The state where the business actually operates, in almost every case. Delaware suits venture-backed corporations; Wyoming and Nevada suit holding structures with no operating nexus elsewhere.

Not for a single-member or simple multi-member LLC; the state's own portal and a template operating agreement are enough. Use one for complex ownership or investor terms.

What are the ongoing obligations?

An annual or biennial report and fee in most states, a registered agent kept current, and federal/state taxes — the LLC itself is a pass-through by default.

Form a US LLC

Choose the state, file articles of organisation with a registered agent, get the EIN from the IRS for free, write the operating agreement, and open the bank account — with the 2025 BOI change reflected.

Time: Same day to two weeks, depending on the state's processing
Cost: State filing fee $35–$500 (most $50–$200) · registered agent $0–$300/year · EIN free
Reviewed: 5 Sept 2026; 8 steps · 16 checks

Report an outdated step

A US limited liability company is formed at state level with one filing, and everything after it — the EIN, the agreement, the bank account — is quick if done in order. The single rule that changed recently is federal beneficial-ownership reporting, which most older guides still describe as mandatory for every new LLC.

Choose the state and the name

Form where you operate unless you have a specific reason not to; foreign registration in your operating state costs a second set of fees.
Search the state's business entity database for the name; it must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable from existing entities.
Check the trademark register (USPTO TESS) and the domain before you commit.

Appoint a registered agent

A person or company with a physical address in the state, available in business hours to receive legal papers.
Use a registered agent service ($50–$300/year) if you do not want your home address on the public record.

File the articles of organisation

File online with the Secretary of State (or equivalent): name, address, registered agent, management (member- or manager-managed), organiser.
Pay the filing fee ($35–$500 depending on the state); expedited processing is available in most.
Download the stamped certificate when approved.

Get the EIN from the IRS

Apply online at irs.gov (free, immediate) once the LLC is approved; a responsible party with an SSN or ITIN is required for the online form.
Without an SSN/ITIN, file Form SS-4 by fax or mail; it takes weeks.

Write the operating agreement

Members, ownership percentages, capital contributions, management, voting, distributions, transfer restrictions, and what happens on death or exit.
Sign it and keep it with the records; single-member LLCs need one too.

Open the bank account and register locally

Bank account with the certificate, EIN letter and operating agreement; keep business and personal money separate.
State tax registration (sales tax, employer accounts) and local business licences as your activity requires.

Check the federal BOI status once

Read FinCEN's BOI page: as of the March 2025 interim final rule, entities created in the US are exempt from BOI reporting; confirm the rule is unchanged for your filing date.

Stay compliant each year

Calendar the annual report and fee, the registered agent renewal, and tax deadlines (the LLC is a pass-through by default; elect S-corp status only with advice).

Questions

Which state?: The state where the business actually operates, in almost every case. Delaware suits venture-backed corporations; Wyoming and Nevada suit holding structures with no operating nexus elsewhere.
Do I need a lawyer?: Not for a single-member or simple multi-member LLC; the state's own portal and a template operating agreement are enough. Use one for complex ownership or investor terms.
What are the ongoing obligations?: An annual or biennial report and fee in most states, a registered agent kept current, and federal/state taxes — the LLC itself is a pass-through by default.

Sources

The numbers above come from these pages. If a fee or date here disagrees with the source, the source wins.

Report an outdated step

Register a private limited company in India (SPICe+)

A Certificate of Incorporation with CIN, PAN and TAN, and the company's bank account opening in motion

5–10 working days with clean documents · ₹7,000–₹25,000 all-in, depending on state… · 6 steps

Life admin · India

Register a trademark in India

A registered trademark (®) valid 10 years, renewable indefinitely

Filing 1 day · ₹4,500 per class online for individuals,… · 7 steps

1Choose the state and the name

2Appoint a registered agent

3File the articles of organisation

4Get the EIN from the IRS

5Write the operating agreement

6Open the bank account and register locally

7Check the federal BOI status once

8Stay compliant each year