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LLC Formation Checklist: 9 Steps to Start an LLC

Starting an LLC is easier when you follow the process step by step. Use this checklist as a quick reference while forming your business.

✅ 1. Choose the State Where You’ll Form Your LLC

For most small businesses, this is the state where you’ll operate. If you form your LLC in another state, you may also need to register as a foreign LLC where you conduct business.

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✅ 2. Choose a Business Name

Select a unique business name that complies with your state’s LLC naming requirements. Before filing, search your state’s business name database to confirm the name is available.

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✅ 3. Choose a Registered Agent

Every LLC must designate a registered agent with a physical address in the state. The registered agent receives legal documents, government notices, and important compliance mail on behalf of your business.

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✅ 4. File the Articles of Organization

Submit your Articles of Organization (sometimes called a Certificate of Organization or Certificate of Formation) with the appropriate state filing office and pay the required filing fee.

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✅ 5. Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement outlines your LLC’s ownership, management structure, and operating procedures. Even when not required by state law, it’s recommended for every LLC.

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✅ 6. Apply for an EIN

Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Most LLCs need an EIN to hire employees, open a business bank account, and file certain tax forms.

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✅ 7. Open a Business Bank Account

Separate your personal and business finances by opening a dedicated business bank account. This helps simplify accounting and supports your LLC’s liability protection.

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✅ 8. Obtain Required Licenses and Permits

Depending on your business activities and location, you may need local, state, or federal business licenses, permits, or professional registrations before you begin operating.

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✅ 9. Stay Compliant

Keep your LLC in good standing by filing annual or periodic reports, paying any required state fees or taxes, maintaining a registered agent, and keeping your business information current.

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✔ Quick LLC Startup Checklist

• ✅ Choose the state where you’ll form your LLC

• ✅ Choose an available business name

• ✅ Appoint a registered agent

• ✅ File your Articles of Organization

• ✅ Create an operating agreement

• ✅ Apply for an EIN

• ✅ Open a business bank account

• ✅ Obtain required licenses and permits

• ✅ Stay compliant with ongoing state requirements

LLC vs S-Corp vs C-Corp

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1. (Visit) Northwest Registered Agent  (Editor’s Choice) 

$39 LLC Formation With Registered Agent Service

Northwest Registered Agent – LLC Formation Overview

1. LLC Formation Service

• Flat Fee: $39 plus your state filing fees.
  Includes preparation and filing of your Articles of Organization.

• State fees vary by jurisdiction and are not included in the $39 base price.

2. Registered Agent Service

• First year: Free when you use Northwest to form your LLC.

• After the first year: $125 per year, consistently priced with no surprise increases.

3. What’s Included with LLC Formation

• Free 1-year registered agent service, Domain name, phone line, business address, business website, business email, same day filing.

• Custom-drafted formation documents: Articles of Organization, initial resolutions, Operating Agreement or bylaws, LLC membership certificate/corporation stock certificate.

• Online dashboard to access your documents and filing tools.

• A dedicated “Corporate Guide®” for personalized support throughout the process.

4. Optional Add-On Services

These are offered a la carte, each with its own pricing:

• EIN (Employer Identification Number): $50 (U.S. SSN holders); $200 (non-U.S. residents or those without SSN).

• Annual Report Filing: $100/year (plus state fees).

• S-Corp Election: $50.

• Mail Forwarding: $40/month.

• Virtual Office Service: $49/month.

• Business Phone Number: $9/month.

• Certificate of Good Standing, Corporate Book, Seal: Costs vary (e.g. binder book $80, GoBook $40, seal $30).

• International Formation (for non-U.S. residents):

  • Option 1: $925 — includes company formation, registered agent service, EIN, unlimited mail scanning, unique business address, and office lease.

  • Option 2: $1,425 — Option 1 plus certified copies, apostille, and certificate of incumbency.

5. Privacy & Support Features

Northwest emphasizes privacy and personalized support:

• Privacy by Default® — they list their business address on filings instead of yours, and they do not sell your data.

• Corporate Guides® — real in-house experts available via phone/email (no sales scripts or automated voices).

• Free Limited Mail Forwarding — up to 5 documents per year.

• Same-day scans of documents they receive.

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Quick Summary Table

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Bottom Line

Northwest Registered Agent keeps LLC formation straightforward with a $39 base fee (plus state costs) that includes one year of registered agent services and essential formation documents.

From there, you can add only the services you need—such as EIN, mail forwarding, or virtual office—without forced bundles or upsells.

Their focus on privacy, expert guidance, and fair renewal rates makes them a standout for entrepreneurs who value transparency and support.

• Free website domain
• Business website & hosting with SSL security
• Business email address
• Privacy by Default®
• In Business for 27 years
• Trusted by 3 Million Businesses

Free Registered Agent (1 Year) With $39 LLC formation when you use our discount link

 

 

2. (Visit) Bizee  (Runner-Up)

Bizee LLC Formation Plans & Pricing

• Silver (Basic) Package: $0 (plus your state filing fee)

  • Includes preparation and filing of Articles of Organization, a business name availability check, an online dashboard, one year of registered agent service, unlimited email/phone support, business tax consultation, compliance alerts, and more. 

• Gold (Standard) Package: $199 (plus your state filing fee)

  • Includes everything in the Silver package, plus EIN registration, Operating Agreement, Banking Resolution, IRS Form 2553 (S-Corp election), business bank account assistance, and lifetime compliance alerts. 

• Platinum (Premium) Package: $299 (plus your state filing fee)

  • Includes all Gold-level features plus business contract templates, expedited filing service, a business domain name, business email address, and a website. 

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So in summary:

• Silver (Basic): $0 + state filing fee  (Articles of Organization, 1-year registered agent, dashboard, support, tax consultation, compliance alerts)

• Gold (Standard): $199 + state filing fee  (All Silver features + EIN, Operating Agreement, Banking Resolution, IRS Form 2553, business bank assistance)

• Platinum (Premium): $299 + state filing fee   (All Gold features + contract templates, expedited filing, domain, email, website)

 

 

 

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