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? The Complete Guide
An LLC is a limited liability company that protects your personal assets while keeping taxes simple. Learn how LLCs work, costs, and whether one is...
How To Start An LLC In 7 Steps
Start your LLC the right way. Step-by-step guide covering name checks, registered agent, Articles of Organization, EIN, bank accounts, and compliance...
How To Form An LLC: Filing Made Simple
Forming an LLC is a one-page filing in most states. Learn what the Articles of Organization needs, DIY vs. service costs, and how to avoid the top...
How Much Does An LLC Cost? (Year 1 & Every Year After)
LLC costs: $35–$500 to file, plus $0–$800 per year ongoing. See the true year-one cost of an LLC in every state, including fees, agent, EIN, and bank...
How LLCs Are Taxed: Pass-Through, 1099s & Deductions
LLC taxes explained: pass-through taxation, self-employment tax, 1099 forms, single vs multi-member treatment, and the S-corp election — in plain...
Does An LLC Need Insurance? Coverage Explained
An LLC limits liability — it doesn't eliminate it. Learn which insurance policies every LLC needs (general liability, professional, workers' comp)...
LLC For Rental Property: Should You Use One?
Should you hold rental property in an LLC? Compare liability protection, financing tradeoffs, taxes, and the per-property vs single-LLC decision with...
LLC For Online Sellers: Etsy, Amazon FBA & Shopify
Do you need an LLC for Etsy, Amazon FBA, or Shopify? How an LLC protects online sellers, when it pays off, and what platforms require before you...
Can A Non-Resident Form An LLC? Foreign Owners Guide
Yes — non-US residents can form a US LLC. Learn which states are foreign-owner friendly, the ITIN/EIN steps, US bank account options, and tax...
Is A Free LLC Worth It? Costs, Catch & Alternatives
"Free LLC" offers sound great — but state fees always apply. See what's really free, what the catch is, and whether free formation services are worth...
Best State To Form An LLC (Real Answer: It Depends)
Delaware, Wyoming, or your home state? The best state to form an LLC depends on your business. Compare fees, taxes, privacy, and the #1 rule of state...
How To Dissolve An LLC: Step-By-Step
Closing your LLC? Learn how to dissolve an LLC the right way: member vote, Articles of Dissolution, tax clearance, EIN cancellation, and avoiding...
Single-Member vs Multi-Member LLC: Key Differences
Single-member vs multi-member LLC: ownership, taxes, liability, and paperwork compared. Find out which structure fits your business and whether...
LLC vs LLP: Which Business Structure Is Right?
LLC vs LLP compared: liability, taxes, management, and who can use each. Learn why professionals choose LLPs and why most businesses are better off...
How to Form an LLC in Texas (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Texas: filing fee $300, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in California (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in California: filing fee $70, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in Florida (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Florida: filing fee $125, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in New York (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in New York: filing fee $200, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in Michigan (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Michigan: filing fee $50, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in Ohio (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Ohio: filing fee $99, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in Georgia (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Georgia: filing fee $100, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in Illinois (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Illinois: filing fee $150, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in Colorado (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Colorado: filing fee $50, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in North Carolina (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in North Carolina: filing fee $125, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in Pennsylvania (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Pennsylvania: filing fee $125, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in New Jersey (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in New Jersey: filing fee $125, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in Missouri (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Missouri: filing fee $105, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in Virginia (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Virginia: filing fee $100, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in Arizona (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Arizona: filing fee $50, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in Indiana (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Indiana: filing fee $95, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in Wisconsin (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Wisconsin: filing fee $130, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in Oklahoma (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Oklahoma: filing fee $100, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in Maryland (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Maryland: filing fee $100, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
How to Form an LLC in Alabama (2026 Costs & Steps)
Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Alabama: filing fee $200, annual costs, registered agent, and state-specific requirements.
LLC for Freelancers: Is It Worth It?
Freelancers: how an LLC protects you, what it costs, taxes, and when a sole proprietorship is still fine.
LLC for Consultants: The Complete Guide
Consultants use LLCs for liability shields and credibility. Learn setup, taxes, and client-contract tips.
LLC for Real Estate Investors: Structure & Strategy
Holding properties in LLCs: per-property vs one LLC, financing impacts, and tax treatment for investors.
LLC for Contractors & Trades
Why contractors (plumbing, electrical, roofing) form LLCs: license requirements, insurance, and lien protection.
LLC for a Food Truck: Setup & Licensing
Forming an LLC for a food truck: permits, health licensing, insurance, and why liability protection is non-negotiable.
LLC for a Restaurant: What You Need
Restaurant LLCs: liquor license ownership, lease signing, employment liabilities, and insurance stack.
LLC for Trucking Companies
Forming an LLC for trucking: FMCSA authority, IRP, insurance requirements, and why LLCs dominate the industry.
LLC for Vending Machines
Vending business LLCs: permits, taxes, insurance, and when the liability shield matters.
LLC for Photographers & Creatives
Photographers: client contracts, gear liability, copyright, and LLC setup for creative businesses.
LLC for Personal Trainers & Fitness Coaches
Personal trainers: injury liability, studio leases, certification requirements, and LLC formation.
LLC for Doctors & Medical Practices
Physicians forming LLCs/PLLCs: malpractice insurance, medical board rules, and asset protection.
LLC for Real Estate Agents
Realtors: broker requirements, commission structures, and whether an LLC or S-corp fits an agent.
LLC for Day Traders: Tax & Liability
Day trading LLCs: trader-tax status (475), SEP-IRA, and whether an LLC actually helps traders.
LLC for Airbnb & STR Hosts
Short-term rental hosts: guest-liability claims, local licensing, and per-property LLC strategy.
LLC for Crypto & Bitcoin Investors
Crypto LLCs: holding digital assets, tax elections, and the 30% passive-AI trap.
LLC for a Side Hustle: When to Form One
Side hustlers: when the structure pays off vs when to keep it a sole proprietorship.
LLC for Influencers & Content Creators
Influencers: brand-deal liability, 1099s, deductions, and forming an LLC for a personal brand.
LLC for a Cleaning Business
House cleaners: client-home injuries, insurance, employees vs 1099s, and LLC setup.
LLC for a Landscaping Business
Landscapers: seasonal hiring, equipment liability, insurance, and forming the LLC.
LLC for a Salon & Beauty Business
Salon owners: cosmetology licensing, booth-rental contracts, product liability, and LLC setup.
LLC for a Barbershop
Barbershop LLCs: license board rules, chair-rental agreements, and liability structure.
LLC for a Construction Company
Construction firms: contractor licensing, workers' comp, jobsite liability, and LLC structure.
LLC for an E-Commerce Store
E-commerce founders: sales tax nexus, product liability, payment processors, and LLC setup.
LLC for a Holding Company
Holding company LLCs: owning subsidiaries, intercompany loans, and group structuring.
Nonprofit LLC vs 501(c)(3): What's the Difference?
Can an LLC be a nonprofit? Compare L3C/low-profit LLCs, 501(c)(3) charities, and hybrid structures.
LLC for Vacation Rentals: Per-Property Companies, Taxes & Insurance
Should you form an LLC for vacation rentals? Per-property companies, occupancy taxes, HOA rules, and insurance compared.
LLC Owner's Draw vs Salary: How to Pay Yourself
How to pay yourself from an LLC: owner's draw, guaranteed payments, and payroll, and which options trigger self-employment tax.
LLC Quarterly Estimated Taxes: Due Dates & How to Pay
LLC quarterly estimated tax due dates, safe harbor rules, and how to calculate and pay your payments to the IRS.
The Complete LLC Tax Deductions List (2026)
The complete LLC tax deductions list for 2026: home office, mileage, software, marketing, insurance, meals, and more.
How to Build LLC Business Credit
How to build LLC business credit: vendor credit, business cards, and business credit bureaus like D&B explained.
How to Open an LLC Bank Account
What you need to open an LLC bank account: EIN, formation documents, and how to pick the right bank for your business.
LLC 1099 and Reporting: Forms You Need to Know
LLC 1099 and reporting rules: when LLCs receive 1099s and when they must issue them to contractors, with the $600 rule.
LLC S-Corp Election (Form 2553): When It Pays
How an LLC S-corp election reduces self-employment tax, when it is worth it, and the Form 2553 deadlines you must meet.
LLC Bookkeeping Basics: A Beginner's Guide
LLC bookkeeping basics: how to track income and expenses, separate accounts, and what to hand your accountant.
LLC State Taxes: Franchise Taxes & Fees by State
LLC state taxes explained: franchise taxes and annual fees by state, and how to budget for state-level costs.
LLC Franchise Tax: What It Is & Who Pays
LLC franchise tax explained: which states like Delaware, California, and Texas charge it and how it is calculated.
LLC Payroll 101: What Owners & Employees Need
LLC payroll basics: W-2s, payroll taxes, and when an LLC must run payroll for owners and employees.
LLC Retirement Accounts: Solo 401k, SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA
LLC retirement accounts compared: Solo 401(k), SEP-IRA, and SIMPLE IRA options with contribution limits and tax benefits.
How to Change Your LLC Name
How to change your LLC name: member vote, Articles of Amendment, name availability, and updating banks and DBA records.
How to Change Your LLC Address
How to change your LLC address: updating your registered agent and principal address, with state filing requirements.
How to Add a Member to Your LLC
How to add a member to an LLC: operating agreement amendment, ownership percentages, and tax (K-1) impacts.
How to Remove a Member from an LLC
How to remove a member from an LLC: buyouts, withdrawal rights, and what the operating agreement says.
How to Transfer LLC Ownership
How to transfer LLC ownership: selling or gifting membership, transfer restrictions, valuations, and tax reporting.
How to Get an EIN for Your LLC (Free, Fast)
How to get an EIN: the 10-minute IRS application, what you need, and common mistakes.
How to File Annual Report Documents for Your LLC
How to file annual report documents: state deadlines, fees, what they ask, and what happens if you miss one.
The LLC Annual Compliance Checklist
The LLC compliance checklist: agent, annual reports, franchise tax, insurance, and recordkeeping.
LLC Foreign Qualification: Doing Business in Another State
LLC foreign qualification: when you must register in another state, nexus rules, and costs.
LLC Registered Agent: What They Do & How to Choose
How registered agents work, whether you need one, and how to pick a service.
How to Check If an LLC Name Is Taken
How to check if an LLC name is taken: state databases, trademarks, and domain checks.
Should You Put Your LLC in a Trust?
Putting your LLC in a trust: probate avoidance, asset protection, and how it works.
LLC Privacy & Anonymity: Which States Hide Owners?
LLC privacy and anonymous LLCs: Wyoming, New Mexico, Nevada, and how ownership privacy works.
10 Common LLC Mistakes to Avoid
Common LLC mistakes: mixing funds, missing filings, no operating agreement, and more.
LLC vs DBA: Differences & When You Need One
LLC vs DBA compared: registration, liability, and when a DBA makes sense under an LLC.
LLC vs Trust: Which Is Right for Your Assets?
LLC vs trust: revocable and irrevocable trusts compared on control, taxes, and asset protection.
PLLC vs LLC: What's the Difference?
PLLC vs LLC: professional LLCs for licensed practitioners vs regular LLCs, who can form each.
Series LLC: How It Works & Which States Allow It
Series LLC explained: can one LLC hold separate series? State availability and lender skepticism.
Holding Company LLC vs Operating LLC
Parent/subsidiary structure: why founders split holding and operating companies.
Can an LLC Own Another LLC?
Yes, here is how LLC-on-LLC ownership works, why founders do it, and the tax treatment.
Can an LLC Buy a House? Pros, Cons & Taxes
Buying real estate in an LLC: financing, taxes, and whether it beats buying personally.
Can an LLC Own Property? Everything You Need to Know
An LLC's powers: buying, holding, and selling assets, including real estate, vehicles, and IP.
Can an LLC Be Sued? What Happens in a Lawsuit
How LLC lawsuits work, what creditors can reach, and what pierces the corporate veil.
Can an LLC Issue Stock or Shares?
Why LLCs use membership units instead of stock, and when converting to a C-corp makes sense.
LLC vs Corporation: Tax & Liability Compared
LLC vs C-corp: double tax, ownership types, fundraising, and what changes at scale.
Single-Member LLC: Everything You Need to Know
The one-owner LLC: taxes, liability, and the few states with extra formalities.
What Is a Nonprofit LLC? L3C & Low-Profit LLCs
Nonprofit LLC variants explained: L3C, B-corp-ish hybrids, and 501(c)(3) requirements.
Member-Managed vs Manager-Managed LLC
Which management structure fits? Voting, control, and what to put in the operating agreement.
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About LLC Planner — LLC Planner 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.