LLC Formation
How to Start an LLC in 2026
A complete step-by-step guide to forming your LLC the right way, from choosing a state to getting your EIN.
LLC Formation, Tax Deadlines, and Business Compliance.
Entity Brief helps freelancers, founders, small business owners, and non-US entrepreneurs understand LLC formation, taxes, state filings, registered agents, business deductions, and compliance deadlines.
Updated for 2026 Based on official sources Built for founders, freelancers, and non-US owners Educational, not legal or tax advice
Business setup brief
- Choose LLC state
- File formation documents
- Get EIN
- Open business bank account
- Pick tax classification
- Track deadlines
Latest updates
View all briefings → Latest LLC, Tax & Compliance Briefings
Practical updates, tax form changes, and business guidance for LLC owners, freelancers, and founders.
Featured
W-9 Form 2026: Current IRS Version, Draft Changes, and Instructions
Need the right W-9 for 2026? This guide explains which IRS version is current, why draft forms are not used for filing, and how contractors and LLC owners should complete the form correctly.
Read the full guide →BOI Filing Updates for 2026: What LLC Owners Need to Know
BOI rules changed significantly. Learn who may still need to file, which businesses are exempt, and what changed in 2026.
3 Tax Tips for LLCs and Freelancers in 2026
A quick breakdown of estimated taxes, common deductions, and year-round habits that can help reduce surprises at tax time.
LLC vs S-Corp: When Does It Actually Save Money?
Compare self-employment tax, payroll requirements, and extra compliance costs to see when an S-Corp election may be worth it.
Start here
What are you trying to do?
Choose the path that matches your current business situation.
Form an LLC
Learn the basic steps: choose a state, pick a name, appoint a registered agent, file formation documents, get an EIN, and open a business bank account.
Start LLC formation →Manage an existing LLC
Understand annual reports, state fees, tax filings, bookkeeping, registered agent renewals, and compliance deadlines.
View compliance steps →Compare LLC vs S-Corp
Estimate whether an S-Corp election could reduce self-employment tax after payroll, bookkeeping, and state costs.
Compare tax options →Open a US LLC as a non-resident
Learn how foreign-owned US LLCs work, including EINs, Form 5472, US bank accounts, registered agents, and tax filing requirements.
Read non-resident guide → Free tools
Free LLC and Business Tax Tools
Use calculators and checklists to estimate costs, compare tax options, and track compliance deadlines.
LLC Formation Cost Calculator
Estimate total startup costs by state, including filing fees and ongoing compliance costs.
S-Corp Tax Savings Calculator
See how much you may save on self-employment tax with an S-Corp election.
LLC Compliance Calendar
Track annual reports, renewals, filing deadlines, and tax reminders. Never miss a deadline.
Self-Employment Tax Calculator
Estimate your self-employment tax as a freelancer, contractor, or LLC owner.
Quarterly Tax Payment Estimator
Estimate quarterly tax payments based on business income and deductions.
Business Deduction Checklist
Review common deductible expenses and printable recordkeeping categories.
Knowledge center
Business Formation & Tax Topics
Browse guides by business stage, tax topic, or special filing situation.
Start a business
Taxes and money
Popular Guides
View all guides → Tax Strategy
LLC vs S-Corp: When Does It Save Money?
Compare taxes, payroll requirements, and savings potential to understand when an S-Corp election makes sense.
LLC Formation
Best States to Form an LLC in 2026
Compare Delaware, Wyoming, Nevada, and your home state to find the best place to form your LLC.
LLC Formation
How to Get an EIN for an LLC
Learn how to apply for an Employer Identification Number online for free with the IRS.
Deductions
What Can an LLC Write Off?
A complete list of tax deductions for LLC owners, freelancers, and independent contractors.
Foreign-Owned LLC
Foreign-Owned US LLC Tax Guide
Understand Form 5472, US banking, and tax obligations for non-resident LLC owners.
After formation: banking, bookkeeping, and business credit
Forming an LLC is only the first step. Owners still need clean banking, proper records, tax classification decisions, bookkeeping habits, and a plan for building business credit.
Learn about business credit → State guides
LLC Guides by State
Compare LLC filing fees, annual reports, franchise taxes, privacy rules, and ongoing compliance requirements by state.
Featured state guides
Most searched
Wyoming LLC Guide
Popular for low fees, privacy, and simple ongoing compliance.
View guide → Startup favoriteDelaware LLC Guide
Common for startups, holding companies, and non-resident founders.
View guide → High complianceCalifornia LLC Guide
Understand the franchise tax, filings, and state compliance rules.
View guide →Not sure which state to choose?
For most LLC owners, the best state is usually where you live or operate. Forming elsewhere can mean extra registration, registered agent, and annual filing requirements.
FAQ
Frequently Asked LLC and Business Tax Questions
Quick answers to common questions about LLC formation, taxes, registered agents, EINs, annual reports, and S-Corp elections.
LLC formation costs vary by state. State filing fees range from $40 (Kentucky) to $500 (Massachusetts). On top of the filing fee, you may need a registered agent ($39–$150/year), an operating agreement, and an EIN (free from the IRS). First-year total costs typically range from $150 to $800 depending on the state.
Yes. Every US state requires your LLC to have a registered agent with a physical street address in the state of formation. The registered agent receives legal documents and state notices on behalf of your LLC.
In most states, yes, if you have a physical address in the state and are available during business hours. However, this makes your home address part of the public record. Many LLC owners use a professional registered agent service ($39–$150/year) for privacy.
In most cases, yes. An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file certain tax returns. The IRS issues EINs for free.
By default, a single-member LLC is taxed as a disregarded entity (reported on Schedule C of your personal return). A multi-member LLC is taxed as a partnership. You can also elect S-Corp or C-Corp taxation by filing the appropriate IRS forms.
An S-Corp election may reduce self-employment taxes if your LLC nets more than $50,000–$80,000/year. You must pay yourself a reasonable salary via payroll, which adds compliance costs. The savings depend on your specific profit level, salary, and state rules.
Yes. Non-US residents can form an LLC in any US state. Popular choices include Wyoming, Delaware, and New Mexico. You will need a registered agent, an EIN (applied for via fax or mail using Form SS-4), and may have specific tax filing requirements like Form 5472.
After formation, you should get an EIN, open a business bank account, draft an operating agreement, register for state taxes if needed, and set reminders for annual report deadlines and franchise taxes.
Most states require LLCs to file an annual or biennial report and pay a fee. Fees range from $0 (some states) to $800+ (California franchise tax). Missing your annual report deadline can result in penalties or administrative dissolution of your LLC.
Disclaimer: Information on this site is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a qualified CPA, attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Laws and rules change frequently. Always verify with official sources.