LLC Guides & Resources
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Everything you need to know about forming, running, and growing an LLC, verified by Frédéric Deltour, an entrepreneur with 22+ years of experience and personally formed LLCs for himself and his clients.
Library last reviewed: August 13, 2026.
Getting Started
Everything you need to know before and during LLC formation.
How to Form an LLCStep-by-step formation guide for all 50 statesWhat Is an LLC?LLC basics, benefits, and how it protects youLLC Formation CostReal costs by state including hidden feesLLC Formation Hidden CostsThe fees most guides don't warn you aboutWhat's Included in LLC FormationWhat services actually include vs. charge extraBest LLC by ScenarioWhich service fits your specific situationHow to Choose a ServiceFramework for picking the right providerFormation vs DIYWhen to use a service vs. file yourselfFormation Pros & ConsHonest look at using a formation serviceLLC Scams to AvoidRed flags and deceptive tactics to watch for9 LLC Mistakes to AvoidCommon errors that cost time and money
After Formation
What to do once your LLC is officially filed.
Post-Formation ChecklistStep-by-step tasks for the first 90 daysAfter Forming Your LLCEssential next steps after filingGet Your EIN for FreeHow to get an EIN from the IRS in 15 minutesLLC EIN GuideEverything about EINs and when you need oneOpen a Business Bank AccountBest banks and how to open your accountLLC Operating AgreementWhy you need one and what to includeAnnual LLC ComplianceState-by-state annual report requirements
LLC Types & Structures
Choose the right business structure for your situation.
LLC vs S-CorpKey differences and when to elect S-CorpLLC vs S-Corp Tax ComparisonSide-by-side tax analysis with real numbersLLC vs CorporationC-Corp vs LLC for different business typesLLC vs Sole ProprietorshipWhen the extra step is worth itSingle-Member LLC GuideSpecial rules for one-owner LLCsWhich LLC Is Right?Decision guide for your business typeLLC vs DBAWhich one your business actually needsMember-Managed vs Manager-Managed LLCWho runs the company, and who can bind itSeries LLCWhat it is, which states allow it, and who should use itPLLC vs LLCWhat licensed professionals need to know
LLC for Specific Industries
Industry-specific LLC guidance.
LLC for FreelancersWhy freelancers and consultants need an LLCLLC for Real EstateProtecting your real estate investmentsLLC for Rental PropertyShould you put rentals in an LLC?LLC for Amazon FBALLC setup for Amazon sellersLLC for E-CommerceOnline store LLC formation guideLLC for Non-ResidentsForming a U.S. LLC from abroad
Taxes, Money & Management
Financial and operational LLC guidance.
LLC Taxes GuideHow LLCs are taxed at federal and state levelsHow to Pay YourselfOwner draws, salary, and distributionsHow to Fund Your LLCFinancing options for your new businessHow Rich Use LLCsLegal asset protection strategiesQuarterly Estimated Taxes for LLC OwnersDue dates, safe harbor, and how much to pay
Registered Agents & State Selection
Choose the right agent and the right state.
Do I Need a Registered Agent?Short answer: yes – here's whyRegistered Agent GuideHow registered agents work and what they costRegistered Agent OverviewQuick overview of registered agent basicsBest State to Form LLCWhen out-of-state formation makes senseCheapest States to Form LLCLowest filing fees and ongoing costsLLC Foreign QualificationRegistering your LLC in other states
Changes & Dissolution
When your LLC needs updates or closure.
AI & Business Growth
Use AI to save time, launch a business, and grow, then protect it with an LLC. From our blog.
AI Business Ideas for SolopreneursFive realistic, profitable AI businesses you can start soloBest AI Tools for Small Business OwnersThe AI tools I actually use and recommend, with real costsAI Tools That Save 10+ Hours Per WeekReclaim your week with the right AI stackHow to Use ChatGPT for Customer ServiceThree proven use cases and prompt frameworksAI Marketing Prompts for Local BusinessesTested prompts for research, social, SEO, ads, and salesBest AI Business Ideas for BeginnersSix beginner-friendly AI businesses with costs and examples
Starting & Growing a Business
Real business ideas, checklists, and side hustles from a 22-year entrepreneur, plus when to form an LLC. From our blog.
Businesses Under $500 to StartReal businesses you can launch for under $50025 Small Business Ideas You Can Start This Weekend25 realistic ideas you can start in daysStarting a Business ChecklistA step-by-step checklist to launch the right wayLow-Competition Local Business IdeasLocal ideas that are easier to win in your areaSide Hustles That Can Become Full-Time BusinessesSide hustles with a real path to full-timeHow to Validate a Business IdeaA 10-step process to test demand before you spend money10 Mistakes New Entrepreneurs MakeThe year-one mistakes to avoid, and how to fix themWhen to Quit Your Job and Start a BusinessA realistic framework for making the leap safelyHow to Start a Business With No MoneySell a service first, use free tools, and bootstrap from revenueHow to Get Your First CustomersWarm outreach, low-risk offers, and referrals to land the first salesHow to Choose a Business NamePick an available, memorable name and run the right checksSmall Business Tax Deductions You Shouldn't MissThe deductions owners miss most and how to keep clean recordsDo You Need Business Insurance?Which policies matter and how insurance pairs with an LLC
LLC Basics, From Our Blog
In-depth guides on the practical decisions every LLC owner faces.
Wyoming vs. New Mexico LLCWhich privacy state is better for your businessStart an LLC With Northwest Registered AgentStep-by-step walkthrough of the $39 formationConvert Sole Proprietorship to LLCStep-by-step guide to making the switchAnonymous LLCHow to form an LLC privately, and its limitsBest Business Bank Account for an LLCHow to choose the right accountBusiness License for an LLCDo you need one? Almost always yesMultiple Businesses Under One LLCDBAs, separate LLCs, and holding companiesBusiness Address for an LLCWhat you need, and how to keep it privateHow to Get an EIN for an LLCGet your free federal tax ID, step by stepHow Long Does It Take to Form an LLC?Realistic timelines by state and filing methodDo You Need a Lawyer to Form an LLC?DIY, service, or attorney, and when each is worth it
LLC Cost by State
State-by-state fee breakdowns: one-time filing fees, annual costs, taxes, and the true 3-year total under each formation option.
Florida LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Florida LLCAlabama LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for an Alabama LLCAlaska LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for an Alaska LLCArizona LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for an Arizona LLCArkansas LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for an Arkansas LLCCalifornia LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a California LLCColorado LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Colorado LLCConnecticut LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Connecticut LLCDelaware LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Delaware LLCGeorgia LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Georgia LLCHawaii LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Hawaii LLCIdaho LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for an Idaho LLCIllinois LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for an Illinois LLCIndiana LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for an Indiana LLCIowa LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for an Iowa LLCKansas LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Kansas LLCKentucky LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Kentucky LLCLouisiana LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Louisiana LLCMaine LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Maine LLCMaryland LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Maryland LLCMassachusetts LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Massachusetts LLCMichigan LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Michigan LLCMinnesota LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Minnesota LLCMississippi LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Mississippi LLCMissouri LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Missouri LLCMontana LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Montana LLCNebraska LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Nebraska LLCNevada LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Nevada LLCNew Hampshire LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a New Hampshire LLCNew Jersey LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a New Jersey LLCNew Mexico LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a New Mexico LLCNew York LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a New York LLCNorth Carolina LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a North Carolina LLCNorth Dakota LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a North Dakota LLCOhio LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for an Ohio LLCOklahoma LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for an Oklahoma LLCOregon LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for an Oregon LLCPennsylvania LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Pennsylvania LLCRhode Island LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Rhode Island LLCSouth Carolina LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a South Carolina LLCSouth Dakota LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a South Dakota LLCTennessee LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Tennessee LLCTexas LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Texas LLCUtah LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Utah LLCVermont LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Vermont LLCVirginia LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Virginia LLCWashington LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Washington LLCWashington, D.C. LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Washington, D.C. LLCWest Virginia LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a West Virginia LLCWisconsin LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Wisconsin LLCWyoming LLC CostEvery fee, tax, and the true 3-year total for a Wyoming LLC
Looking for service reviews?
Head to our Compare Services page for detailed reviews and head-to-head comparisons of Northwest, Bizee, ZenBusiness, Inc Authority, and LegalZoom. Or browse our State Guides for state-specific formation instructions.
Why I Choose Northwest Registered Agent
After forming 3 LLCs myself and helping clients through the process, I keep coming back to Northwest Registered Agent. Here is why:
- Remarkable Customer Support: Quick, human responses every time.
- Caring & Privacy-Focused: Genuine service with full respect for your privacy.
- Lightning-Fast Formation: Often faster than promised.
- Incredible Value: $39 includes free business address, mail scanning, phone line, business email, domain name, website, and brand protection.
- Clear & Transparent: No hidden fees or surprises.
Ready to form your business? Choose Northwest today!