Get a complimentary business compliance check with data from your Secretary of State

States have different filing windows and deadlines, and submissions outside of those windows may result in late fees and penalties. For example, the California Secretary of State has a six-month filing window before and including the month of your business formation. Check your state’s filing window to make sure your order and paperwork can be processed on time. You can also get email and text reminders for annual reports and business income tax filings through our services.

Filing fees include the required state fees and state expedited service, name reservation, walk-in, and other fees. See filing fees by state and entity type.

Generally, limited liability companies will need the most current name and address of the company, its registered agent, and its managers. Corporations usually need to list officers and directors, and may also need stock information.

LegalZoom can help you determine what's needed for your specific state and business type.

You'll most likely need a general business license to legally operate your business and comply with some of your local, county, state, and federal requirements. However, obtaining a general business license is just the beginning. Depending on your industry, location, and specific business activities, you may need additional licenses and permits. On average, our business license customers require an average of five different licenses to operate legally.

You should secure all necessary licenses and permits before beginning operations to avoid penalties. LegalZoom helps you determine what licenses you need, so you can operate legally from day one. Plus, we’ll help you track renewal dates and updates to stay compliant year-round.

Licenses are issued at multiple levels of government—city, county, state, and federal. Depending on your business, you may need to apply with several agencies. LegalZoom’s service simplifies this by identifying the licenses you need at every level and providing direct links to apply.

Licenses protect public health and safety while holding businesses accountable. For example, zoning permits ensure proper use of property, while health permits regulate food safety. LegalZoom helps you identify and manage these requirements, so your business operates legally and confidently.

Most businesses will require multiple licenses to operate legally. Determining what you need can be complex, as requirements vary by industry, location, and activities. LegalZoom takes the guesswork out by delivering a personalized report of licenses tailored to your business.

Common examples include:

• Home occupation permit: For businesses run from a residence.
• Zoning permit: To ensure compliance with local zoning laws.
• Seller’s permit: Required to collect sales tax on taxable goods.
• Health permit: For food service businesses to ensure safety standards.

Our service helps identify the specific permits your business needs.

The licenses you need depend on your industry, business activities, and location. For example, construction companies may need building permits, while retailers require sales tax permits. LegalZoom provides a custom report outlining the specific licenses your business needs to comply with federal, state, and local regulations.

Ongoing compliance involves tracking expiration dates, renewing licenses on time, and monitoring regulatory changes that affect your business. LegalZoom’s subscription provides renewal reminders, updates on regulatory changes, and a centralized platform to manage your licenses, so you can focus on running your business.

Compliance Filings helps your business stay in good standing by handling key state filing requirements. This includes guided setup, completion of annual reports and amendments. You’ll also receive alerts for important deadlines and regulatory updates, reviewed by our attorneys, to help ensure compliance year-round.

This package includes everything in Compliance Filings, plus a customized report of required federal, state, and local licenses, permits, and registrations. You’ll get step-by-step guidance to apply for licenses, access to all required applications, and ongoing notifications for renewals and regulatory changes. Our compliance specialists provide personalized support to help manage licensing and filing requirements with confidence.