How to Form an LLC Online
When forming a new business, you must decide what type of ownership to make it. A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is an organization formed by one or more people or entities, whose members are not held personally liable for the company's debts, fines or other obligations. While it can seem daunting, the actual formation of an LLC is simple and may be completed quickly. Each state has its own rules, regulations and fee schedules for forming an LLC. Some states have a streamlined process that you may complete online, while others require paper documents.
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Instructions
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Download and fill out the Articles of Organization for the state where you are forming your LLC. The Articles of Organization for the individual states are available on the Internet, though some states require that you print out and send the documents in the mail to your Secretary of State's Division of Corporations. Other states allow you to submit the documents online. You can find your state's Articles of Organization on your state's Corporations Division website or on LLC-Made-Easy.com (see the Resources section).
You may create your own Articles of Organization, though it may be easier to use the state form. Typically, this document includes the LLC's contact information, the address of the LLC's registered agent and of each organizer, the length of time the LLC will be in existence and a note about the management. The form then must be signed by each organizer. If you decide to create your own form, enlist the help of your attorney or Certified Public Accountant. This method typically cannot be completed online.
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Submit the Articles of Organization forms, along with the appropriate fee, to the Corporations Division in your state. The fee schedule, as well as the address to submit them, is typically stated at the top of the Articles of Organization form.
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Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS (see the Resources section), as most businesses are required to do so. You may apply for your EIN on the IRS website, where you should receive it minutes after completing the form. In addition to your federal number, some states require that you have a state tax ID number. The IRS provides a list of required state forms on its "State Links" web page (see the Resources section).
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Tips & Warnings
When forming any business, be sure to take the time to fill out an accurate business plan. It's also a good idea to have the help of an expert, such as your attorney or accountant, to make sure that you're forming the right type of entity, such as an LLC or corporation.
References
Resources
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