I have an LLC, now what? 7 things you should do after you form an LLC

How to create an llc

An LLC can be created with minimal effort. Even so, there are a few things you must complete before starting your business operations after you have submitted your Articles of Organization. Here are seven essential actions you should do after the initial filing if you’re seeking “what follows after creating an LLC.”

Step 1: Completion of additional formation requirements

Some states have additional registration requirements, such as filings at the county level, posting notice of the establishment of the LLC in a local newspaper, or filing an initial report.

In New York, for instance, LLCs must post notice of their creation for six weeks in two newspapers chosen by the county clerk.  Once the publication requirement has been met, a Certificate of Publication must be submitted to the Department of State.

You must first submit a Public Records Filing for a New Limited Company to the Corporate Filing Unit of the NJ Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services if you are forming an LLC in New Jersey. Following the creation of your LLC, you must submit a Business Registration form within 60 days. You do have the choice to submit both forms at once.

Step 2: Creation of the LLC operating agreement

It is crucial that you have an LLC operating agreement even if your state does not require you to have one at the time of incorporation. Even if you have a single-member LLC, an operating agreement may safeguard your company’s existence, guarantee that members follow the regulations, and assist in preventing any misunderstandings that may occur.

following are the items to include in the operating agreement:

  • Management of the LLC (by its owner or manager) 
  • Selection of the management team 
  • Method of making business decisions and side business ideas
  • Member?s voting rules
  • The responsibilities of the members
  • Allocation of profit and loss among members
  • The transfer of ownership interests
  • Events of dissolution of the LLC
  • Succession plans
  • Dissolution of the LLC for vending machine business

A legal person or a lawyer should be present at the time of the formation of the agreement.

Step 3: Fulfillment of other LLC internal requirements

Members and management are also required to comply with other internal rules in addition to the LLC operating agreement. Though frequently ignored, these rules need to be recorded as part of your business records. When you are involved in a dispute or sell your business, these records may be presented.

Although it’s not necessary, it’s advised that your LLC do the following actions:

  • Members should receive membership certificates.
  • Organize and record the first meeting of the managers and members.
  • Schedule and document the yearly meeting of the managers and members.

Step 4: Obtaining an EIN

You might need to register your firm with the IRS and receive an employee identification number (EIN) before you can file taxes. Your business needs an EIN, which functions as the social security number for tax purposes on both the state and federal levels.

A sole-member LLC doesn?t need to obtain an EIN. Yet, there are solid reasons for obtaining an EIN. To help secure the segregation of your business and personal finances, an EIN is frequently required.

Step 5: Opening a business bank account

The separation between business and personal assets is maintained by opening a business bank account and getting a business credit card. This aids in preventing “piercing the corporate veil,” which is a legal term.  When the veil is pierced, the owner’s assets may be utilized to pay off the company’s debts and liabilities.

By keeping a business bank account, you may ensure that your LLC is protected from responsibility and that your assets are secure in event that your company is sued or proven to be at fault.

Additionally, having a bank account and a credit card helps you establish company credit, which suppliers and vendors will check before doing business with you.

Step 6: Obtain necessary licensespermits, and registrations

Governments at all levels?federal, state, and local?issue business licenses. You need to get permits from several levels of government, depending on the sector in which your LLC works. The standard licensing requirements for any business are listed below.

  • Basic business operations license.  This is a permit issued by the city in which your company will operate, or by the county in the area
  • A state tax ID number. The state tax ID number is issued by your state’s department of revenue or taxation.
  • Registration of fictitious business names and DBAs. The appropriate state or local jurisdiction handles the doing business as (DBA) or fictitious business name registration.
  • Land use permits and zoning. Zoning regulations set forth by local governments may forbid specific commercial activity in specified zones.
  • Building permit. You will require a building permit if you intend to construct or remodel a commercial facility.
  • A seller’s / reseller’s permit for sales tax. This permit is necessary for the sale of practically all goods and services.

Step 7: Maintaining LLC compliance

After creating an LLC, maintaining good status in your state’s records is a crucial last step. As you manage LLC compliance, consider the following in mind:

  • Submit an annual report: The majority of states demand that LLCs submit an annual report.
  • Pay franchise tax: Some states additionally impose a franchise tax, which is a fee paid to the state in exchange for the right to run an LLC.

Each state has a different deadline for submitting an annual report and paying franchise tax.

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