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Start a Business with LegalZoom - Form an LLC

Start an LLC with LegalZoom - LegalZoom Has Helped Start Over One Million Businesses

Over the past 12 years, we've gotten pretty good at helping people launch their businesses. In fact, we've helped over 1 million of them.

Receive Lifetime Customer Support When You Start a Business with LegalZoom

Form an LLC with LegalZoom - Receive Lifetime Customer Support

Our customer care representatives in the United States will be there to support you throughout the lifetime of your business.

LLC Documents Created by Top Attorneys

LLC Documents Created by Top Attorneys - Up-to-Date Legal Documents

Our attorneys continually maintain our documents to be up-to-date with the latest legal requirements in each state.

Step by Step Guide on Starting Your Business

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Easy as 1-2-3

1. Answer a few easy questions in as little as 15 minutes

2. We'll assemble your documents and file them directly with the Secretary of State

3. You'll receive your completed Limited Liability Company package by mail

What's the difference between an LLC and a corporation?

Not sure if an LLC or a corporation is right for you? Fortunately, there are a few simple guidelines many new owners go by.

LLC

Fewer formalities and legal requirements
For example, you don't have to hold board meetings or maintain records detailing how every company decision is made.

Ease of setup and management
Just set up and get to running your business.

Corporation

Plan to raise money from outside investors
The stricter formalities give investors the knowledge they desire about how your company is run.

Plan to go public in the future
Are you shooting for the stars for a big exit?

Learn more about starting a corporation

Get started today

Economy

$149

+ state filing fee

The basics to get you started

Filing of your LLC state documents and personalized operating agreement.

Standard Turnaround

30 business days

More details

Standard

$289

+ state filing fee

Everything from Economy plus:

Deluxe LLC kit

All of your documents organized in a custom-embossed binder

More details

Express Gold

$359

+ state filing fee

Everything from Standard plus:

Priority Turnaround

7-10 business days

30-Day Trial of Attorney Advice*

Speak with an independent attorney on an unlimited number of new legal matters.

$30 off your federal tax ID

More details

Ask away. We have answers.

Common questions

What is a limited liability company?
A limited liability company, or LLC, is a business entity created under state law that combines characteristics of both a corporation and a partnership. Like a corporation, the owners of an LLC are generally not personally liable for company debts. Like a sole proprietorship or a partnership, an LLC has operating flexibility and is, by default, a "pass through" entity for tax purposes. This means that the LLC does not pay taxes on its profits, but instead, profits and losses are "passed through" to the owners, who must then pay tax on their share of LLC income.
Does an LLC need to hold formal meetings?
The answer is usually no, unless the LLC's operating agreement requires meetings. The LegalZoom operating agreements make meetings optional. This is one of the key advantages of an LLC - fewer formalities. This means less paperwork and less chance that the members will accidentally violate the law and possibly lose their liability protection.
Is an LLC right for me?
It depends on many factors. Get help deciding by answering a few questions here.
What is an EIN?
An employer identification number (EIN), also known as a federal tax registration number, is used to identify a business entity for tax purposes. It's like a Social Security number, but for a business. In general, most businesses need EINs. Single-member LLCs and sole proprietorships without employees can use their owners' Social Security numbers as business identifiers. However, some lenders and banks will not conduct business with companies or individuals that don't have EINs.
How are LLCs taxed?
LLCs have flexibility in how they are taxed. Depending on how many members it has and the tax treatment its owner selects, an LLC can be taxed as a corporation, a partnership, or a sole proprietorship. An LLC with two or more members is automatically taxed as a partnership, and an LLC with only one owner as a sole proprietorship, unless the company files documents with the IRS requesting a different tax treatment. You have at least 75 days after your company is formed to decide on a tax treatment, and you may want to speak to an accountant if you need help with this decision.
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent is a person or business authorized to accept important tax and legal documents on behalf of a business. Most states require a business to provide the name of its registered agent when it is formed. Although you can be your own registered agent, there are disadvantages. You have to be available to accept documents during regular business hours and your information goes on the public record as the registered agent. There are professional registered agent services available that can ensure someone is available to receive important business documents on your behalf.

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Questions and answers

This public forum is not intended to provide legal advice and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Unless specifically indicated, the content is not drafted, supported, or vetted by LegalZoom. It is simply a place for customers to help customers. If you need legal advice, LegalZoom can connect you to a licensed and independent attorney. If you are providing answers, please do not provide legal advice if you are not qualified or licensed to do so.

Create your LLC starting at $149 + fees

Get your LLC set up right - and fast.

Learn more about LLCs

Forming an LLC - Affordable LLC Formation with LegalZoom

Accuracy is important when starting an LLC - that is why we guarantee your LLC documents are filed correctly. Our three step LLC formation process was developed by top attorneys who understand the process of creating an LLC.  The process begins with a quick LLC business questionnaire to determine important details about your business. After you've answered a few questions, your documents are created and filed with the Secretary of State. Once we receive your filed Articles of Organization back from the state, we send them to you along with the rest of your LLC formation documents, as well as easy instructions regarding the next steps involved in forming an LLC. It's as simple as that. In just three easy steps, you have begun protecting yourself from personal liability and you're ready to get the word out about your business. Get the peace of mind you need when starting a business by letting LegalZoom take care of the details while you focus on the parts of your business that matter to you the most. 

*After the 30-day trial period, benefits to the Business Legal Plan (also Business Advantage Pro or Business Advisory Plan) continue automatically at the plan rate (currently $39.99 per month). Cancel by calling (877) 818-8787. For full details, see the Legal Plan Contract and Subscription Terms.