LLC Ohio cost to file Articles of Organization is $99. You may file your articles either online or by mail. Once you file, the Secretary of State reviews your articles. After receiving approval, your LLC becomes a legal business entity.

Operating agreements explain how your LLC operates. An LLC in Ohio does not need an operating agreement, but your business may benefit from having one, anyway. For instance, if your company has several owners, having an operating agreement may help you settle or avoid disagreements. If conflict sparks and you take the matter to court because you don’t have an operating agreement, state law determines the outcome, which may not favor your business or your LLC’s members.

Common areas covered on operating agreements include:

You may also include your LLC’s name and principal address on the operating agreement.

Your EIN, which stands for “Employer Identification Number,” lets the IRS identify your entity for taxes. You do not need to add the number to your LLC Ohio cost because they’re free. Once you have a number, you may hire employees and open a business bank account. The number also lets you manage and file federal and state taxes.

You can apply for an EIN either online or through the mail. Those with a sole proprietorship who already have an EIN need a new number when they switch to an LLC.

Your LLC must have a registered agent, which is an entity or person who receives legal forms, tax documents, lawsuit notices and government correspondence for your company. Registered agents serve as commercial liaisons with Texas.

You must appoint a Texas resident or corporation allowed to operate in the state. If you prefer, you may also choose an employee or yourself to serve as a registered agent. Agents must agree electronically or in writing to the role. The agreement statement should include:

You need not file the agreement statement with the Secretary of State.

While learning how to get an LLC in Texas, you should go ahead and secure Form 205. You must complete and file the Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State in person, electronically or by mail. On the form, specify whether a manager or members oversee your business. Make sure you include the LLC cost in Texas, which is a $300 filing fee.

Texas calls the operating agreement a “company agreement.” You do not have to draft an agreement to form an LLC, but you could benefit from having one anyway. Areas to cover in your agreement include company organization, voting, management, distributions, capital contributions, dissolution and membership structure changes.

The document helps business owners remain in compliance while operating their company. With a thorough and effective agreement, you limit potential arguments. Sole owners of single-member LLCs may find operating agreements helpful in keeping their limited liability status. Customers, potential business partners and other professionals may consider your company more credible if you have an operating agreement.

Entrepreneurs in Georgia often find all their marketing plans thwarted when they discover someone else registered the business name they had in mind. Consequently, it’s important to check ahead of time and plan accordingly.

Thankfully, completing a business search will only take a few seconds. In some cases, entrepreneurs might also have the option to reserve the name without completing full registration.

An LLC Georgia registered agent refers to an entity in the state who receives communications on behalf of the business. Business owners who live in Georgia simply name themselves. Note that the address must be a street address, and the agent must be located at that address. The state does not allow the use of P.O. boxes or mail drop arrangements for registered agents.

Preparing all necessary documents ahead of time reduces the risk of needing to complete the filing process in more than one sitting. Gather these to get started:

Most people prefer to register their businesses online. It saves time and offers convenience. Entrepreneurs complete this easily in the following steps:

1. Visit the online services page on the website for the Georgia Secretary of State
2. Create a user account
3. Select the option to register a business
4. Provide the required information
5. Pay by credit card: $100 for regular filing in seven business days, $200 for processing in two business days, or $350 for same-day processing

Georgia accepts snail mail to create LLCs too. Here’s how to get an LLC in Georgia via the mail system:

1. Use the default Articles of Organization documents provided by the Georgia Secretary of State or create unique articles.
2. Complete the Transmittal Form for Limited Liability Companies from the Georgia Secretary of State website.
3. Mail the completed documents with the corresponding payment to:
   Office of Secretary of State, Corporations Division, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE, Suite 313 West Tower, Atlanta, Georgia 30334.

Payment options include a money order or check. There is a $110 filing fee for processing in 15 business days, $210 for processing in two business days, $360 for same-day processing, and $1,110 for processing in one hour.

Registering in person follows almost exactly the same steps as mailing. However, for people who prefer to get answers as they work through the filing process, this might work better. The regular processing time varies, but all the processing fees and expedited options are identical to mail-in registration.

The Georgia Secretary of State will submit confirmation via email or snail mail to confirm whether the application received approval. As long as the filing contained no errors and no other business used a similar or identical name, success rates are high.

Only businesses located in America or U.S. territories are eligible for an EIN. The entity applying for the EIN also needs to have another EIN, ITIN, or SSN. Only government entities can apply for EINs as non-humans.

Applicants need to complete the entire application process in one sitting or it resets. The session expires once the website registers 15 minutes of no activity. Proactive business owners gather all the required documents ahead of time.

The IRS requires mostly straightforward information for its EIN applications. Business owners who encounter terms they do not understand should consider ending the session and seeking additional information, tax consultation, or legal counsel.

The IRS provides an EIN immediately. Save the document and the physical copy it sends to the registered address. Then, create several backups in secure locations. The IRS will not issue another document or a reprint. Losing the document could create tax-filing problems. Plan accordingly.

Only five states require operating agreements. Georgia does not make the list, but creating one ensures smooth operations, especially for multimember LLCs. Consider these main elements of a good agreement:

• Organization: This covers the date of formation, identifies the members, and details ownership.
• Capital investment: This details the amount of money or assets each member contributed to the business. Usually, ownership lines up with the amount of investment.
• Distributions: This details how much each member receives from business profits or losses. Members can distribute evenly based on ownership percentages or capital investment.
• Management and voting: Typically, members have only one vote each or votes match the units of ownership. For example, the person who owns 50% might have two votes, while the remaining two members each only have one vote.
• Succession plan: Members can determine how roles, ownership, and other factors of the LLC will change when an individual leaves the LLC. This includes provisions for replacing or buying out members.
• Dissolution: Members also need to decide what happens if the business dissolves. This process needs to follow Georgia laws and consider member preferences.

Starting an LLC Georgia business can easily become one of the most strategic decisions you ever make. While most business owners breeze through the process, the more complex your business idea, the more important it becomes to seek additional assistance.

The next step to forming an LLC in PA is designating a registered agent. A registered agent is a person or entity willing to accept legal paperwork and other documents for your business. Examples of paperwork typically sent to registered agents include subpoenas, tax notices, and correspondence. Your agent must notify you when paperwork for your LLC comes through the mail or through a process server.

An individual serving as a registered agent must be a legal Pennsylvania resident. They must also be over the age of 18. A company authorized to conduct business in the state can also serve as your LLC’s registered agent. Whether you choose a company or a business, the agent must have a physical street address. A member or manager of your LLC can serve as a registered agent as long as everyone involved in the business agrees. There are also numerous online legal services licensed to perform registered agent services in Pennsylvania.

Are you wondering how to get an LLC in PA and if you need a business license? Fortunately, not every Pennsylvania LLC requires a license. However, many businesses need at least one license or permit. Some of these licenses are regulatory while others are based on specific occupations.

Businesses in specific sectors need a license to form an LLC in Pennsylvania. Several occupations such as law, medicine, and accountancy require licenses, including:

You must file a certificate of organization to form your LLC officially. Include the following information on the document:

You should file this certificate online for faster processing. You can also apply by mail or in person. Filing in person is the only option for expedited filing in Pennsylvania. You must pay $125, and you can expect your paperwork to be approved within 10 business days. The amount of your fee is determined by how fast you need your paperwork approved.

If you wish to conduct business in Pennsylvania but your LLC is registered in another state, you must register as a foreign entity. Unlike other states, Pennsylvania does not have regulations specifically for foreign LLCs. Instead, they have wide-ranging rules that cover all foreign businesses. Pennsylvania refers to these businesses as foreign associations.

You do not file a certificate of organization if you have already registered your LLC in another state. Instead, you need to file a Foreign Registration Statement with the Pennsylvania Department of State. There is a $250 fee to file this paperwork.

Pennsylvania law does not require an operating agreement to form an entity legally. However, most business experts recommend drafting one before opening. If you do not create this document, Pennsylvania law dictates how your LLC operates. An operating agreement outlines your LLC’s ownership. It also outlines how your company functions on a day-to-day basis. Your agreement should include information including:

If you plan to hire employees, you must follow a few additional obligations. These obligations include:

If you plan to hire employees, you must follow a few additional obligations. These obligations include:

Many LLC owners elect to become pass-through entities when it comes to taxes. A pass-through entity does not have to pay income taxes on the LLC itself. Instead, the LLC members must report LLC profits on their personal income taxes. In some instances, an LLC may elect to pay taxes as a C-corporation. In this circumstance, the company must file a PA corporation tax form each year.

Pennsylvania LLCs with employees must pay unemployment taxes. They must also withhold taxes from the paychecks of workers. Further, PA law requires LLCs to file an annual report. This report is called a Certificate of Annual Registration. LLC owners must file this document by April 15 each year to avoid a late penalty. A filing fee equal to 560 times the number of members must accompany the report.

When starting an LLC in NC, you must appoint a registered agent, maintaining an appointment for as long as you own the business. If you don’t have one at any time, the SOS can cancel your LLC. You would no longer be able to operate your business in the state.

Why is a registered agent so important? This is the person or company responsible for accepting legal documents and state mail on behalf of the business, including tax documents, lawsuit notices, subpoenas and government documents. Your registered agent must:

Every limited liability corporation in North Carolina must be registered with the Secretary of State. To register, complete the Articles of Organization and file them with the SOS office. The Articles of Organization is a legal document that establishes your business structure as an LLC. It defines member rights, duties, and liabilities. Even if you are the only member of your company, you still need Articles of Organization.

In North Carolina, you can file the document online or by mail. The cost is $125, a fee that you only pay once. It may take up to two weeks to process. If you submit online, you could hear back from the SOS within three to five business days. The government does offer expedited filing, but you must indicate you want this service when you file. To receive same-day service, submit your application by noon and pay the additional $200 fee. For a 24-hour turnaround time, turn in your form before 5 p.m. and pay the $100 fee.

All businesses need a federal Employer Identification Number for tax purposes. The Internal Revenue Services assigns the nine-digit EIN. It’s like having a Social Security Number for your company. Not only do you need it for taxes, but you also need it to open a bank account for your business and if you hire any employees.

Applying for your EIN is free. Be prepared to complete your application in one sitting. You can’t save your work and return to it later. Additionally, your session will time out after 15 minutes of inactivity, and you’ll have to start over. Everyone who forms an LLC in North Carolina needs to apply for an EIN, even if they are converting a sole proprietorship into a limited liability corporation.

In North Carolina, the state does not legally require you to create an operating agreement, but it’s a good idea to do so. An operating agreement provides information about:

It should also outline your business’s operations. You can add any additional information you think is important to include.

The final step in how to get an LLC in NC is to make sure you have any licenses you need to operate. If your company has a physical location and sells goods and services, you will likely need to apply for a permit from the municipal government.

Every LLC in Michigan must have a registered agent to legally conduct business. A registered agent is an entity or person that agrees to accept legal paperwork on behalf of the LLC. A Michigan agent must be a Michigan resident or a business registered to do business in the state. Some foreign corporations can act as registered agents, but the agent must have a physical street address in Michigan. A P.O. box does not qualify.

All Michigan LLCs must submit articles of organization with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. You can use the template on the state’s website, or you can use your own template. Your articles should include the following information:

You can file your articles of organization online or by mail. The filing fee is $50. Expedited options are available for an additional fee.

Michigan does not require LLC owners to submit operating agreements with their formation documents. However, you should create an operating agreement for your own records. An operating agreement establishes the ownership of your LLC and how it functions on a day-to-day basis. Michigan state law dictates how your LLC runs if you do not create an operating agreement. Creating a legalized document can also help establish your LLC as a separate business entity.

Are you wondering how to get an LLC in Michigan and how to get an EIN? You must get an employer identification number from the IRS if your LLC has more than one member. If your LLC only has one member, you must get an EIN only if you plan to hire workers. You also need an EIN if you elect to have it taxed as a corporation. You can get an EIN by submitting an online application on the IRS website. There is no filing fee.

Your LLC may need a business license to conduct certain activities. For local licenses, check with the clerk for the town in which your business has an office. Certain professions require a specialized professional license to legally conduct business in Michigan. If you are a lawyer, accountant, medical professional, or architect, you may need to have a license. You should check with your profession’s regulatory board for more information.

Businesses that have workers or sell taxable goods or services need to register with the Michigan Department of Treasury. You can register with it online or by mail. You should file annual tax returns to account for the business tax collected. You may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in business law to make sure you are in compliance with all tax regulations.

When starting an LLC in Florida, you must designate a registered agent to accept legal documents on behalf of your business. This agent can be an individual or an entity. Any company with an active Florida filing may serve as your agent. Your LLC cannot serve as its own registered agent, but an individual or owner associated with the business can serve as the resident agent.

Any business that operates in Florida must name a registered agent that will accept legal and official mail on the business’s behalf. A registered agent for a Florida LLC can be an individual or a company. They will notify you if your business is served papers from the government or a local courthouse. Whether your agent is an entity or business, a physical street address in Florida is required. P.O boxes are not acceptable.

Unlike other states, Florida does not require a business license to start an LLC. Thus, you do not need a license to operate legally. However, certain occupations require extensive training, and therefore a business license is needed. These occupations include:

You should check with the Florida Division of Corporations to see if your LLC requires a specific license to conduct business. The fines for doing business without a license are stiff, so it is essential to do your research before opening.

Perhaps the most important step in starting an LLC in Florida is filing your articles of organization. This document establishes your company’s authority to operate as an LLC in the state. You can access a documentation template on the Division of Corporations’ website. You can file the documents online for faster processing or submit them via mail. The Florida LLC cost to file this form is $125. Your articles of organization must include the following information:

Some states require all businesses to file an operating agreement with the formation paperwork. While Florida does not require this document, experts recommend creating and adopting a written operating agreement. An operating agreement establishes how your LLC functions and how disagreements between members are resolved.  All operating agreements should include the following information:

All LLC owners have choices when it comes to how they want their LLCs taxed. LLCs can designate themselves as a pass-through entity or corporation for tax purposes. If you choose to be taxed as a pass-through entity, your LLC does not need to file separate tax forms. Rather, each LLC member reports business earnings and losses on their personal tax forms. However, if you decide to register as a corporation, your business must file federal corporate taxes and business taxes each year. Florida has no state income taxes, so you do not need to file state returns.

For federal taxes, LLC members or managers need to pay 15.3% in self-employment taxes. This amount covers Medicare and Social Security obligations. If your LLC employs workers, you must also withhold federal Social Security and Medicare taxes from their paychecks. Further, all LLCs must pay federal and state unemployment taxes.

LLCs in Florida with multiple owners or employees, in addition to those taxed as corporations, need to obtain an employer identification number. This number is unique to your business and is used to identify your LLC when you file federal business taxes. All numbers obtained from the IRS are free. You can apply for this number online. Further, you need an EIN if you want to apply for business financing such as lines of credit or credit cards.

Florida LLCs with employees need to follow additional steps. These steps include:

This is not a comprehensive list of all employer requirements. Large employers have more extensive laws they must follow. You may want to work with an attorney specializing in employment law if you intend to hire employees.