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How to start an LLC

The same eight screens in every state. The state fee and the filing time are what change, from $35 in Montana to $520 in Massachusetts.

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Why an LLC

What an LLC does for you

01

It separates you from the business

An LLC can help separate your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits. It isn't a force field: you still need the right insurance, and personal guarantees still bind you.

02

It gives the business its own tax ID

With an EIN the business has its own federal tax ID. Banks ask for it when you open a business account, and you need one to hire anyone.

03

It puts the rules in writing

An operating agreement spells out who owns the company and how it's run. A banking resolution says who can manage the business bank account.

The walkthrough

The screens, in order

Shown with Montana, the lowest state fee in our guides: $35.

  1. Choose LLC and MontanaOn Bizee, pick LLC as the entity and Montana as the state, then start.
  2. Pick a packageBasic is $0 plus Montana's $35 state fee. Standard is $199 and Premium is $299, plus the same fee. Basic already covers the state filing, a registered agent for the first year and the first month of a virtual address.
  3. Name your businessType the name, pick a designator such as LLC, and Bizee shows exactly how it will appear on file.
  4. Choose the filing speedStandard filing is included: about 3 weeks in Montana. Expedited is about 2 business days, for $70 more.
  5. Contact details and addressYour business address goes on the public record. Bizee's virtual address is free for the first month, then $29 a month, and you can cancel anytime. Or use your own.
  6. The $99 upgradeIt adds four things: your EIN, an operating agreement, a banking resolution, and more than 25 ready-to-use contracts. It is optional.
  7. Members and registered agentAdd each owner and their share. Every LLC needs a registered agent: your first year with Bizee is included, then it's $149 a year. You can also be your own.
  8. Review and payCheck the details, then pay: with the upgrade, the total is $134 (the $35 state fee plus $99). Bizee files with Montana within one business day.

What to have ready

  • Your business name
  • An address for the business
  • The name and address of every owner
  • A Social Security number or ITIN, so Bizee can get your EIN

Every screen, for your state

AlabamaState fee $236
AlaskaState fee $250
ArizonaState fee $87
ArkansasState fee $45
CaliforniaState fee $75
ColoradoState fee $50
ConnecticutState fee $120
DelawareState fee $143
FloridaState fee $125
GeorgiaState fee $110
IdahoState fee $104
IllinoisState fee $154
IndianaState fee $98
IowaState fee $50
KansasState fee $85
KentuckyState fee $40
LouisianaState fee $130
MaineState fee $175
MarylandState fee $196
MassachusettsState fee $520
MichiganState fee $50
MinnesotaState fee $155
MississippiState fee $54
MissouriState fee $52
MontanaState fee $35
NebraskaState fee $103
NevadaState fee $436
New HampshireState fee $102
New JerseyState fee $104
New MexicoState fee $52
New YorkState fee $205
North CarolinaState fee $128
North DakotaState fee $135
OhioState fee $99
OklahomaState fee $104
OregonState fee $100
PennsylvaniaState fee $125
Rhode IslandState fee $156
South CarolinaState fee $132
South DakotaState fee $154
TennesseeState fee $308
TexasState fee $309
UtahState fee $59
VermontState fee $155
VirginiaState fee $100
WashingtonState fee $200
West VirginiaState fee $100
WisconsinState fee $134
WyomingState fee $103

Ready when you are

Open Bizee from our link and follow along with your state's video.

Start your LLC with Bizee →

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