LLC Setup
Form your LLC - file the LLC's "Articles of Organization"
File for an LLC with your preferred state.
Draft your LLC's "Operating Agreement"
Draft an Operating Agreement, which declares the purpose of the business and the responsibilities of the members. If you live in California, Delaware, Maine, Missouri, or New York, you are required to have one.
When Do You Need an LLC Operating Agreement
Written Operating Agreement - Free Online Drafting Service - RocketLawyer
Get a Tax ID (EIN) for your LLC
You'll need to get a tax ID for a business bank account, payroll, licensing and other purposes.
How to get an EID - RocketLawyer Guide
Get a DBA (Doing Business As) if you need one
If your business name is different than your registered name, then you need a DBA (short for "doing business as"). You'll also need one if you prefer to receive payments under a name that isn't an exact match of your newly registered name or you plan to operate more than one business under your registered name.
For example, if your business's legal name is "Great Products LLC", then you can do business as "Great Products" without a DBA. However, if you want to do business as "Good Products", or "Nice Things", then you'll need a DBA.
Set Up a Business Bank Account
Your LLC should receive payments in a separate account under its registered name or DBA. You'll need a copy of the LLC documents that were filed with the state or your DBA and your Tax ID when you set up or change the name on your account.
Obtain Business Licenses and Permits
Most cities and counties require business licenses to operate in their area, even if you are running a business out of your home.
Top 10 Contracts for Small Businesses
Top 10 Small Business Contracts - RocketLawyer
Business Contracts from RocketLawyer
Do not start with a non-disclosure agreement - open enterprise it up!
Legally Bulletproofing your LLC
File Governing Documents If you haven't yet, you can avoid being subject to your state's default LLC laws by filing a LLC Operating Agreement. In some states a LLC Operating Agreement is required.
Pay State Fees on Time You don't want to lose the protection of limited liability status, so pay your annual state fees and file any needed annual or biannual reports with your state when due.
Keep Finances Separate Combining business and personal finances can lead to a loss of limited liability protection, so set up separate checking and credit card accounts for your LLC.
