Start Your Business — From Idea to Legally Formed Company
Whether you’re launching a side hustle, going full-time freelance, or building the next big startup — BusinessFormations.com walks you through every step from choosing your entity type to opening your first business bank account.
Before You Start: What You Should Know
Forming a business is one of the smartest moves you can make — but a few decisions early on save you time, money, and headaches down the road.
You Don’t Need Everything Figured Out
You don’t need a perfect business plan, a logo, or even a final name. You need a legal entity so you can operate, invoice, open accounts, and protect yourself. The rest comes after.
Entity Type Matters — But It’s Fixable
LLC vs. corporation is an important choice, but it’s not permanent. You can convert later if your business evolves. Start with the structure that fits where you are now.
Your Home State Is Usually Best
Unless you have a specific reason to incorporate in Delaware or Wyoming, forming in your home state is simpler, cheaper, and avoids dual registration requirements.
Your Complete Business Formation Roadmap
Follow these steps in order and you’ll go from idea to fully operational business. We handle the hard parts.
Plan & Decide
Before any paperwork — make the key decisions that shape everything else.
Choose Your Entity Type
The right structure depends on your goals, ownership, and how you want to be taxed. Here’s the quick version:
LLC
Best for most small businesses, freelancers, and real estate. Flexible, simple, and protects personal assets.
- ✓Pass-through taxation
- ✓Minimal compliance
- ✓No ownership limits
C-Corp
Best for startups raising venture capital or planning stock option plans for employees.
- ✓Issue stock to investors
- ✓Unlimited shareholders
- ✓Perpetual existence
S-Corp
Best for profitable small businesses looking to reduce self-employment taxes.
- ✓Tax savings on profits
- ✓Pass-through taxation
- ✓≤100 shareholders
Not sure? Start our free assessment — we’ll recommend the best entity type based on your situation.
Pick Your Business Name
Your business name must be unique in your state of formation. A few rules to keep in mind:
- Must not be identical or deceptively similar to an existing entity in your state
- Must include a designator (LLC, Inc., Corp., etc.) depending on entity type
- Cannot include restricted words (Bank, University, etc.) without authorization
- Check federal trademark availability at USPTO.gov for additional protection
We run a name availability check as part of every formation — and suggest alternatives if your first choice is taken.
Form & File
We prepare and submit your formation documents with the state — typically in 1–2 business days.
File Formation Documents
We prepare and file the appropriate documents with your state:
- LLCs: Articles of Organization (or Certificate of Formation)
- Corporations: Articles of Incorporation
- Includes registered agent designation
- State filing fee paid on your behalf
Most states process in 1–2 business days. Expedited options available where offered by the state.
Prepare Operating Documents
Your internal governance documents are just as important as the state filing:
For LLCs
- ✓Operating Agreement
- ✓Organizational Minutes
- ✓Member Certificates
For Corporations
- ✓Bylaws
- ✓Board Resolutions
- ✓Stock Certificates
Set Up & Operate
Get your tax ID, bank account, and everything you need to start operating.
Get Your EIN
Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business’s federal tax ID. You need it to:
- Open a business bank account
- Hire employees or contractors
- File federal and state tax returns
- Apply for business credit or loans
We obtain your EIN from the IRS and deliver the confirmation letter digitally — usually same-day.
Open Your Business Bank Account
Separating business and personal finances is critical for maintaining liability protection. You’ll need:
- Filed Articles of Organization or Incorporation
- EIN confirmation letter from the IRS
- Operating Agreement or Bylaws
- Banking Resolution (we provide this)
Our banking resolution template is accepted by major banks nationwide and included in our Growth and Venture packages.
Stay Compliant
Formation is day one — staying in good standing is an ongoing responsibility.
Maintain Your Registered Agent
Every LLC and corporation must maintain a registered agent in their state of formation. Your agent:
- Accepts legal notices and service of process
- Receives official state correspondence
- Must have a physical address in the state (not a P.O. box)
- Must be available during normal business hours
Our registered agent service covers all 50 states with a secure document vault and instant email forwarding.
File Annual Reports & Stay Current
Most states require periodic filings to keep your entity in good standing. Missing them can result in penalties or dissolution.
- Annual/Biennial Reports: Update your company information with the state
- Franchise Taxes: Some states charge an annual entity tax (e.g., Delaware, California)
- Registered Agent Renewal: Maintain continuous agent coverage
- Business License Renewals: Varies by city/county and industry
Our compliance alert system sends reminders before every deadline so you never miss a filing.
What’s Included at Each Stage
Every package builds on the previous one. Choose the level that matches where you are.
| What You Get | Starter$0 + state fee | Growth$149 + state fee | Venture$349 + state fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name availability check | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| State filing (Articles of Org / Inc) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Operating agreement / bylaws | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Organizational minutes | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ein registration | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Banking resolution | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Registered agent (1 year) | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Compliance reminders | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| C-Corp / S-Corp formation | — | — | ✓ |
| Board resolutions & equity docs | — | — | ✓ |
| Expedited filing | — | — | ✓ |
| Dedicated formation specialist | — | — | ✓ |
Find Your Path
Different businesses have different needs. Here’s what we recommend based on your situation.
Freelancer or Consultant
You want to separate business from personal, get paid professionally, and protect your personal assets.
Small Business or Retail
You’re opening a shop, restaurant, or service business with partners or employees.
Tech Startup Raising Capital
You’re building a product, hiring a team, and planning to raise from angel investors or VCs.
Real Estate Investor
You own or plan to acquire rental properties and want asset protection between holdings.
Profitable Business Optimizing Taxes
You’re earning strong profits and want to reduce your self-employment tax burden.
Partnership or Co-Founded Business
You’re starting a business with one or more partners and need clear ownership terms.
Starting Your Business — FAQ
Quick answers to the questions first-time founders ask most.
How much does it cost to start a business?
Our service starts at $0 (Starter plan) — you only pay the state filing fee, which ranges from $40 to $500 depending on the state. The Growth package at $149 adds EIN, banking resolution, and registered agent service.
Do I need a business plan to form an LLC?
No. You don’t need a business plan to form a legal entity. You need a name, a state, and basic information about ownership. A business plan is valuable for strategy and fundraising, but it’s not required for formation.
Can I form a business while employed full-time?
Yes. Many founders start their business while still employed. Check your employment agreement for non-compete or moonlighting clauses, but forming an LLC or corporation is perfectly legal while employed.
What if I’m not sure which entity type to choose?
That’s exactly what our free assessment is designed for. Answer a few questions about your goals, ownership structure, and tax situation, and we’ll recommend the best entity type for you.
Can I change my entity type later?
Yes. You can convert an LLC to a corporation (or vice versa) as your business evolves. S-Corp election can be added to an existing LLC. We assist with conversions and amendments.
Do I need a lawyer to start a business?
For most straightforward formations (single-member LLC, simple partnership), a lawyer is not required. Our platform handles the paperwork. For complex multi-member arrangements, investor agreements, or unique situations, legal review is recommended.
What happens after my business is formed?
After formation you’ll receive your filed documents, EIN (if included), and operating agreement. Next steps: open a business bank account, get any required licenses/permits, and begin operating. Our compliance reminders keep you on track from there.
Can I form a business in a state where I don’t live?
Yes, but you’ll likely need to also register as a foreign entity in your home state, which means two filings and two sets of fees. For most small businesses, forming in your home state is simpler and cheaper.
Everything You Need to Start a Business Online
Starting a business doesn’t have to be complicated. At BusinessFormations.com, we’ve helped thousands of entrepreneurs go from business idea to legally formed entity in as little as two days. Our guided formation process eliminates the confusion around entity types, state requirements, and compliance obligations — so you can focus on building your business instead of navigating bureaucracy.
Whether you’re forming a single-member LLC for your freelance practice, incorporating a Delaware C-Corp for your startup, or setting up multiple holding LLCs for a real estate portfolio, our platform adapts to your needs. Every formation includes a name availability check, state-filed documents, and operating documents tailored to your entity type. Add EIN registration, banking resolution, and registered agent service to be fully operational on day one.
Business formation is just the beginning. Our compliance reminder system and registered agent service ensure you never miss an annual report, franchise tax deadline, or renewal filing. Start your business the right way — and keep it in good standing for years to come.
Let’s Get Your Business Off the Ground
Answer a few questions and get a personalized formation recommendation — entity type, state, and package — in under 5 minutes. No credit card required.
No hidden fees • 1–2 day filings • All 50 states
