An Easy Step-by-Step Guide on Forming an LLC in the US

Benefits of Forming a US LLC

The main reason you should start your own US LLC is that it will help you gain credibility. It’s a lot more professional than just doing business under your own name, and it will give you added protection against personal liability for any debts you owe.

It will also help you to make big profits in the future, as you will have a legal structure to protect your assets from being taken by creditors.

A US LLC can also be an attractive business structure for international investors, as it offers a degree of liability protection that the equivalent offshore structures don’t offer.

‍Starting a US LLC

The biggest factor you will need to consider when starting a US LLC is making sure that you comply with all state and federal requirements. This is to ensure you won’t encounter any problems as you form your business. Let’s get started

1. Select a State to Form Your LLC

The first thing you need to do is select a state for your business to be registered in. The state you choose will affect which federal and local tax laws apply to you and will have an impact on the statutes and regulations you need to comply with.

The state you choose will act as the central location for your business, so you should choose somewhere that is convenient for you to run it from and that has a business-friendly environment.

2. Decide on a Name and File an LLC Application

Next, decide on a name for your business and file an LLC application to register your business with the state you have chosen. When naming your LLC, there are a couple of things you need to be mindful of:

The name you choose for your LLC must be unique and not confusingly similar to an existing corporate name.

You should also make sure that the LLC name is distinguishable from any trade name you already have to avoid confusion and problems further down the line.

The name should also include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).

3. Hire a Registered Agent

The next thing you need to do is hire a registered agent to act as an agent for the state. A registered agent is required to handle all incoming legal paperwork, such as service of process, service of summons, and service of any legal notices to your company.

To comply with this requirement, you will need to hire a registered agent in your state, as the state will not accept any legal paperwork unless it is served by a registered agent.

You can either hire a registered agent directly or use one you have already hired to handle the paperwork for your business.

4. Get an Employer Identification Number

Next, you will need to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your business. This is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS for businesses and is required for most business tax returns and forms.

You can apply for an EIN by filling out an application online or via a form SS-4. Once you have this number, you can use it when completing your tax return and when opening a business bank account.

5. Get a Physical US Mailing Address

The next thing you need to do is get a US physical mailing address. This should be a regular street address rather than a PO Box. The address should be rented or owned by you and not your registered agent, as the address will be used for all your official business paperwork.

6. Open a US Bank Account

Finally, you need to open a US bank account to conduct business in the country. Now, this can be a bit tricky as banks require account holders to make a physical appearance in accordance with US money-laundering laws. You shouldn’t have any problems if you’re a foreign business owner, but it’s best to check beforehand. Our partner VPM can help with the process of registering a physical address in order to open a US bank account.

Conclusion

So, that’s a step-by-step guide on how to form an LLC in the USA. Once you have carried out these steps, you will have a properly registered business with the legal structure to allow you to grow your money.

Starting a business in the US іѕ isn’t an easy decision to make. Luckily, doola is here to make the process a lot easier for you.