Limited Liability Company (LLC) registration in United States (USA)
Registering a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the United States involves several key steps. Here's a general overview of the process:
✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Register an LLC in the USA:
1. Choose a State for Registration
You can register an LLC in any U.S. state. Common choices:
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Delaware: Business-friendly laws, popular for startups.
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Wyoming: Low fees, strong privacy.
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Nevada: No corporate income tax.
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Your home state: Often best if you operate locally.
📝 Tip: If you register in a state where you don't operate, you may still need to register as a "foreign LLC" in your home state, adding cost and complexity.
2. Name Your LLC
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Must be unique in the chosen state.
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Must include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company.”
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Check name availability on the state’s Secretary of State website.
3. Appoint a Registered Agent
A Registered Agent receives legal documents on behalf of your LLC.
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Must have a physical address in the state.
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Can be an individual or a professional service.
4. File Articles of Organization
Also called a Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Organization depending on the state.
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Filed with the state’s Secretary of State.
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Includes: business name, address, registered agent info, etc.
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Filing fee: typically $50–$300.
5. Create an Operating Agreement (optional but recommended)
This internal document outlines:
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Ownership structure
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Member roles
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Voting rights
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Profit/loss distribution
6. Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Free from the IRS. Needed for:
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Opening a business bank account
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Hiring employees
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Filing taxes
✅ Apply online: IRS EIN Application
7. Comply With State & Local Requirements
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Business licenses or permits
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Annual report filings
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State-specific taxes
🕒 Processing Time
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Varies by state (anywhere from a few days to a few weeks).
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Some states offer expedited processing for a fee.
💰 Estimated Cost
Item | Estimated Cost |
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State Filing Fee | $50 – $300 |
Registered Agent (optional) | $0 – $150/year |
EIN | Free |
Operating Agreement | Free (DIY) or $50+ via service |
🧑💼 Want Help?
Many companies offer LLC formation services, including:
Let me know if you want a comparison of these services or help registering in a specific state.