👉 Step 4️⃣ - Form Your LLC
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) protects your personal assets and gives you a legal business identity. It’s your foundation for contracts, bank accounts, and tax filings.
✅ What You’ll Learn
- What an LLC is and why it matters
- How to form an LLC the legit way (no scams or hidden fees)
- What to do after it's formed (operating agreement, EIN, bank, etc.)
🛠️ Step-by-Step LLC Formation Guide
(For Single-Member LLCs Only)
Looking to form a Partnership or Multi-Member LLC?
Advanced LLC guides (for partnerships & multi-member structures) will be available with the Full Access Plan — coming soon.
1️⃣ Choose your state
- If you live in CA, form your LLC in CA
- No office? No problem. You’re allowed to use your home address to start — just avoid P.O. Boxes since the state requires a real street address.
- If you live in another state, form it there
- Don’t fall for “Delaware/Nevada LLC” hacks unless you’re doing a layered structure 👇
Want to go deeper? Full breakdown of layered LLC structures (like Nevada/Delaware/Wyoming HoldCos) coming soon in the Full Access Plan.
🔢 Step 2: Visit your Secretary of State’s Website
- Google: “[Your State] Secretary of State LLC”
- Click the official .gov website (avoid paid ads or third-party filing sites)
- Look for a section like “Register a Business” or “Business Services”, then find “Articles of Organization” — this is the official form used to register your LLC with the state
📝 Filing the Articles of Organization is how your LLC becomes legally recognized. Once approved, you'll receive your official formation letter.
3️⃣ Name your business
- Example: “My ReClaims LLC”
- Do a quick online search to make sure the name isn’t already in use
- Check your state’s business search tool to confirm it’s available (most states let you search instantly)
- Pro Tip: If possible, secure a matching domain name early — even a simple one helps build your brand
4️⃣ Pick your Registered Agent
- You need to list a Registered Agent — someone who receives legal or tax notices on behalf of your business.
- You can be your own agent if you live in the state where your LLC is formed free of charge.
- Or you can hire a professional service (typically $50–$150/year)
- Must have a physical street address in the LLC’s state (no P.O. boxes)
5️⃣ File Articles of Organization
- Usually $50–$150
- Use your personal name and address unless you have a registered agent
- Choose Member-managed (if it’s just you for now)
6️⃣ Save your confirmation & business registration number
Pro Tip: Keep a folder or email label titled “LLC Formation” so all docs stay organized — this helps if you apply for funding later.
📄 What Comes Next
✅ Get your EIN
(You’re on your way — great job!)
✅ Create an Operating Agreement
Even if you’re a single-member LLC, having an Operating Agreement shows structure to banks, lenders, and partners. You can download a simple template on the Downloads & Templates Page.
👉 Or ask ChatGPT to help generate one tailored to your needs.
✅ Open a business bank account only after you have your EIN — not before
Use your LLC name and EIN to open an account and keep your business money separate from personal.
💡 You can use any bank that fits your needs — but if you're trying to save money, explore free options like local credit unions or online banks such as Relay, Bluevine, or Novo. These often have no monthly fees and are simple to set up online.
✅ Register with your state tax agency (if required)
Some states and cities require you to register for things like sales tax, business licenses, or franchise tax.
📝 This may come in the form of a permit, license, or online registration through your state, city, or county website — and in some cases, both city and county approval may be required. Be sure to check with your local agencies to see if a Home Occupation Permit is needed when using a residential address instead of a commercial office.
Always double-check your local government’s site to stay compliant — especially before doing business in-person, online, or across state lines.
Expanding to Multiple Cities, Counties, or States?
A step-by-step guide for operating across multiple jurisdictions is coming soon with Full Access.
📌 Tips
- You can file on your own in most states in less than 20 minutes
- Avoid third-party filing services unless you're short on time
- Save all emails and documents for your business records
Congrats — you’re now legally in business.
🔽 Ready for Step 5? 👉 Click here to ReClaim My EIN
or
Click Here for the Main Portal or Start at Step 1