LLC First-30-Days Checklist

Tick each step as you finish it. Print it with the button below (or your browser's Print command). The full guide with explanations is What to do after forming an LLC.

Week 1 (days 1-7): the foundation

Get your EIN. Free at IRS.gov with the EIN Online Assistant; you get the number when you finish. Never pay a site for it.
Save your formation documents. Articles of organization, the state's approval and your EIN confirmation, in a backed-up folder.
Open a business bank account. Bring your EIN confirmation, articles, operating agreement (if signed) and photo ID.
Keep business and personal money apart. Pay business costs only from the business account; reimburse formation costs you paid personally, with records.

Week 2 (days 8-14): documents and compliance

Sign an operating agreement. Required in California, Delaware, Maine, Missouri and New York; worth having everywhere, even with one member.
Check the BOI rule. US-formed LLCs are exempt from FinCEN beneficial ownership reports (final rule, August 2026). Ignore letters asking you to pay for one.
Record your first decisions. Multi-member LLCs: minutes of a first meeting. Single-member: a short written consent.
Set up a records folder. Articles, operating agreement, EIN letter, consents, annual reports and contracts in one place.
Confirm your registered agent. Check it is active, has your current contact details, and note the renewal date.

Week 3 (days 15-21): taxes and licenses

Register for state taxes. Sales tax permit if you sell taxable goods or services; payroll withholding and unemployment insurance if you hire.
Get business licenses. City or county business license, plus any state or federal license your industry needs (see sba.gov).
Choose a bookkeeping system. Spreadsheet or software; record every income and expense with receipts from day one.
Plan estimated taxes. If you expect to owe $1,000 or more: pay quarterly on April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15.

Week 4 (days 22-30): protection and setup

Get business insurance. General liability at minimum; professional liability if you sell services. Home policies usually exclude business use.
Check your name and brand. State registration does not give trademark rights; consider a USPTO filing if the brand matters.
Set up your domain and business email. And a Google Business Profile if you serve local customers.
Prepare standard contracts. Client agreement or terms, NDA, and a contractor agreement if you will hire freelancers.

State deadlines that carry penalties

State	What to file	Deadline after formation
New York	Publish a formation notice for 6 weeks and file the Certificate of Publication	Within 120 days
California	File the initial Statement of Information (Form LLC-12)	Within 90 days
Arizona	Publish a notice of formation, unless the state publishes it for your county	Within 60 days
Nebraska	Publish a notice of organization for 3 weeks	Within 45 days

After day 30

Put your annual report date in your calendar. Dates and fees depend on the state: annual requirements by state.
Review at 90 days. Books up to date, licenses in place, registered agent renewal noted, first estimated tax planned.

General information checked in October 2026, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your state and the IRS. OnlineLLCGuide.com