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The LLC Launch Checklist
Starting a business? This one-page checklist walks you through the exact steps to launch your LLC — naming, registered agent, EIN, operating agreement, banking, and getting online. Straightforward and ready to use.
Before you file
- 1Choose your business structure — an LLC provides personal liability protection and is a popular choice for new businesses.
- 2Pick a name that is available and distinguishable from other businesses registered in your state.
- 3Check your state's filing requirements and fees; note that fees vary by state.
- 4Decide who will form the LLC (you, or a service handling it for you).
Name & records
- 1Verify your LLC name includes "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." (per your state's rules).
- 2Check name availability on your state's official business registry before filing.
- 3(Optional) Reserve your name if your state allows it and you want extra time.
- 4Record your LLC name, formation date, and state of formation.
Registered agent
- 1Appoint a registered agent — a person or business authorized to receive legal documents for your LLC.
- 2Make sure your registered agent has a physical street address in your state (not a P.O. box).
- 3Decide whether to serve as your own agent or use a professional service for privacy and reliability.
File & EIN
- 1Prepare your articles of organization / certificate of formation with the correct information.
- 2File with your state (online is typically fastest; verify current fees before submitting).
- 3After approval, apply for your Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS — free online, takes about 15 minutes.
- 4Save your EIN confirmation — you'll need it to open a bank account, file taxes, and hire employees.
Operating agreement
- 1Create an operating agreement outlining ownership, profit distribution, management, and decision-making.
- 2Review it even for a single-member LLC — a written agreement helps protect your limited liability.
- 3Keep the signed copy with your business records.
Banking & finances
- 1Open a separate business bank account using your LLC name and EIN.
- 2Get a business debit/credit approach ready for business expenses.
- 3Keep business and personal finances strictly separate — this protects your liability protection.
- 4Set up a simple system for tracking income and expenses (a spreadsheet or accounting tool).
Compliance
- 1Find and mark your state's ongoing requirements (annual report, franchise tax, or biennial statement).
- 2Set calendar reminders for all filing deadlines the day you form.
- 3Check whether your industry or county requires any additional licenses or permits.
Get online & ready to grow
- 1Claim your business name and secure a matching domain (or plan around the one you can get).
- 2Set up a professional website — your key first impression and lead source for most B2B businesses.
- 3Make sure your website is mobile-responsive and includes a clear call to action.
- 4Add a way to capture contact info (contact form, email signup, or booking link).
- 5Plan how you'll keep the site fresh — content (blog posts, case studies) helps you show up in search.
Each step above is straightforward on its own; the hard part is doing them all correctly and in order. If you'd rather have a team handle formation, your website, and your content together, that's exactly what we do — see how it works.