← All Guides

How to Form an LLC

DIY cost: State fee only ($50-500)Time to DIY: 30-60 minutesTrueFormed: $89 + state feeOthers: $199-$349 + state fee
Full disclosure:You can do this yourself for just the state filing fee. The state doesn't care who submits the form. If you'd rather not spend the 30-60 minutes, our $89 bundle adds EIN, Operating Agreement, and your first year of Registered Agent.

What is an LLC?

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) separates your personal assets from your business. If your business gets sued or goes into debt, your personal savings, home, and car are protected. It also gives you flexibility in how you're taxed and adds professional credibility.

Before you start

You'll need to decide:

  1. Which state to form in. Usually the state where you live and do business. Wyoming and Delaware are popular for specific tax or privacy reasons, but for most people, your home state is the right choice.
  2. Your LLC name. Must be unique in your state and usually must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company." Check your state's Secretary of State website for name availability.
  3. Your registered agent. Every LLC needs one — a person or company at a physical address in the state who can accept legal documents. You can be your own registered agent if you have a physical address in the state.

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Choose your state and check name availability

Go to your state's Secretary of State website. Every state has a business name search tool. Search for your desired name to make sure it's not already taken.

Step 2: Prepare your Articles of Organization

This is the main document. Despite the official-sounding name, it's usually just a one-page form with:

  • LLC name
  • Principal office address
  • Registered agent name and address
  • Member/manager names (some states)
  • Effective date (usually "upon filing")
  • Organizer signature

Step 3: File with the state

Most states accept online filing through their Secretary of State website. You'll fill out the form, pay the state fee by credit card, and receive confirmation within a few days (some states are same-day).

Step 4: Get your EIN

After your LLC is approved by the state, apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS. It's free and takes 10 minutes online. See our EIN guide.

Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement

Not required in every state, but strongly recommended. This document outlines how your LLC is managed, how profits are distributed, and what happens if a member leaves. Banks often require one to open a business account.

Step 6: Open a business bank account

Bring your Articles of Organization, EIN confirmation, and operating agreement to any bank. Keep business and personal finances separate — this protects your liability shield.

State filing fees

These are what the state charges. They're the same whether you file yourself, use TrueFormed, or use any other service.

StateFiling FeeProcessing
Wyoming$1001-2 days
Delaware$903-5 days
Florida$1251-2 days
Texas$3005-7 days
California$703-5 days
Nevada$4251-2 days
New Mexico$501-3 days
Colorado$50Same day
Montana$353-4 days
New York$200~5 days

After formation: what to remember

  • Annual report: Most states require an annual (or biennial) report. Miss it and your LLC can be administratively dissolved.
  • Registered agent: You must maintain one continuously. If your agent resigns, update it immediately.
  • State taxes: Some states have franchise taxes (California: $800/yr, Delaware: $300/yr). Know your state's requirements.

That's it

The whole process takes 30-60 minutes plus waiting for state processing. The cost is just the state fee — anywhere from $35 to $425 depending on your state.

If you'd rather have someone handle it, our formation bundle is $89 and includes formation, EIN, Operating Agreement, and the first year of Registered Agent service. After Year 1, Registered Agent renews at $99/year and ongoing filings (annual reports, amendments) are available as per-filing add-ons.