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$299+ state filing fees
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BASIC
$0+ state filing fees

Initial filing only

I've done this before—I just need my documents filed and I'll handle the rest.

Select Basic
  • Articles of Organization filed with your state
  • Business name availability check

  • No EIN (Required for banking and hiring)

  • No Operating Agreement

  • No attorney consultations

PROPopular
$249+ state filing fees

Personalized attorney guidance

I want to launch and grow with the accuracy of attorney review at every step.

Select Pro

  • Everything in Basic

  • Attorney review of your LLC filing

  • Vetted attorneys across states and industries, with 15 years' average experience

  • Unlimited 30-min attorney consults on new legal topics for one month (auto-renews at a flat rate of $49/mo)

  • Attorney access by chat or phone

  • EIN (required for banking and hiring)

  • Operating agreement

  • 150+ attorney-drafted customizable legal documents and unlimited eSignatures (1 year)

  • Customizable WIX website

PREMIUMBest Value
$299+ state filing fees

Attorney support and finance tools

I want personalized attorney guidance for launch and growth, plus financial essentials.

Select Premium

  • Everything in Pro

  • Bookkeeping software for 6 months (auto-renews at $9.99/month)

  • Unlimited proposals and invoices

  • Income and expense tracking

  • Automatic mileage capture

100% Accurate Filing Guarantee

If your filing is rejected or incorrect due to our error, we'll correct it with the government — no cost to you.

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Why use LegalZoom to set up your LLC?

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Start your LLC in 3 easy steps with the industry leader in online business formation.
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Set it up right
Our tools offer step-by-step guidance to help you launch and protect your new business.
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Our network of experienced professionals can assist your launch and help you grow.

What you need to know about forming an LLC

What is an LLC?
A limited liability company (LLC) is a type of business entity you can register in your state. The main purpose of an LLC company is to limit the personal liability of its owners—like a C or S corporation—but it also allows the business to operate with simpler rules and more flexible tax requirements.
Do I need an LLC?
An LLC isn't always required, but many small business owners choose to form an LLC for personal liability protection. Having an LLC can also help you open bank accounts, enter into contracts, hire employees, and get necessary business licenses and permits.
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What does LLC formation mean?
When you form an LLC, you submit a specific set of business forms to the state where you wish to create a new business entity. Once it's approved, you can use this separate entity to record business expenses, take on business debts, file taxes, obtain business licenses, and more—and this is what gives you liability protection.
How easy is it to form an LLC?
You may be a little intimidated by the idea of forming a legal entity like an LLC, especially if it's your first time. All you need is an understanding of what your business will do, how you plan to run it, and your state's LLC filing fees. Even if your business requires a retail location, you don't need a physical address lined up to begin your LLC formation.

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Start my LLC

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3 reasons for creating an LLC

Protect your assets
By forming an LLC and keeping your personal finances separate, you can protect your personal assets from business liabilities.
Make things easier
It's typically easier to form an LLC than a corporation, and there are simpler rules for things like record-keeping.
Get tax flexibility
You get to decide how you're taxed—as an LLC or a corporation—to maximize your ability to save money and minimize tax liability.

LLC vs. corporation:

What's the difference?

There are several important differences between an LLC and a corporation:
LLC VS CORPORATION
LLC
shop
person
Flexible management structure
LLC owners have more freedom to decide how the business is run and managed.
scales
More taxation options
An LLC has flexibility in how it is taxed to help maximize savings.
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Minimal record-keeping

An LLC does not need to record minutes or hold an annual shareholder meeting.

LLC VS CORPORATION
Corporation
office
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Owned by shareholders

Corporations have shareholders instead of members, and they issue stock.

award

Look more official

Corporations are often seen as more credible, which can make it easier to do business with other companies.

charting up

More appealing to investors

A C corp, but not an S corp, can go public and issue stock to new investors, which makes it easier to raise revenue.

LLC VS CORPORATION
LLC
Flexible management structure
LLC owners have more freedom to decide how the business is run and managed.

More taxation options

An LLC has flexibility in how it is taxed to help maximize savings.

Minimal record-keeping
An LLC does not need to record minutes or hold an annual shareholder meeting.
LLC VS CORPORATION
Corporation
Owned by shareholders  
Corporations have shareholders instead of members, and they issue stock.
Look more official 
Corporations are often seen as more credible, which can make it easier to do business with other companies.
More appealing to investors
A C corp, but not an S corp, can go public and issue stock to new investors, which makes it easier to raise revenue.

What you should know about
starting an LLC

To form an LLC, you'll need to file articles of organization with the state. Each state has its own rules, but our experience across all states helps us keep things moving when we file on your behalf.

Here are a few things you'll need to keep in mind to get your LLC up and running.

How to start an LLC

Choose & reserve a name
It's wise to check your LLC name against similar businesses in your area. We include a business name check with our formation services and can reserve a preferred business name for you.
Pick a registered agent
Also called a statutory agent or resident agent, a registered agent receives your LLC's legal notices and legal documents during normal business hours. Most states require it, and we can do it for you.
File articles of organization
Also called a certificate of formation, this official form contains all the basic details about your new business. When we file this for you, it's typically sent to your Secretary of State.
Determine licenses needed
You'll also need to apply for any specific business licenses or permits that may be required for compliance, although it's wise to wait until your LLC's formation documents are approved.
Craft operating agreement
This outlines your LLC's rules for everything from business structure to profit distribution. Our templates make it easy for LLC owners to define their rights and limit disagreements.
Get an EIN (federal tax ID)
Most businesses need a federal tax ID to set up a business bank account, file taxes, and start hiring. It helps protect your identity by keeping your personal and business finances separate.

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Frequently asked questions

What does LLC mean?

LLC stands for "limited liability company." It refers to the ways in which you can use an LLC to protect your personal assets.

Do I need an LLC to start a business?

It’s not necessary to form an LLC in order to start a business. Also, an LLC is only one of several ways to structure a business. Other possibilities include: C corporation, S corporation, nonprofit, sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership, and limited liability partnership.

LLC vs. Inc.—is an LLC a corporation?

Both LLCs and corporations protect owners’ personal assets from business liabilities or debts. But they have some key differences, including:

  • How they’re owned. LLCs have one or more individual members, but corporations have shareholders.
  • How they’re maintained. LLCs generally have less formal record-keeping and reporting requirements.
  • How they’re taxed. LLC profits usually pass through to members before taxes, while profits for some corporations are taxed at the company level first.
LLC vs. S corp—what’s the difference?

An LLC is a type of business entity while an S corporation is a corporation with a special federal tax election. Either an LLC or a C corporation that meets certain requirements can apply to be treated as an S corporation for tax purposes. An S corp is similar to an LLC in that it can help its owners avoid double taxation.

Can an LLC be a nonprofit?

Yes, but it’s not all that common. Certain requirements must be met, and it can be a little confusing to understand all of the legalities. It’s always wise to seek advice from a legal professional and/or tax advisor to determine whether to take your business in this direction.

Can an S corporation own an LLC?

Yes. Generally speaking, an S corp can be a member of an LLC.

How much does it cost to form an LLC?

It depends. Our LLC plans start at $0 plus filing fees, and you can add more services as your business needs them. LLC filing fees also vary by state. However, all of these costs are often tax-deductible.

What's the difference between do-it-yourself and attorney-assisted LLC packages

Our do-it-yourself package (Basic) doesn’t include access to an attorney—but our attorney-assisted packages (Pro, Premium) includes unlimited 30-minute consultations with independent attorneys from our network, with each consultation focused on a new legal topic or issue related to the formation and launch of your LLC.

Find the right state to form an LLC

Every state has different rules, costs, and considerations for LLC formation.

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Start your LLC with a top choice of millions for online small business formation.

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† Pro and Premium packages include 30 days of Business Attorney Plan. After 30 days, your card will automatically be charged $49. The service renews automatically each month and your card will be billed for the service price (currently $49). You can cancel online or by calling us at (888) 310-0151. Up to 10 pages included for document reviews. The plan attorneys will review documents longer than 10 pages on a flat-rate schedule, at the attorney’s discretion. Attorney services are fulfilled through Business Advantage Pro. For more details, please see our Legal Plan Contract Terms and Subscription Terms.
‡ Premium packages include 180 days of LZ Books. After 180 days, your card will automatically be charged $9.99. The service renews automatically each month and your card will be billed for the service price (currently $9.99). You can cancel online or by calling us at (888) 310-0151. For more details, please see our Subscription Terms.
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