What to Do After Forming Your LLC

The state's approval creates your LLC. It doesn't open a bank account, register you for taxes, or remind you about next year's report. This checklist covers what most new LLCs do in the first weeks, in a sensible order, plus where federal BOI reporting stands in 2026. Your state guide lists the state-specific items.

1. Save your approved formation document

The approved articles of organization (or certificate of formation) are your proof the LLC exists. Save the PDF somewhere permanent, print a copy, and start a company records folder. Banks, landlords, and licensing offices will ask for it.

2. Get an EIN from the IRS

The Employer Identification Number is the LLC's federal tax ID. You need it to open a business bank account at most banks, to hire, and for a multi-member LLC to file its tax return. Apply directly with the IRS at irs.gov. Use the LLC's legal name exactly as it appears on the approved filing. The IRS does not charge for an EIN, and nobody needs to pay a third party for one.

3. Sign an operating agreement

If you didn't sign one at formation, do it now. It sets out ownership, management, and what happens when a member leaves, and banks often ask for it. New York requires one within a set deadline; see the New York guide. More in Do you need an operating agreement? (Our $79 self-help template is available in most states from your order page.)

4. Open a business bank account

Keeping business money in its own account is the habit that does the most to preserve the LLC's liability protection, and it makes taxes far simpler. Most banks ask for:

• the approved formation document;
• the EIN confirmation letter;
• the operating agreement, especially for multi-member LLCs;
• government ID for each person on the account;
• details on everyone who owns or controls the company, which banks collect under federal customer due-diligence rules.

Call the branch first and ask what they need for your type of business. (Our $29 Banking Kit assembles a checklist, a bank presentation letter, and an account-opening resolution if you want help.) Our bank account checklist has more.

5. Register for state taxes and licenses

Forming the LLC is separate from registering it with tax and licensing agencies. Depending on what you do and where:

• Sales tax: if you sell taxable goods or services, register with the state revenue department before your first sale.
• Payroll: before hiring, register for state withholding and unemployment insurance.
• Business licenses: many cities and counties require a general business license, and some states require a state-level one.
• Professional and industry licenses: contractors, food businesses, health professions, and others have their own licensing boards.

The state guides list the registrations each state's research turned up, such as state business licenses and tax registrations.

6. Handle state-specific follow-ups

A few states add a one-time task soon after approval. Arizona, Nebraska and New York require newspaper publication of the new LLC in at least some cases. Some states require an initial report within months of formation. Each state guide lists these with their deadlines.

What about BOI reporting?

FinCEN's 2026 final rule permanently exempts entities created in the United States, and their beneficial owners, from the federal beneficial ownership information (BOI) report. It now applies only to foreign entities registered to do business in a U.S. state or Tribal jurisdiction. If you formed your LLC in a U.S. state, you do not owe a federal BOI report. New York LLCs have a separate state disclosure under the NY LLC Transparency Act; confirm your status with the New York Department of State. Confirm the federal rule at fincen.gov, and don't pay anyone to file a BOI report you don't owe.

7. Calendar your annual report

Most states require a recurring report, and missing it leads to late fees, loss of good standing, and eventually administrative dissolution. Put the due date on a calendar today. Here is each state's requirement:

Habits that keep the LLC healthy

• Sign contracts in the LLC's name, with your title ("Member" or "Manager").
• Pay business expenses from the business account only.
• Keep minutes or written consents for big decisions, even as a single member.
• Update the state when your address or registered agent changes.

Do it yourself or have us help

Every item on this list can be done directly with the IRS, your bank, and your state at no charge beyond their own fees. If you form with us, your approved documents arrive with your state's after-formation deadlines in writing. See How to start an LLC for the full process.

General information, not legal or tax advice.