Business Formation Checklist
Everything you need to do before, during, and after forming your business — in order. Pick your entity type, check off each step as you go, and your progress saves automatically.
Choose Your Entity Type
Each checklist is tailored to the specific requirements of your entity.
Before You File
Planning steps to handle before submitting any paperwork.
Formation Filing
The official paperwork that creates your LLC.
After Formation
Get your business operational. Plan on 1–2 weeks for this phase.
Ongoing Compliance
Recurring requirements to keep your LLC in good standing.
Need a Printable Version?
We’ve got you covered — plus more resources to help you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the entire formation process take?
LLC: 1–2 weeks from filing to fully operational. Corporation: 2–3 weeks (more steps — bylaws, stock issuance, organizational meeting). Nonprofit: 2–6 months (the 501(c)(3) application takes 2 weeks to 12 months depending on which form you use). These timelines assume you have your information ready when you start.
What’s the first thing I should do after filing?
Get your EIN from the IRS (free, takes 5 minutes online). You need it before you can open a bank account, run payroll, or do almost anything as a business. For corporations, hold your organizational meeting and issue stock. For nonprofits, start preparing your 501(c)(3) application immediately.
Do I need a lawyer for any of these steps?
For a straightforward LLC or single-founder corporation, no — a formation service handles everything. Consider a lawyer if you have: multiple founders with equity splits, investor negotiations, industry-specific regulatory requirements, or complex tax structures. For nonprofits, a lawyer is helpful for the full Form 1023 but not necessary for the 1023-EZ.
What happens if I miss a compliance deadline?
For annual reports: late fees, and eventually administrative dissolution (your business is legally shut down). For franchise taxes: penalties and interest. For nonprofit 990s: missing 3 consecutive years automatically revokes your tax-exempt status with no warning. For S-Corp election: you’re stuck with C-Corp taxation until next year. Set calendar reminders for every deadline.
Can BusinessFormations.com handle all of these steps?
We handle the core formation: state filing, registered agent, EIN, operating agreement/bylaws, and compliance reminders. Post-formation steps like banking, insurance, and licenses are handled by you directly (we provide guidance). For nonprofits, we prepare the state filing and help with the 501(c)(3) application. See how it works →
Ready to Check Off Step One?
LLC, corporation, or nonprofit — we handle the filing so you can start checking boxes. All 50 states.
Free to start • From $0 + state fee • All 50 U.S. states
