LLC Guides
Practical, step-by-step guides to forming, running, and growing your limited liability company.
LLC Guides
Practical, step-by-step guides to forming, running, and growing your limited liability company — from choosing a name to staying compliant year after year.
What Is an LLC?
What is an LLC? A limited liability company protects your personal assets while keeping taxes simple. Learn how LLCs work and if one is right for you.
What Does LLC Stand For?
What does LLC stand for? LLC means Limited Liability Company, a structure that shields owners' personal assets. Learn what each word means and when...
How to Start an LLC
How to start an LLC in 8 steps: choose your state, pick a name, appoint a registered agent, file Articles of Organization, and get your EIN. Start...
How to Create an LLC
How to create an LLC: file Articles of Organization with your state, choose DIY or a formation service, and budget $50 to $500. Here's the full...
How to Set Up an LLC
How to set up an LLC the right way: a before, during, and after checklist covering your name, registered agent, filing, EIN, bank account, and...
How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC?
How much does it cost to start an LLC? Expect $50 to $500 in state filing fees plus small extras. See realistic first-year totals and where every...
How to Get an LLC
How to get an LLC fast: file directly with your state for the lowest cost or use an online service for speed and convenience. Compare both routes...
Is an LLC a Corporation?
Is an LLC a corporation? No. Compare LLC vs. corporation ownership, taxes, management, and formalities to see which structure fits your business best.
How to Register an LLC
How to register an LLC: choose a name, appoint a registered agent, file Articles of Organization, and pay the fee. Step-by-step guide with costs and...
How to Dissolve an LLC
How to dissolve an LLC: member vote, file Articles of Dissolution, pay taxes, cancel your EIN, and close accounts. State-by-state notes and mistakes...
What Is a Registered Agent?
What is a registered agent? Every LLC needs one to receive legal mail. Learn who can serve, what it costs ($100-$300/year), and why a service is...
How to Get an EIN for Your LLC
How to get an EIN for your LLC: what it is, why you need one, and how to apply free on IRS.gov in about 15 minutes. Steps, timeline, and rules...
Do LLCs Receive 1099 Forms?
Do LLCs receive 1099 forms? Yes, for payments of $600 or more. Learn 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC rules for single-member, multi-member, and S-corp elected...
How to Start an LLC in Texas
Learn how to start an LLC in Texas with the $300 filing fee, Certificate of Formation, and franchise tax basics. A complete step-by-step guide for...
How to Start an LLC in California
Learn how to start an LLC in California with the $70 filing fee, the $800 franchise tax, and the LLC-1 form. The complete step-by-step guide for 2026.
How to Start an LLC in Florida
Learn how to start an LLC in Florida for $125 via Sunbiz.org, plus the $138.75 annual report due May 1. Everything you need in a step-by-step guide...
How to Start an LLC in New York
Learn how to start an LLC in New York with the $200 filing fee, the newspaper publication rule, and the biennial statement. A step-by-step guide for...
How to Pay Yourself from an LLC
Learn how to pay yourself from an LLC with owner's draws, salary, and S-corp election. Compare single-member and multi-member options and avoid tax...
How to Form an LLC
Learn how to form an LLC step by step: choose a state, check your name, file formation documents, get an EIN, and open a bank account. DIY or use a...
What Is an Operating Agreement?
Learn what an operating agreement is, why every LLC needs one, and what it covers: ownership, management, profits, voting, and buyouts. A...
How to Open an LLC
Learn how to open an LLC from filing to your first sale. A step by step guide to formation, EIN, bank accounts, licenses, and the real timeline to...
How to Make an LLC
How to make an LLC in six simple steps, from picking a name to opening a bank account. A beginner friendly guide to forming your own company for...
What Is a Limited Liability Company?
What is a limited liability company and how does it protect you? A plain English look at LLC liability, taxes, and how it compares to other...
How Do I Start an LLC?
How do I start an LLC? A practical decision tree for beginners, covering whether to form, which state to choose, DIY vs service, and first actions...
How to Establish an LLC
How to establish an LLC that lasts, from formation to good standing. A guide to annual reports, separate accounts, records, and staying compliant...
Is an LLC a Sole Proprietorship?
Is an LLC a sole proprietorship? No, and here is why it matters. Compare liability, taxes, and paperwork, and learn when to upgrade and how to...
LLC vs S-Corp: What's the Difference?
LLC vs S corp, what is the difference? Compare default LLC taxes with the S corp election, self employment tax savings, and who should file Form 2553.
How to Pay Taxes as an LLC
How to pay taxes as an LLC, from quarterly estimates to Schedule C and K-1. A plain English guide to pass through taxes, self employment tax, and...
Can an LLC Have Employees?
Can an LLC have employees? Yes, and here is how. A guide to hiring, EINs, payroll, W-2 vs 1099 workers, workers comp, and the tax registrations you...
What Is a Series LLC?
What is a series LLC and how does it protect separate assets? A guide to sub LLCs, the states that allow them, and when a series makes sense for your...
How to Buy an LLC
Learn how to buy an LLC with due diligence on debts, taxes, and ownership transfer. A practical guide to buying an existing LLC safely in 2026.
How to Close an LLC
Learn how to close an LLC with a practical closeout checklist: member approval, dissolution filing, final taxes, and canceling permits and accounts.
How to Remove a Member from an LLC
Learn how to remove a member from an LLC with buyout mechanics, operating agreement rules, and the tax and filing steps that follow.
How to Add a Member to an LLC
Learn how to add a member to an LLC, from amending the operating agreement to updating IRS classification and state filings.
How to Change Your LLC Name
Learn how to change your LLC name with availability checks, an Amendment to Articles of Organization, and updates to the EIN, bank, and IRS records.
How to Open a Business Bank Account for an LLC
Learn how to open a business bank account for an LLC with the documents you need, how to choose a bank, and how to build business credit.
How to Get a Business License for Your LLC
Learn how to get a business license for your LLC, from general licenses to permits, sales tax registration, industry licenses, and costs.
How to Register a Foreign LLC
Learn how to register a foreign LLC with a Certificate of Authority, foreign qualification fees, and the registered agent and tax rules for each...
LLC Annual Report Requirements by State
Learn LLC annual report requirements by state, including which states require them, filing windows, fees from $0 to $800, and late penalties.
Do LLCs Pay Quarterly Taxes?
Do LLCs pay quarterly taxes? Yes for most owners. Learn who must pay estimated taxes, how to calculate them, and the April, June, September, and...
How to Start an LLC in Georgia
Learn how to start an LLC in Georgia with the $100 filing fee, Articles of Organization, and annual registration. A complete step-by-step guide for...
How to Start an LLC in Ohio
Learn how to start an LLC in Ohio with the $99 filing fee, Articles of Organization, and no annual report fee. A complete step-by-step guide for 2026.
How to Start an LLC in Michigan
Learn how to start an LLC in Michigan with the $50 filing fee, Articles of Organization, and $25 annual report. A complete step-by-step guide for...
How to Start an LLC in Colorado
Learn how to start an LLC in Colorado with the $50 filing fee, Articles of Organization, and $10 periodic report. A complete step-by-step guide for...
How to Start an LLC in Illinois
Learn how to start an LLC in Illinois with the $150 filing fee, Articles of Organization, and $75 annual report. A complete step-by-step guide for...
How to Start an LLC in North Carolina
Learn how to start an LLC in North Carolina with the $125 filing fee, Articles of Organization, and $200 annual report. A complete step-by-step guide...
How to Start an LLC in Virginia
Learn how to start an LLC in Virginia with the $100 filing fee, Articles of Organization, and $50 annual report. A complete step-by-step guide for...
How to Start an LLC in Pennsylvania
Learn how to start an LLC in Pennsylvania with the $125 filing fee, Certificate of Organization, and no annual report. A complete step-by-step guide...
How to Start an LLC in Arizona
Learn how to start an LLC in Arizona with the $50 filing fee, Articles of Organization, and no annual report. A complete step-by-step guide for 2026.
How to Start an LLC in Nevada
Learn how to start an LLC in Nevada with the $75 filing fee, business license, and $150 annual report. A complete step-by-step guide for 2026.
Not sure where to start? Compare LLC formation services that handle the paperwork for you.
Compare LLC ServicesWe may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no additional cost to you.
Ready to form your LLC? Get professional LLC formation with filing, registered agent, and compliance support.
Start Your LLC TodayWe may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no additional cost to you. LLC formation services are provided by third-party partners.
About LLC Advice — LLC Advice helps entrepreneurs form and maintain Limited Liability Companies across all 50 states. This guide is for general information only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. State requirements vary; confirm details with your Secretary of State or a qualified professional.