Form an LLC (Limited Liability Company) | InCorp Services

Form LLC (Limited Liability Company) in any U.S. State!

LLC Formation Service starting at $99!*

*Plus state fees for all 50 States and DC. Prices may vary for USA territories.

INCORP OFFERS LLC FORMATION SERVICE IN ALL 50 U.S. STATES, DC, PUERTO RICO, AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS.
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LEARN MORE: WHAT IS A LLC | HOW TO START A LLC | REGISTERED AGENT | LLC BENEFITS | TAX ADVANTAGES | ABILITY TO RAISE CAPITAL | LIABILITY AND ASSET PROTECTION | ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION | OPERATING AGREEMENT | CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION | FAQ

InCorp is the industry leader in providing world-class, cutting-edge, and cost-effective services to help create your brand-new Corporation, Limited-Liability Company (LLC), or any other form of legally recognized business structure. We assist in the formation of companies in all 50 of the United States, as well as the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

What is an LLC?

A Limited Liability Company or "LLC" is a specific type of business that integrates various beneficial aspects of corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships into simple, consolidated, and flexible business structure that is used and favored by many small business owners.

How can forming a Limited Liability Company help your business?

  • Easy to Manage

    Operating an LLC will not require the owners to record resolutions, amendments, meeting minutes, or annual board meetings, as is required by law with corporations. Most states will strip the asset and liability protection regularly provided to corporations if they do not fulfill these requirements. The ideas that formed the LLC structure aimed to provide businesses the freedom to contract, which means that owners only need to agree on how the company will operate, and the courts can uphold this agreement.

  • Tax Advantages

    LLCs legally separate a business from the owners (similar to a corporation), but they can also elect to be treated like a partnership for tax purposes. In this circumstance, the LLC wouldn't pay any taxes itself, and the income would be moved over to the owners, similar to partnerships. The tax laws applying to partnerships are more flexible than corporations, which grants businesses a certain degree of freedom in how they choose to prepare for their taxes. As a result, business owners can find ways to maximize the number of tax breaks they qualify for while minimizing their tax burden. Each unique business scenario is different, and this will help determine whether an LLC or a corporation creates the best tax advantages for your business.

  • Ability to Raise Capital

    When businesses are structured as LLCs, it is easy to bring on new owners (called members), and there is no limit to how many members an LLC can have. These additional owners/investors can consist of individuals, corporations, pension plans, and trusts, which do not need to be within the same state or even within the U.S. An LLC or corporation can be formed in a state where the owners do not reside. For example, one could create an LLC in the pro-business state of Nevada without ever having visited or been to the state themselves.

  • Liability and Asset Protection

    LLCs operate as separate legal entities that separate the business owners from the business itself. In modern society, lawsuits are a common and everyday occurrence, and this is why it is essential to protect yourself by creating a legal shield between you and your creditors. Business owners operating LLCs are not personally liable for any of the LLC's debts, even those associated with a contract or tort. To a large degree, the LLC operating agreement can include any rules and procedures that the agreeing parties would wish to put into it. Once it is established, it can remain indefinitely without maintenance. The operating agreement's initial drafting is significant because it must follow any IRS and state regulations so that the LLC can be taxed as a partnership and not a corporation.

  • Co-Owner Liability

    In all US states, LLC owners (members) are not typically held personally liable for another co-owner’s or employee’s wrongdoings. Corporations also protect this type of personal liability, while partnerships and sole proprietorships do not.

    Suppose an LLC is held responsible for negligence or wrongful actions of an employee or another owner. In that case, it can have financial assets or property taken from it due to an unfavorable judgment against them. The innocent LLC members will not be held personally liable; however, the owner or employee who perpetrated the act can be held personally responsible for their actions.

Why choose InCorp Services to form your LLC?

  • Help Prevent Corporate Identity Theft

    EntityWatch® advises you of changes to help prevent corporate identity theft. Through EntityWatch®, the innovative and proprietary technology developed first by InCorp, our information system ties into most of the state databases to give you up-to-date information on the status of your entities including the filing status, the current registered agent, officers, and directors.

  • Consolidate Expenses

    For multi-state companies, you will receive a consolidated bill for all your business entities in every state represented.

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"I have used InCorp for approximately 5 years. I can always get to a live person and get my questions answered quickly when I call. They're billing methods are easy and automated."

Travis K.

  • Save Money

    For over 20 years we have provided top-tier service with one of the lowest prices in the industry and have only raised our prices one time (while many of our competitors raise their prices on their long-term clients yearly!) Our standard fee to Form your LLC is $99 and to serve as your registered agent is only $129 per state per year! And you can save even more when you choose multi-year registered agent service.

  • Fast Support and Service

    Over-the-counter expedited business document filing service are available for most states. Receive notification of all service of process forms in real-time and receive said service of process within 24-hours of receipt via Express Mail, facsimile, or email.

  • File Correctly With Expert Assistance

    By selecting InCorp, you are given the option to file online using our safe and secure ordering system, or you can employ our professional business specialists' experience, knowledge, and dedication in meeting the needs of your incorporation process. Our selection of choices, expansive territory in which we provide service, innovative technology, and enthusiasm in generating high levels of customer satisfaction is what sets InCorp apart in making us the preferred choice across the nation in providing incorporation and registered agent services!

  • Registered Agent Service Nationwide

    Limited Liability Companies, corporations, and other business entities are generally required by law to have a registered agent within the state in order to be in compliance. Take the initiative today to establish the legal protections the law allows for you and your business!

Still unsure whether to choose an LLC for your business?

Regardless of the business structure, it needs to be selected for the right reasons. Let us help you establish which one is the best choice for you!

When starting the journey of creating a new business, it is vital to understand the options surrounding incorporation. By selecting InCorp, you can place your trust in our dedicated business specialists and know that they are here to help you through the complete process of incorporating your business. We will ensure that you are provided with a thorough understanding of how your business structure can benefit you. Also, we will ensure that we can beat any competitor's price* for incorporation, formation, and all other business products or services we provide to our clients.

Read our Why Should I Incorporate page or Compare Entity Types page for more information.

Step by Step Guide: How to Start an LLC

A limited liability company is a business entity that provides liability protection, certain tax advantages, and a simple, user-friendly management structure. Due to LLCs' ease of operation, they are commonly preferred by small businesses. However, creating an LLC will require that you complete certain processes, which include correctly filing paperwork with the state. This following will serve as a step-by-step guide detailing steps to form an LLC.

Steps to Start an LLC

  1. Pick a Name for your LLC
  2. Designate InCorp Services as your Registered Agent
  3. Submit LLC Articles of Organization
  4. Create an Operating Agreement
  5. Receive a Certificate from the State
  6. Acquire a Business License
  7. Obtain a Federal Tax ID Number/Employer Identification Number

1. Pick a Name for your LLC

You will need to have a name that you can use while filing your Articles of Organization, and there are certain things you will need to keep in mind in order to make sure that your name complies with the state's LLC naming requirements.

The following list contains some of the things to consider while naming your LLC:

  • Your LLC business name needs to include LLC, LLC, Ltd. Liability Co., Ltd. Liability Company, or Limited Liability Company.
  • The name of your LLC must not contain words or acronyms that could confuse it with a governmental entity, such as FDA, EPA, State Department, etc.
  • Your name can use the name of a city, town, or state but cannot include words such as "city" as it may be confused with a municipal entity.
  • Your name must not be used by another LLC within the state.
  • Your LLC name cannot include words such as Corporation, Inc., Trust, Incorporated, etc., that make it sound like a different type of business entity.
  • Words such as bank, credit union, lawyer, university, etc., may require that you provide certain licensure and documentation.

2. Designate InCorp Services as your Registered Agent

Your registered agent's physical address will be publicly available through your Articles of Organization; for this reason, many business owners choose to use a registered agent service in order to keep their physical address private.

All states require that your LLC have a registered agent. A registered agent is a designated individual or legal entity that receives official legal documents, service of process in the case of a lawsuit, and notifications from the state on behalf of your LLC. A registered agent must have a physical address within the state and must be able to receive mail at all times during standard business hours.

The role of a registered agent can be fulfilled by an outside entity such as InCorp that provides registered agent services.

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3. Submit LLC Articles of Organization

Your Articles of Organization are a public and legal document that is used to establish your LLC by laying out its basic information. You can submit your Articles of Organization online, in person, or by mail.

You will need to have the following information in order to file your Articles of Organization:

  • The name of your LLC.
  • Your registered agent's name and physical address.
  • The purpose and basic description of the company.
  • Management structure: will your LLC be managed by its members or by designated managers.
  • Contact name and phone number.

Once your Articles of Organization have been approved by the state, your LLC will officially be established.

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4. Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement that details the manner in which your LLC will conduct its business. The operating agreement will help outline how your business will function and can help settle any potential disputes regarding financial matters or other issues amongst the LLC's members.

For example, your operating agreement can outline the distribution of control, responsibilities, membership duties, etc. If there is a lawsuit that arises within your LLC without this agreement in place, the courts will utilize state law in order to make decisions on the case, which may or may not be in the best interest of the LLC or its members.

Your operating agreement can include the following details about your business:

  • The LLC's name, address, and main contact number.
  • Name and address of the LLC's registered agent.
  • Information regarding the LLC's Articles of Organization.
  • Why the business was created and what role it seeks to fill.
  • Who the LLC's various members are and what duties they are expected to preform.
  • How financial gains and losses will be divided amongst the LLC's members.
  • How the LLC will add new members.
  • How the LLC will manage departing members.
  • How the LLC will be managed.
  • Liability concerns.

5. Receive a Certificate from the State

Once your Articles of Organization have been filed and approved by the state, you will receive a Certificate of Organization that formalizes the existence of your LLC.

If your Articles of Organization were filed through the mail, you should expect to receive this certificate along with your stamped and approved Articles of Organization in the mail. If you filed your Articles of Organization online, you can access and print out your Certificate of Organization and stamped and approved Articles of Organization on the state's online database.

Once you receive this certificate, you will be able to obtain a business license, a Federal Tax ID Number/Employer Identification Number or EIN, and open a bank account on behalf of your LLC.

6. Acquire a Business License

A business license is a government-issued permit that will allow your LLC to conduct business legally within the governmental body's jurisdiction.

A business license can be applied for through the state online or through the mail. Depending on the type of license you apply for, it may require that you renew it annually and pay a fee in order to do so. Once you receive your business license, your LLC can lawfully conduct business in the state.

7. Obtain a Federal Tax ID Number/Employer Identification Number

A Federal Tax ID Number or Employer Identification Number (EIN for short) functions as a social security number for your LLC.

It is assigned to you by the Internal Revenue Service and helps identify your LLC for tax filings and reporting. You can apply for a Federal Tax ID Number/Employer Identification Number through the IRS or InCorp can obtain your EIN number for you.

Once you obtain your Federal Tax ID Number/Employer Identification Number, you will be able to do the following:

  • File and manage your LLC's federal and state taxes
  • Open a business bank account on behalf of your LLC
  • Hire employees to work for your LLC

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Conclusion

Once these initial steps have been completed, you'll be ready to operate your LLC legally. An LLC can provide you legal protection so that you can safely operate your business without jeopardizing your own personal assets. Once your LLC is established, you will be able to do the following:

  • Obtain specific permits and licenses that are relevant and necessary to operate the type of business you own.
  • File your LLC's taxes on the federal and state levels.
  • Open a business bank account specifically for your LLC.
  • Apply for business credit cards.
  • Obtain various types of insurance for your business.
  • Protect your intellectual property such as your LLC's name and logo with a trademark.

LLC Frequently Asked Questions

"LLC" and "Corporation" have many of the same characteristics. The most important characteristic they share is that they both offer limited liability protection to their owners. Typically, shareholders are not liable for the debts and obligations of the corporation; thus, creditors will not come knocking at the door of a shareholder to pay the debts of the corporation. In a partnership or sole proprietorship, the owner's personal assets may be used to pay debts of the business. With an LLC, the members are not personally liable for the debts and obligations of the corporation. There are many important differences between the corporation and LLC. The entities are taxed differently. An LLC is a pass-through tax entity. This means that the income to the entity is not taxed at the entity level; however, the entity does complete a tax return. The income or loss as shown on this return is "passed through" the business entity to the individual shareholders or interest holders, and is reported on their individual tax returns. With a standard corporation, the corporation is a separately taxable entity. Corporations are treated as separate legal taxable entities for income tax purposes. Therefore, corporations pay tax on their earnings. If corporate earnings are distributed to shareholders in the form of dividends, the corporation does not receive the reasonable business expense deduction, and dividend income is taxed as regular income to the shareholders. Thus, to the extent that earnings are distributed to shareholders as dividends, there is a double tax on earnings at the corporate and shareholder level.

In terms of reporting income, they are quite similar. The LLC is somewhat less restrictive than the "S" corporation. There can be any number of members, and there are few restrictions on who those members may be. They are also a relatively new entity, so there is not as great a definitive body of tax rulings on them as there is with corporations.

Getting started is easier than you think! Click here to build and price your new LLC , or call us at 1-800-2INCORP (1-800-246-2677) today to speak with one of our consultants. We will give you a free consultation with no obligation to purchase!

We can begin today and in some cases (like Nevada), have your corporation formed within 24-hours. All states differ in the turnaround time of their processing of your corporation. However, through relations with the various state offices, we strive to maintain the fastest turn-around times in the industry. Call and speak with one of our consultants to obtain the average turn-around time for any given state.

In most cases, the answer is no. In most states, InCorp assigns itself as the "incorporator" and is able to file all of the paperwork without an officer's signature. Some states require the officer's signatures on the Articles of Incorporation. In those cases, we will overnight the documents to you for your signature and have you return them to us, or use a facsimile signature to fulfill the requirement. In either case, you are not required to be present to form your corporation.

No. This is a common misconception among small-business owners, usually fostered by advice from an inexperienced accountant. Any seasoned advisor will tell you that incorporating is the first and foremost thing you should do when starting a business. Forming an LLC will not only save you taxes but it will also limit your exposure to IRS audits by separating your personal and business expenses.

The title of the document filed in many states to register a limited liability company (LLC) with the state. Also known as articles of formation.

Managers are the individuals who are responsible for the maintenance, administration and management of the affairs of a limited liability company (LLC). In most states, the managers serve a particular term and report to and serve at the discretion of the members. Specific duties of the managers may be detailed in the articles of organization or the operating agreement of the LLC. In some states, the members of an LLC may also serve as the managers.

The owner(s) of a limited liability company (LLC are the Members. Unless the articles of organization or operating agreement provide otherwise, management of an LLC is vested in the members in proportion to their ownership interest in the company.

InCorp will beat any competitor's price* on any product or service!

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