What to do after you form your LLC

The checklist

1. 1

   Get your EIN Week 1

   Your business's federal tax ID. It's free from the IRS online and takes minutes. Form the LLC with your state first, then apply. Never pay a website for it.

2. 2

   Sign an operating agreement Month 1

   It sets out who owns what and how decisions get made. The SBA recommends one even if your state doesn't require it. New York does: members must adopt a written agreement within 90 days of filing (NY Department of State). It stays private; you don't file it.

3. 3

   Open a business bank account Week 1

   Bring your EIN and your filed formation documents. Keeping business money separate makes taxes simpler and helps protect your personal assets.

4. 4

   Keep a registered agent Always

   Your LLC must always have one in its state. You can usually be your own if you have a street address there; paid agents typically cost $100–$150 a year. Do I need a registered agent?

5. 5

   Note your state's first deadline Month 1

   Pick your state above to see yours. For example: Florida, $138.75 annual report between Jan 1 and May 1 of next year. California, a $20 statement within 90 days, plus the $800 annual tax. New York, a newspaper notice within 120 days. Texas, a franchise report by May 15 of the year after.

6. 6

   Get local licenses and permits Before you open

   Ask your city or county what a business like yours needs. Regulated work (food, alcohol, trades, health) needs more. SBA: licenses and permits.

7. 7

   Register for state taxes Before you sell or hire

   Register for sales tax before you sell taxable goods or services. Register for income tax withholding and unemployment tax before your first payroll. Your state tax agency link is in your state box above.

8. 8

   BOI report: not needed –

   Under FinCEN's final rule, effective Aug 14, 2026, companies formed in the US don't file beneficial ownership (BOI) reports. Only certain companies formed abroad and registered in a US state still do (FinCEN). Ignore letters asking you to pay to file one.

9. 9

   Plan your taxes Apr 15

   By default, profit goes on your own return with 15.3% self-employment tax on most of it. If you expect to owe $1,000 or more, pay quarterly estimates: Apr 15, Jun 15, Sep 15 and Jan 15. Quarterly tax calculator.

10. 10

    Consider an S-corp once profit grows Later

    It’s borderline at $40,000–$60,000 of profit. At $100,000 profit with a $60,000 salary in Florida, our model shows a saving of about $1,049 a year. S-corp calculator.

11. 11

    Before your first hire Later

    Register as an employer, set up payroll and check workers’ comp. Expect roughly 10–15% on top of wages. Cost of hiring.