• Start Your LLC in Minutes

    Fast, simple, online formation services for entrepreneurs, accountants, and attorneys.

  • Answer a few questions about you and your business, and we'll customize your LLC as you go. You'll get personalized recommendations for services for forming your LLC and keeping it compliant throughout your first year.

    • More Information 

    • Can I do business in other states?

      Yes, all businesses can conduct basic business affairs across state lines. What activities trigger the need for registration vary by state, but often include hiring an employee, opening a location, and competing for a job. When those requirements apply, we can help register your LLC with our foreign qualification service after your LLC is formed. Either way, the first step is for us to help you form your LLC in your home state.

       

      What if my attorney or accountant advised that I form my LLC in a particular state?

      Your attorney or accountant may advise you of the advantages of forming in a particular state, especially when you regularly conduct business in more than one state. You may wish to consult a licensed professional for guidance on selecting a domicile to gain state tax advantages, a pro-business legal environment, or handle complex ownership structures.

    • END 

  • It's okay to guess! Only count full-time (W2) employees, not independent contractors.

  • Awesome! An initial name availability search shows that {legalName} is available in {domicile}!

     

    After you purchase, we'll help you perfect your business name and conduct a more comprehensive name availability check.

  • What type of business are you starting?

  • EMPLOYEE ONLY NOTES

    The purpose of this section is for the client to complete their entity selection. Often this has to do with selecting the right form, or in online systems, completing one of the earliest options in their questionnaire. In some states, there is just one form/wizard and the question is buried in completing the form; Tennesse is an example of this. 

    See https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cOIUDdup0PNp_T73ruz62TV6tZY75Orn9--S6vluVVw/edit#gid=0 for the research. Please keep it in sync with this questionnaire.

    1. If you discover another LLC structure, add it to both the spreadsheet and form.
    2. If you think we should not offer one of the LLC radio options, don't just delete it. When the client selects it, we should display a message saying that it is not supported and disable the button at the end of this page.
    3. If you think we should start offering other options or charge differently for the fancier options, let Megan know, and I can configure this in our calculator.

    PLLC blurs between truly a different business structure in statute and an option in state forms. Regardless, we should list it here when 'extra work' is needed so we can surcharge for the extra work involved (e.g. name requirement, attaching board pre-approval_ getting the board pre-approval is out of scope).

  • As you can see, most filers choose a regular, plain old LLC. Here is more information about other structures

    • Professional LLC (PLLC) - This type of structure is solely for licensed professionals, such as accountants, lawyers, architects, engineers, and doctors. Often, instead of an LLC you simply form a PLLC. Some states never permit an LLC to be owned by such licensed professionals, in which case you won't see PLLC as an option in our questionnaire.
    • Oklahoma Architecture/Engineering LLC - As the name suggests, this is an even more specialized entity intended only for architects and engineers.
    • Series LLC- This type of structure has one "umbrella" LLC with many subordinate "series", each of which operates like a separate entity. We currently do not support forming Series LLCs.
    • Nonprofit LLC & Low-Profit LLC (L3C) - These hybrid structures have some characteristics of an LLC and some characteristics of a nonprofit. We currently do not support forming these.
    • Farm/Ranch LLC - As the name suggests, these structures are intended for specific agricultural businesses. We currently do not support forming these.

  • I've given the above radio options the value of:

    • 0 - regular LLC
    • 1 - not supported
    • 2 - PLLC

    Then used the following calculation field to summarize across states to simplify downstream logic.

    Regular LLC has to be zero because when the page loads with a default selected radio option, the default value does not actually pass through the calculated field.

  • Please contact us to order your Professional LLC. Our online order form is not yet set up for PLLCs.

  • We apologize we currently do not support forming that type of LLC.

  • Statistics on this page are as of July 2022.

  • {domicile} Name Availability & Articles of Organization

     

    Service fee ($99)

    We check that your LLC name is available in {domicile}, then we prepare and file your articles of organization with the state.

     

    State fee (choose below)

    Some clients have already started conducting business, while others are planning to launch months in the future.

    As you consider your timeline, think about when you need to secure your business name, which is accomplished when you receive state approval of the LLC articles of organization. After your LLC name is approved, you can start using it on contracts, ordering business cards, building your website, and so on. Until then, even though we conduct a name availability check before filing, state agencies do not guarantee that your desired name will be approved.

  • Alabama requires filing a name reservation before forming your LLC. We handle this within the service fee and filing fees that you see.

  • Nevada is unique among all the states in that the state requires filing an Initial Report and state-level General Business License at the same time as forming your LLC. Consequently, we only support you purchasing these services as a bundle:

    Service Service Fee State Fee
    Articles of Organization $99 $75
    Initial Report $175 $125
    General Business License $500 per year $200
    Total $774 $400

  • For Nevada, the service fee and filing fee subtotals for Initial Report and GBL are set via Conditions. The pages are not shown to the user.

  • Standard Formation ($99)

    • We verify that the intended name for your LLC is available for use is the first step in the formation process. Articles of organization are then prepared and filed with the state. We verify that your chosen name is available and prepare and file articles of organization under that name on your behalf.
    • Process your formation with our standard processing speed

    Expedited Formation ($299)

    • We mark your order for faster handling to increase the priority of your formation project. This is helpful when you are eager to secure your business name to start using in contracts, on your website, or in other business materials.

    Premium Formation ($499)

    • We move your formation project to the front of the line and provide priority service.

  • RECOMMENDED SERVICE

    BOI Reporting Service

    It is a legal requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) that entities report up-to-date beneficial ownership information (BOI) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Most clients choose to have Harbor Compliance manage their BOI reporting obligations. We’re well-positioned to complete this vital additional filing since we collect much of the required information during the formation process.

  • Are you sure?

    Beneficial ownership reporting obligations are time-consuming and carry penalties of $500 per day or even potential criminal charges. By choosing to continue without purchasing BOI Reporting Service, you acknowledge that you understand these requirements and are prepared to meet them on your own.

    • More Information... 

    •  

      Having Harbor Compliance manage your BOI reporting obligations has substantial benefits:

      • It can save you up to three hours per filing, as FinCEN estimates reading and completing the Beneficial Ownership Information Report can take up to three hours per entity.
      • Reporting Beneficial Ownership Information is more than just a one-time filing. As beneficial owners change, companies must complete additonal filings to notify FinCEN of the updates. Additionally, the information submitted in error must be updated via corrected reports. Unlike the solutions offered by other providers, up to four inital, updated and corrected reports per year are included in our BOI Reporting Service.
      • We can respond quickly to reporting deadlines because we already have much of the required information on file.

  • RECOMMENDED SERVICE

    {domicile} Registered Agent Service

    It is a legal requirement in {domicile} to appoint a registered agent for your business on your articles of organization. This is an official address where someone will always be present to receive important legal or government documents, including those hand-delivered by an official.

    Most clients choose to use Harbor Compliance as their registered agent for reliable, discreet, same-day receipt of deliveries.

     
     
    • More Information 

    • Most people choose Harbor Compliance to be their Registered Agent because the requirements can be hard to meet on your own. We provide:

      • A physical address in the {domicile}. It can't be a PO Box.
      • A representative available at that address to receive legal notices during all business hours. For new businesses, it can be hard to commit to being physically present that often.
      • We provide privacy since our name and address appear in public records, not yours. Our email address and phone number may also be visible.
      • We provide privacy by receiving notice of lawsuits by a sheriff or other process server at our address, not in front of clients and employees.

      While the duties of the registered agent are straightforward (receive and relay legal documents), the consequences of failing in this capacity can be as severe. Most notably, most notices of lawsuits have a limited time to respond (e.g. 10 days), which is why we provide immediate online delivery of your documents, can also notify your attorney simultaneously, and follow up with a courtesy phone call.

       
       
    • END 

  • You can see the requirements in the EP here: https://www.harborcompliance.com/admin/ref-product-requirements/index-initial-report

    You can see the filing fees in the EP here: https://www.harborcompliance.com/admin/ref-filing-options/?default_option=&ref_product_id=338&ref_jurisdiction_id=&ref_entity_id=1&ref_filing_method_id=&ref_registration_type_id=

     

    In Nevada, LLCs must file an initial report at the same time as the formation. The state filing fee is included in our base articles of org filing fee above.

  • RECOMMENDED SERVICE

    {domicile} Initial Report Service

    Initial reports are information updates due to the secretary of state after you form or register an LLC. We simplify initial report compliance by tracking your due date and filing your initial report on time.

  • In Alaska, after filing articles of organization, LLCs must file an initial report within 6 months of formation.

  • In California, after filing articles of organization, LLCs must file an initial report within 90 days of formation.

  • In Washington, after filing articles of organization, LLCs must file an initial report within 120 days of formation.

  • The questions need to be split by service and filing fees in order to calculate the checkout totals correctly. Please do not merge the questions.

    The Alaska state fee is $0.

  • You can see the requirements in the EP here: https://www.harborcompliance.com/admin/ref-product-requirements/index-publishing

    You can see the filing option fees in the EP here: https://www.harborcompliance.com/admin/ref-filing-options/?default_option=&ref_product_id=558&ref_jurisdiction_id=&ref_entity_id=1&ref_filing_method_id=&ref_registration_type_id=

  • RECOMMENDED SERVICE

    {domicile} Publishing

    Some states also require you to publish notice of your formation in newspapers of general circulation. Once the ads have run for the required amount of time, some states also require submitting proof to the state in the form of an affidavit. We manage these requirements for you.

     

  • In Arizona, new LLCs must publish in the county of the known place of business in Arizona, within 60 days, and for 3 consecutive publications.

    • LLCs located in Pima or Maricopa county are exempt from the publishing requirement.
    • LLCs with a registered agent located in Pima or Maricopa county are exempt from the publishing requirement. 

     

  • Good news! Because you chose our Arizona registered agent service based in Pima county, your publishing requirement is handled automatically. Please select "I'm exempt" and keep going!

  • In Nebraska, LLC formation notices must be published for three successive weeks in some legal newspaper of general circulation near the designated office.

  • In New York, LLCs (including PLLCs) must publish within 120 days of the effective date shown on the articles of organization, for six consecutive weeks, in at least two different newspapers, and file a Certificate of Publication with the NY Department of State. Publishing is based on the county of your registered agent - NYC businesses can save over $1,000 by using our registered agent service in Albany County. Learn more

  • In Arizona, publisher fees will be calculated and invoiced later. Legal journal and newspaper fees vary based on the publication and length of the copy (and we work hard to keep it short!). Estimate ~$200 in publishers’ fees.

  • RECOMMENDED SERVICE

    {domicile} Managed Annual Report Service


    Protect your new entity's good standing with Managed Annual Report Service. Our software tracks due dates and files reports on time to maintain good standing and avoid late fees.

     

     
     
     

  • RECOMMENDED SERVICE

    Employer ID Number (EIN)

    Based on your answers we believe you will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN). 

    A Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a Social Security Number and is used to open a bank account, hire employees, and pay taxes. We prepare and file your SS-4 application to obtain an EIN from the IRS for your organization.

     

  • Are you sure?

    An EIN is a required part of the BOI reporting process. Depending on when your entity is formed, you may have as few as 30 days to complete your initial report which can’t be done without an EIN. By choosing to handle this requirement independently, you acknowledge that you understand that delays in retrieving your EIN may cause your BOI report to be filed after the deadline.

    Entities formed or registered before 2024 – Initial BOI reports must be filed by January 1, 2025.

    Entities or registered during 2024 – Initial BOI reports must be filed within 90 days of receiving actual or public notice of creation or registration becoming effective.

    Companies created or registered after 2024 – Initial BOI reports must be filed within 30 days of receiving actual or public notice of creation or registration becoming effective.

  • OPTIONAL SERVICE

    S-Corp or C-Corp Tax Election

    By default, an LLC is taxed as a sole proprietorship (one owner) or a partnership (multiple owners) and thus benefits from pass-through taxation. An LLC may make a special election to be taxed as an S-Corporation or C-Corporation. We prepare and file your IRS tax election within 75 calendar days.

    Learn more about how an LLC is taxed

  • RECOMMENDED SERVICE

    Operating Agreement

    The operating agreement is the main governing document of an LLC, subordinate only to the articles of organization. The operating agreement defines how the LLC will run itself. We customize your operating agreement with basic information about your LLC, then send it to you to fine-tune and sign for your internal records.

    Learn more about an LLC operating agreement

  •  

    See the requirements and fees at https://www.harborcompliance.com/information/business-license

    The Nevada GBL is included in the articles of organization fee and filed at the same time.

  • RECOMMENDED SERVICE

    {domicile} State-Level General Business License

    LLCs in {domicile} are required to obtain a state-level general business license. General business licenses are generic licenses that are required for any company regardless of the industry or the products and services they offer. Most general business licenses are issued at the county or city level, however, a few states also require licenses. We obtain and track the renewal of your state-level general business license. 

    This service does not include industry-specific occupational licenses and any required local business licenses.

  • In West Virginia, most businesses need a license, but some automatic exemptions are available.

  • In Alabama, the application process for state business privilege licenses is handled at the county level, and therefore the filing fee varies from county to county. We will invoice you the applicable state fee before filing. Learn more

  • In Alaska, the state temporarily waived Business License fees! (Usually $50 per year.) Learn more

  • In Delaware, fees vary by business type and gross receipts, but $75 is the most common fee. We will invoice you the applicable state fee before filing. Learn more

  • Order Summary

  • Name Availability & Articles of Organization

    • Service Fee: ${articlesOf}
    • Filing fee due today: ${articlesOf543}

  • BOI Reporting Service

    • Service Fee: ${boireportingfee} per year
     

  • {domicile} Registered Agent Service

    • Service Fee: ${registeredAgent} per year

  • {domicile} Initial Report

    • Service Fee: ${initialReport}
    • Filing Fee due today: ${initialReport546}

  • {domicile} Publishing

    • Service Fee: ${publishingService547}
    • Filing Fee due today: ${publishingFiling}

  • {domicile} Managed Annual Report Service

    • Service Fee: ${annualReport}

  • IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN)

    • Service Fee: ${einService549}

  • IRS S-Corp or C-Corp Tax Election

    • Service Fee: ${scorpOr}

  • Operating Agreement

    • Service Fee: ${operatingAgreement}

  • Managed Annual License Service for {domicile} General Business License

    • Service Fee: ${generalBusiness} per year
    • Filing Fee due today: ${generalBusiness553}
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