Forming the entity, state by state.
Formation is the one filing every business makes, and the one that changes most between jurisdictions. The document has a different name in six states. The waiting period, the publication rule and the annual obligation that follows all vary. These hubs cover the structures you can form; each sits above a page for every state.
Every way to start an entity.
Pick the structure you are forming. Each hub explains what the filing is and what genuinely changes between states, then hands you to your jurisdiction.
Anonymous LLC
The anonymous LLC, state by state
Open the hub → 51 statesFamily LLC
The family LLC, state by state
Open the hub → 51 statesForm a corporation
Form a corporation, state by state
Open the hub → 51 statesForm an LLC
Form an LLC, state by state
Open the hub → 51 statesHolding company
The holding company, state by state
Open the hub → 51 statesHow to form a corporation
How to form a corporation, state by state
Open the hub → 51 statesLLC Asset Protection
LLC asset protection, state by state
Open the hub → 51 statesNonprofit Formation
Forming a nonprofit, state by state
Open the hub → 51 statesNonprofit formation
Starting a nonprofit, state by state
Open the hub → 51 statesOperating Agreement
The Operating Agreement, state by state
Open the hub → 51 statesPLLC
The PLLC, state by state
Open the hub → 51 statesSeries LLC
Series LLC, state by state
Open the hub → 51 statesStart a business
Starting a business, state by state
Open the hub →Or start from your state.
Every jurisdiction has a single page that gathers the filings a business does there, across all of these sections. If you know where you are before you know what you need, start here.
The rest of the by-state library.
Industry LLCs
Industry LLC guides, state by state
Open the section → SectionCompare and choose
Entity comparisons, state by state
Open the section → SectionWhat it costs
Business filing costs, state by state
Open the section → SectionRegistered agent and address
Registered agent and address, state by state
Open the section → SectionTax and registrations
Business tax registration, state by state
Open the section → SectionLicenses and permits
Licenses and permits, state by state
Open the section → SectionCompliance and annual filings
Compliance filings, state by state
Open the section → SectionChange or convert
Changing a business, state by state
Open the section → SectionClose or revive
Closing and reviving a business, state by state
Open the section → SectionMoney and operations
Banking, credit and hiring, state by state
Open the section → SectionSecretary of State directory
Secretary of State directory, all 51 jurisdictions
Open the section →Related reading and tools.
Guides that sit next to this one, each written to stand on its own.
Attorney PLLC Requirements by State: 51-Jurisdiction Guide
Attorney PLLC (or PC) formation requirements in every US jurisdiction. Bar approval process, naming conventions, ownership.
GuideCooperative: File in your BOS
Cooperative formation in any state where allowed. Member-owned · democratic governance.
GuideWhat Is a Family Trust? How It Works, Taxes, and Your Business (2026)
A family trust, explained in plain English: revocable vs irrevocable, what it costs, how probate math works, how it is taxed in.
GuideFirst 30 Days After Incorporation
Specific actions for founders in the first 30 days post-incorporation: EIN, banking, founder stock, 83(b), .
GuideHow to Form an LLC: Walkthrough
How to Form an LLC: plain-English walkthrough for US founders.
GuideHow to Name Your Business: Walkthrough
How to Name Your Business: plain-English walkthrough for US founders.
GuideInitial Report (state-by-state)
Which states require an Initial Report after formation, when it
GuideIRS Final Returns
When you dissolve a business, the IRS requires final returns for income tax (1120, 1120-S, 1065, 1040 Sch C), employment tax.
GuideLP: File in your BOS
LP formation in any state where allowed. General + limited partners.
GuideNonprofit Corp: File in your BOS
Nonprofit Corp formation in any state where allowed. State formation + 501(c)(3) federal.
GuideLegal-Notice Newspaper Finder · NY · CA · GA
Find the right legal-notice newspaper for LLC formation, DBA, and corporate notices in publication-required states. Per-state +.
GuideSeries LLC Protected Series Designation
Designate a protected series under your master Series LLC. Available in Delaware, Illinois, Nevada, Texas, and Wyoming.
GuideShould I Convert My Sole Proprietorship to an LLC?
6-question advisor that tells you whether you should convert your sole proprietorship to an LLC, S-Corp, or stay sole prop..
GuideStatement of Authority
File a Statement of Authority for your LLC. Designate authorized signers, real-property transfer authority, and binding authority.
GuideUS Stripe Account for International Founders
How non-US founders set up a US Stripe account: required entity, EIN, US bank account, verification documents, common rejection.
GuideWhat is piercing the LLC veil?
A court action holding LLC members personally liable for business debts, disregarding the LLC