How to Start an LLC for $0 in 2024: A Step-by-Step Guide


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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How to start an LLC: Starting an LLC (Limited Liability Company) is less complicated than that of other business structures. However, there are a few legal steps one must consider while setting up the business. This article focuses on the general yet essential steps to start an LLC in any of the states. You can start an LLC in two ways, Do-it-yourself or appoint a professional formation service. It is recommended to appoint a professional service provider as it will help you avoid any legal complexity.

Regardless of your choice, our article will equip you with the knowledge and resources needed for successful business ownership. So, dive into our step-by-step guide on how to start an LLC in 2024 🙂

How to Form an LLC

While our guide covers the DIY approach to forming an LLC, we also understand that some individuals may prefer the convenience and expertise of professional assistance. With this in mind, we provide information on reliable paid LLC formation services for those who want additional support.

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Things to Know About LLCs

Before we start with the steps, let’s know what an LLC is all about. LLC is a business structure that is a mix of both a sole proprietorship and a partnership. It comes with a bunch of advantages. There are a few more things you must know,

  • LLC protects personal assets. Except for a few cases, if an LLC got sued for business debt, the court might use personal assets.
  • You can choose a management type in your LLC. It can be member-managed or manager-managed.
  • LLCs have pass-through taxation, which means LLCs do not have to pay any corporate income taxes.
  • LLCs are cheaper to form. Some states have tax deductions on the LLC filing fee (paid to the state government).
  • You can eliminate all the hassles of setting up your LLC if you select a professional LLC formation service. They will make things easier and better for you. (Recommended)

This is pretty much the basics of an LLC. You can read our guide on the Limited Liability Company to learn more about this type of business structure. As we move forward, here is the step-by-step guide to forming an LLC. Read the basic steps carefully to understand the process.

STEP 0: Get a Business Idea

Before you proceed legally to establish an LLC, you must decide on the business idea. It is a preliminary step to follow when you form an LLC in any state. The business idea should be concise and market-driven to help you earn revenue through your LLC. You must consider the tax structure of an LLC before you decide the nature of the business.

STEP 1: Select a State

The first step to starting your LLC is choosing the state in which you want to start your business. Ideally, your LLC should be located in the state where you live or where you plan to do business. Different state has different rules and regulations when it comes to forming an LLC. It is necessary to know about the fees, costs, taxation, and other policies in the state before you establish your business. If you hire a professional LLC formation service, you will get all the assistance at once without any delay.

Following is the list of states where you can form your LLC. Select the state you want to establish your LLC and get insights into the regulations, fee structure, taxation, and other information of that state. If you plan to operate your business in different states, you will have to register it as a foreign LLC in that particular state.

Which is the best state to start your LLC?

Delaware is one of the most desirable states to start your LLC. More than 60% of Fortune 500 companies and about 50% of public sectors have incorporated their businesses in Delaware. Apart from that, Texas, Florida, Wyoming, and California are some of the best states to start your LLC.

Which is the cheapest state to start a limited liability company?

Kentucky is the cheapest state to form your LLC. The state filing fee is the lowest among all other states ($40). On the other side, the annual compliance fee is $15 only, which is also quite low compared to other states.

Which state has the lowest business tax?

Wyoming and South Dakota are the two states that do not have any corporate income taxes. Also, there is no gross receipt tax to be paid in these two states. In Wyoming, there is no personal income tax as well.

STEP 2: Name Your LLC

In our guide, the next step is to name it. However, before you name your business/LLC, you must know whether the name is available for use or not. You should perform an LLC name search and confirm the availability of your desired name before you start your LLC. One has to visit the Secretary of State portal to search and register the name of your LLC. Meanwhile, here are the general LLC naming guidelines,

name your llc
  • The company name should include “Limited Liability Company” or abbreviations like LLC or L.L.C.
  • The company name should not include words that might confuse your company name with any government agency (i.e., FBI, State Department, Treasury, etc.).
  • Words like Bank, Attorney, University, College, and some others are restricted. They may require additional paperwork on top of a licensed individual like a doctor or lawyer as part of the company.

These are some of the most important points to be noted while naming your LLC. It is recommended to go through our complete guide on LLC name guidelines before you name your LLC. Every state has a minimum business name reservation fee. This fee is mandatory to pay when you reserve your LLC name.

LLC name search, check if the name is available, and finally reserve it for the future; all these steps require no money (other than name reservation fees) if you are setting up your LLC on your own. You can do these steps for free. On the other side, if you hire a professional, the name search service comes for free with their LLC formation package. The only difference is, that hiring a professional will help you speed up the process.

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When it comes to Name Search, ZenBusiness helps you to know if your chosen name is available or not. If it is not available, then you will be notified immediately. So, it will be easier to check name availability by clicking a few times with ZenBusiness.

Reserve Your Business Name

Name reservation is recommended if you’re not registering your LLC immediately. LLC names can be reserved for up to 3 months, depending on the state rules. Within this time, you can register your LLC under the reserved name. If you fail to do so, then the name might be available to use by other LLCs. A reservation fee is required to pay along with the name reservation form submission. In most states, it is not mandatory to reserve an LLC name if you register your LLC right away.

Doing Business As (DBA) or Trade Name

“Doing Business As (DBA)” or Trade Name, or Fictitious Name, is a sort of assumed LLC name. DBA’s name is different from your legal name. It is used as a trading name under which you can conduct your business. Instead of reserving your LLC name beforehand, you can file a DBA as well. You can get the DBA filing form from the Secretary of State’s online portal. Depending on the state, the filing fee varies. DBA filing would also be helpful for you if you change your LLC name in the future. You can read our guide on how to file a DBA to know more about this.

What if my LLC name is not available?

If your desirable name is not available in the state or taken by some other entity, then think of another name according to the naming guidelines. You can add additional words or numbers to your desired names and use them. You can check if your desirable or ‘fictitious name’ is available or not from the SOS website.

Can I change my LLC name in the future?

Yes, you can change your LLC name in the future. However, the process is a bit complicated, and LLCs have to pay a state fee to change the name. To change the LLC name legally, one has to go through several steps, from searching for a new name available to filing the amendments. It is wise to go for DBA filing instead of changing the name legally. Hiring an LLC formation service will make this part easy for you as they will do the needful on your behalf.

STEP 3: Choose a Registered Agent

registered agent

A registered agent (known as an agent for service of process, statutory agent, or resident agent) is a person or an organization who receives legal documents on your company’s behalf. The official documents would include official correspondences like state filing notices and legal summons. Anyone aged above 18 years and has the right to conduct business in the state can be a registered agent. This person has to have a physical street address in the state. You can be your LLC’s registered agent as well if you fulfill the eligibility requirements.

However, it is always recommended to hire a professional registered agent service. As your own registered agent, you will have to share your personal address for all legal and public communication. This may harm your privacy, especially if you’re conducting your business from home. Hence, it is better to hire a professional service to take care of all your legal and state-related papers and privacy. You can use their address for official activities. We reviewed some of the best LLC services here, and all of them provide registered agent service as an add-on with their LLC setup packages.

Note that availing services of professional registered agents would be your best option since you will be sure that whoever is handling your legal affairs knows their stuff well. Besides, if you are only looking for registered agent service, not the entire LLC formation package, you can go for this standalone registered agent service.

Can I be my own Registered Agent?

You can be your own registered agent if you are a resident of the state where you are forming your LLC. However, it is recommended to get a professional Registered Agent to handle your LLC’s paperwork. Remember being your own registered agent means you may have to share your home address and make it public.

How much does it cost to have a Registered Agent?

The cost of having a registered agent service depends on which state you are forming your LLC in and, moreover, which registered agent service you are hiring. The cost can go up to $300. ZenBusiness offers a standalone registered agent service at $299 (It’s quite good).

Why Shouldn’t I Be My Own Registered Agent?

There are a few reasons why you shouldn’t be your own registered agent. The address of the registered agent is used to communicate with the SOS or for any legal activities. If you are your own registered agent, you might have to upload your personal address to the public forum. Besides, the registered agent must be at the address during business hours. It won’t be easy for you as you also have to take care of other things in your LLC. Hence, it is wiser to appoint a separate entity as your registered agent.

STEP 4: File LLC Formation Documents

articles of organization

LLC formation documents are the most vital while forming an LLC. These documents are commonly called the Certificate of Formation. Depending on the state, the same document is called by different names, such as Articles of Organization or a Certificate of Organization.

You need to fill in the form (online or in PDF) and send it to the Secretary of State after paying the state fee. Depending on the state, the filing fee varies. The state filing fee starts from $40 (Kentucky filing fee) and can go up to $500 (Massachusetts filing fee). Read our guide on the cost of LLC to know how much you have to spend on forming an LLC in different states. You can file the Certificate of Formation via mail, online, fax, email, or by phone, depending on the state rules.

Even if you are setting up your LLC for free (DIY), you must pay this fee to the Secretary of State to register your business. But, if you buy a formation package from experienced service providers, you can get everything done without any complications. Another reason for hiring a professional is they can speed up your process.

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How do I file my LLC formation documents?

There are different methods of filing your LLC formation documents. One can file their LLC documents via postal mail, in-person visit to the Secretary of State’s office, online submission, email, and fax. Depending on the state rule, you can file your LLC documents via any of these methods.

How long does it take to file LLC formation documents?

Depending on the state, it can take up to 10 working days or more to form an LLC. In some states, it takes less than 24 hours to form an LLC if you file it online.

How much do I have to pay for my LLC formation document filing?

The cost of filing LLC formation documents depends on which state you are forming your LLC in. The state filing fee can start from $50 and go up to $500. It depends on the state.

STEP 5: Create an LLC Operating Agreement

The LLC operating agreement is not mandatory, but it is encouraged. This legal document outlines the organizational structure and roles of members in your LLC. The operating agreement is a formal agreement between the members of the LLC. Take note that you should have already decided if your LLC is member-managed or manager-managed. There are married couples out there who set up their business together. The best structural option they have is LLC. If you start an LLC with your spouse then the operating agreement is a must to clearly state how the spouses are included in the company.

operating agreement

Here are the six main sections of an operating agreement:

  • Capital Contributions
  • Dissolution
  • Distributions
  • Management and Voting
  • Membership Changes
  • Organization

An operating agreement is a document that most states do not require to file officially with the Secretary of State. However, this is one of the most important documents for an LLC. Hence, having an Operating Agreement is always recommended. You can draft your operating agreement on your own. You can also hire a professional. If you hire a good LLC formation service, they will take care of your operating agreement as well.

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Is it necessary to file an Operating Agreement?

It is not always necessary to file an operating agreement. In some states, there is no mandatory rule to file an operating agreement. However, it is recommended to file an operating agreement as it is a legal document that records all the important information about your LLC.

How to create an Operating Agreement?

To draft your operating agreement you need to mention some important details about your LLC. Such as the ownership, management, dissolution, voting, and some more details, You can read our guide on Operating Agreement to learn more about it.

STEP 6: Get an EIN

file EIN for llc

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a 9-digit number issued by the IRS. This number is required to identify the type of business structure for general tax purposes. It’s like a Social Security number (SSN) for your LLC. The EIN is vital when you plan to hire employees or open a business bank account. It is also known as Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN).

To obtain the EIN, one has to fill up the form (online or by mail) and send it to IRS. For online filing, you need the EIN Assistant. If you do not have an SSN, still, you can get your EIN by filling up the form and submit to IRS before you proceed to apply for the EIN.

  • Mail to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999
  • Fax: (855) 641-6935 | Fee: Free

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How can I get my EIN?

You can get your EIN by applying through the IRS official website. This is the fastest way to get your EIN. There is no fee charged to get EIN through IRS.

Are EIN and Tax ID the same?

Yes, EIN and the Tax ID (federal) are the same things. LLCs need to obtain EIN or the Federal Tax ID to pay their annual taxes, get business licenses, open business bank accounts, and hire employees.

Why do I need to obtain EIN?

EIN is needed when you file and pay your business taxes. Every LLC needs to obtain EIN for not only paying taxes, but opening a business bank account, hiring employees, and so on. Read the need for EIN to know why EIN is important!


Congratulations, you are now done with all the necessary steps to form your Limited Liability Company. If you do it yourself, it should take you a long time to understand and do all the steps properly.

However, if you use ZenBusiness, it should be way faster. You will always have a live chat option and phone support with experts for any help you need. Their worry-free service will make things easier for you.


After Starting an LLC

After forming your LLC, there are still some things that you will need. The most important thing is to separate your business and personal assets. LLCs have limited liability protection that protects your personal assets from business liability. This is called a corporate veil. However, the corporate veil can be lifted or pierced by the court if the LLC is sued. In that case, the owners of the LLC become personally liable for their corporate debts. A few things like appointing a legit registered agent, having enough capital, and filing all the major documents with the state can save the LLCs from being pierced into the corporate veil.

BOI Report Filing

According to the Corporate Transparency Act, every LLC, corporation, and other type of business that is registered with the State SOS or similar authority, must file the BOI report with FinCEN. From January 1, 2024, it is mandatory to file a BOI report for every business entity. In this report, LLCs have to share information about the beneficial owners (having equal or more than 25% share). LLC owners can file BOI reports online or offline.

LLCs that are created before January 1, 2024, should file their BOI report by January 1, 2025. LLCs that are created in 2024, must file the BOI report within 90 business days of finishing the LLC formation process. Missing out on filing the BOI report may lead to a monetary penalty of $500/day.

Apart from those main steps, there are more things to do after starting an LLC for a business owner. You’ll have to deal with your assets and taxes depending on the management structure. Here are other important things to address when starting an LLC.

  • Set Up Business Accounting: It is vital to have a business accountant who will help you take advantage of tax benefits. It will save you and your business tons of money in taxes annually.
  • Get Licenses and Permits: You need to check if your business will require any business licenses or permits so that you can stay compliant. Licensing requirements would vary per state and county or city laws.
  • Separate Personal Assets From Business: Your LLC offers limited liability protection. It is vital to use dedicated business banking and credit accounts to avoid mixing them with your personal accounts. Otherwise, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) would be at risk if your LLC gets sued.
  • Understand Your LLC’s Federal Tax Options: LLCs get taxed as pass-through entities. It means all of the business’s profit goes through the LLC member’s tax returns. The member pays self-employment taxes and income tax on their share of business income after tax. Meanwhile, LLCs can also be taxed as S corporations (S corps) or C corporations (C corps). The former allows LLC members to be taxed as employees. It reduces the tax burden in certain circumstances.
  • Register Your LLC for State Taxes: There are several taxes that you might need depending on the nature and location of your business.
    • If you sell a physical product, you’ll register your company for sales & use tax.
    • If you have employees, then you need unemployment insurance tax and employee withholding tax.
    • You may also be required to file an annual report or biennial report.
  • Get Business Insurance: Generally, businesses with employees must get workers’ compensation insurance. Meanwhile, general liability insurance is not a legal requirement, but it is highly recommended to protect your business assets from lawsuits.

LLC Formation Review

Time needed: 5 minutes

To recap, here’s the step-by-step tool. Click on the steps in this list to read the full detail.

  1. Choose a state

    The first thing you should do is choose the state where you will operate your LLC because requirements vary per state.
    Choose your state

  2. Name your LLC

    Next, you must choose a company name, including the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
    name your llc

  3. Choose a registered agent.

    In most states, it is mandatory to select a registered agent for your LLC. Get a professional Registered Agent from LLC formation services to get things done hassle-free.
    registered agent

  4. File formation documents

    Filing a formation certificate is necessary when forming an LLC. Depending on the state, it can be called any of the following: Certificate of Formation, Articles of Organization, or Certificate of Organization.
    articles of organization

  5. Create operating agreement

    An operating agreement is not a strict requirement, but something encouraged when you start your LLC.
    operating agreement

  6. Get an EIN

    The Employer Identification Number (EIN), also called Federal Tax Identification Number, identifies a business entity like a social security number but for a company.
    file EIN for llc

F.A.Qs

How to create an LLC for free?

You can start an LLC for free. For that, you need to follow a few simple steps. First, select the state you want to set up your LLC, get an LLC name, find a registered agent, file your certificate of formation, and finally, get your EIN to start your LLC for free. Other than the state filing fees, you don’t have to bear any costs to form an LLC.

Can I set up my LLC?

If you are a resident of the state you are willing to start your LLC, then you can file your LLC. However, it is always worth having a professional than doing it by yourself to manage legal complexities and paperwork.

What is the average cost to start a new LLC?

The cost of an LLC depends on the state. On average, the registration fee ranges from $50 to $500, along with annual report fees.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of an LLC?

An LLC or limited liability company protects your assets and increases your business’s credibility. These are the most affordable legal business entities in terms of formation and maintenance. However, LLCs aren’t ideal when attracting investors.

Is LLC better than Sole Proprietorship?

Both LLC and Sole Proprietorship have their advantage and disadvantages. When it comes to single-member LLC vs Sole Proprietorship, both have similar tax benefits.

How to renew my LLC?

To renew your LLC, you need to file an Annual Report every year by paying a stipulated fee. If your LLC is expired, then submit a renewal form to activate the LLC operation.

Can I start an LLC with my spouse?

Yes, you can start an LLC with your spouse. If you’re setting up your LLC in a community property state then you can have a single-member LLC for both of you. However, if you’re not in a community property state, then you need to set up a multi-member LLC.

Why Choose LLC Over Other Forms of Business

One of the primary reasons for forming an LLC is the liability protection it provides. By separating your personal assets from your business assets, you are shielding yourself from personal liability in case your business incurs debts or legal issues. This is crucial for entrepreneurs who want to protect their personal finances and property from being at risk in the event of business troubles.

Additionally, forming an LLC can provide credibility and professionalism to your business. Having “LLC” at the end of your company name can give customers and clients confidence that you are a legitimate and serious business entity. This can help attract more business and establish trust with your target market.

Furthermore, LLCs offer flexibility in terms of management and tax options. Unlike corporations, LLCs do not have strict governance requirements and can be managed in a more informal manner. Additionally, LLCs have the option to choose how they want to be taxed, either as a disregarded entity, partnership, S-corp, or C-corp. This flexibility allows business owners to choose the best tax structure that fits their unique circumstances and goals.

So when should you consider forming an LLC? The answer varies depending on the nature and size of your business. Generally, if you are starting a new business, anticipate growing your business significantly, or if you have substantial personal assets to protect, forming an LLC sooner rather than later might be the right move. Additionally, if you are undertaking a risky business venture or are in an industry with high liability exposure, an LLC can offer the peace of mind that your personal assets are secure.

It is also crucial to consider the cost and administrative requirements of forming an LLC. While the process of setting up an LLC is relatively straightforward, it does come with fees for registration and annual maintenance. Additionally, some states have more stringent regulations and reporting requirements for LLCs, so it is essential to research what is involved in maintaining your LLC in good standing.

In conclusion, forming an LLC can be a smart decision for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking for liability protection, credibility, flexibility, and tax advantages. The decision of when to form an LLC should be based on your specific business needs, risk tolerance, and growth objectives. Consulting with a legal or financial advisor can help you determine if an LLC is the right choice for your business and guide you through the process of setting one up.

In Conclusion

A limited liability company (LLC) takes about a week on average to form. If the business entity is filing it online, then it may take less than 24 hours. The above-mentioned simple steps will help you in your LLC filings with the state. You will get multiple filing options like by mail, online, email, or/and fax. Choose any available mode of filing, and comply with regulatory requirements and registration requirements to form your LLC in the selected state.

On the other side, if you appoint a business formation service, it will be hassle-free and close to accurate. Our editorial team recommends ZenBusiness, which not only offers LLC formation at $0 but also offers 100% accuracy and transparency. Hence, having an LLC formation service makes all the steps easier, less complicated, yet absolutely free.

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