A step-by-step interactive checklist for forming and launching a new business entity — from name registration through banking, licenses, and compliance setup. Check off each step as you complete it. Your progress tracks in real time across all 7 phases.
| ✓ | Step | Status |
|---|---|---|
Choose your business name — confirm it reflects your brand and is searchable★ Critical Your name must be unique in your state. Avoid generic names — make it memorable and searchable. Check spelling, pronunciation, and URL availability. | ||
Search your state’s business name database for availability★ Critical Most states have a free online name search. Your name cannot match or be too similar to an existing registered entity in your state. State SOS Name Search | ||
Search the USPTO federal trademark databaseTIP Even if your state allows the name, a federal trademark may block your use. Search free at USPTO.gov before investing in branding. USPTO TESS Search | ||
Decide your management structure: Member-Managed vs. Manager-Managed Member-managed: all owners run the business. Manager-managed: one designated manager (can be a non-owner). This affects your operating agreement and day-to-day authority. | ||
Decide your tax classification: Single-Member, Multi-Member, or S-Corp election★ Critical LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities by default. You may elect S-Corp status (IRS Form 2553) for potential tax savings if net profit exceeds ~$40K. Consult a CPA. IRS S-Corp Election Info | ||
Secure your domain name and social media handles Register your .com domain immediately after confirming name availability. Check Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X for matching handle availability. | ||
| Phase 1 — 0 of 6 steps complete | ||
| ✓ | Step | Status |
|---|---|---|
Identify your Registered Agent — person or service that receives legal documents★ Critical Every LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in the state of formation. Can be yourself, a member, or a commercial registered agent service (~$50–150/year). | ||
File Articles of Organization with your state Secretary of State★ Critical Complete the state’s official formation document with your LLC name, registered agent, address, and management structure. File online at your state’s SOS website. SBA — Register Your Business | ||
Pay state filing fee and receive confirmation / Certificate of Organization Save your Certificate of Organization — you will need it to open bank accounts, apply for licenses, and obtain your EIN. Keep a digital and physical copy. | ||
Register a DBA (“Doing Business As”) if operating under a different trade nameTIP If your LLC is “ABC Holdings, LLC” but operates as “Blue Sky Apparel,” file a DBA (also called fictitious business name or trade name) with your county or state. | ||
Check if foreign qualification is needed in other states where you conduct business If you have employees, offices, or significant operations in other states, you may need to register your LLC there as a foreign entity. Each state has its own rules. | ||
Note your annual report filing date and state fee schedule★ Critical Most states require annual or biennial reports to keep your LLC in good standing. Failure to file results in administrative dissolution. Set a calendar reminder now. | ||
| Phase 2 — 0 of 6 steps complete | ||
| ✓ | Step | Status |
|---|---|---|
Apply for your EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — online, free★ Critical Apply online at IRS.gov using the EIN Assistant. You receive your EIN immediately. You must have your LLC formation documents and SSN ready. IRS EIN Online Application | ||
Save your EIN confirmation letter (CP575) — do not lose this document The IRS only issues CP575 once. You will need it for banking, payroll setup, and any future IRS correspondence. Store both digitally and in a secure physical file. | ||
File IRS Form 8832 (Entity Classification Election) if you want to be taxed as a corporationTIP By default, a single-member LLC is taxed as a sole proprietor and a multi-member LLC as a partnership. File Form 8832 if you want corporate tax treatment. IRS Form 8832 | ||
File IRS Form 2553 if electing S-Corporation tax statusTIP S-Corp election must be filed within 75 days of formation or by March 15 of the tax year. Can save self-employment taxes for profitable businesses. Consult a CPA first. IRS Form 2553 | ||
Register for state income tax and sales tax with your state revenue department★ Critical If you sell taxable goods or services, register for a sales tax permit. Also register for state income tax withholding if you have employees. SBA State Tax Registration Guide | ||
| Phase 3 — 0 of 5 steps complete | ||
| ✓ | Step | Status |
|---|---|---|
Open a dedicated business checking account★ Critical Bring: EIN letter (CP575), Certificate of Organization, government-issued ID, and initial deposit. Compare banks — credit unions and online banks (Mercury, Relay) often offer better terms for small businesses. | ||
Apply for a business credit card — start building business credit immediatelyTIP A business credit card separates expenses, earns rewards, and establishes your Dun & Bradstreet DUNS number. Start with a secured card if your business credit is new. | ||
Set up accounting software — QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or Wave (free)★ Critical Start tracking income and expenses from day one. Choose software that integrates with your bank. Wave is free; QuickBooks Self-Employed starts at ~$15/month. | ||
Obtain a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet (required for federal contracting)TIP Free at dnb.com. Required to register on SAM.gov for government contracts. Also helps establish business credit history independently of your personal credit. D&B DUNS Registration | ||
Set up payroll system if you have employees (Gusto, ADP, Paychex) Payroll software handles federal and state withholding, W-2 preparation, and payroll tax deposits. Failure to withhold and deposit payroll taxes is a serious federal offense. | ||
Establish owner draw or salary payment structure — never pay personal expenses from business account For LLCs: owners take draws (not salary unless S-Corp election is made). Document all owner draws. Never pay personal expenses from the business account. | ||
| Phase 4 — 0 of 6 steps complete | ||
| ✓ | Step | Status |
|---|---|---|
Draft and sign an LLC Operating Agreement★ Critical Even if your state doesn’t require it, an Operating Agreement defines ownership percentages, management roles, profit distribution, and dispute resolution. Essential for multi-member LLCs. | ||
Research and apply for required federal licenses (if applicable to your industry) Some industries require federal licenses: food/agriculture (USDA), firearms (ATF), investment advising (SEC/FINRA), trucking (FMCSA), broadcasting (FCC). Check SBA.gov for your industry. SBA Federal License Lookup | ||
Obtain state business license and any industry-specific state permits★ Critical Most states require a general business license. Additional permits depend on industry: contractor license, cosmetology license, food handler permit, etc. | ||
Obtain local city/county business license and zoning approval (if operating from a location) Most cities require a local business license. If operating from a home, check zoning laws. If renting commercial space, verify the space is zoned for your business type. | ||
Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) if operating from a commercial space A CO confirms your space is legally approved for business use. Required before opening to the public. Obtained from your local building or zoning department. | ||
Create a license and permit renewal calendar — set annual remindersTIP Business licenses and permits have annual renewal dates. Missing renewals can result in fines or forced closure. Add all expiration dates to a master compliance calendar. | ||
| Phase 5 — 0 of 6 steps complete | ||
| ✓ | Step | Status |
|---|---|---|
Obtain General Liability Insurance★ Critical Covers bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims. Required by most commercial landlords and many clients. Typical cost: $400–1,500/year for small businesses. | ||
Obtain Professional Liability / E&O Insurance (if providing professional services) Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance covers claims of professional negligence or failure to deliver services as promised. Essential for consultants, advisors, designers, and service providers. | ||
Set up Workers’ Compensation Insurance if you have employees★ Critical Required in most states as soon as you have one employee. Covers medical costs and lost wages for work-related injuries. State requirements vary — check your state’s labor department. | ||
Register with state unemployment insurance (SUTA) if you have employees State Unemployment Tax Act registration is required when you hire your first employee. Done through your state’s labor or workforce department. | ||
File FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report — required by Jan 1, 2025★ Critical Under the Corporate Transparency Act, most LLCs must file BOI reports with FinCEN. New LLCs formed in 2024+ must file within 90 days of formation. Free to file at FinCEN.gov. FinCEN BOI Filing Portal | ||
Post required federal and state labor law posters in your workplace Federal law requires specific posters covering FLSA, FMLA, OSHA, EEO, and USERRA. Free downloads at DOL.gov. State posters are also required — check your state labor department. DOL Federal Poster Downloads | ||
Create a basic document retention and records management system Maintain formation documents, tax filings, contracts, insurance policies, and employee records in organized physical and digital files. IRS records: 7 years minimum. | ||
| Phase 6 — 0 of 7 steps complete | ||
| ✓ | Step | Status |
|---|---|---|
Set up SAM.gov registration if pursuing federal or state government contractsTIP System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is free to register. Required to bid on federal contracts. Registration must be renewed annually. Requires DUNS number (now UEI). SAM.gov Registration | ||
Develop your core service/product documentation — proposals, contracts, and invoices Create templated service agreements, proposal formats, and invoice templates. Every engagement should have a signed contract. Use DocuSign, HelloSign, or PandaDoc for digital signatures. | ||
Create an Employee Handbook and HR policy documentation if you have employees Define PTO, work hours, anti-harassment, safety, and conduct policies. An Employee Handbook reduces legal risk and sets clear expectations from day one. | ||
Build your digital presence — website, Google Business Profile, LinkedIn★ Critical A professional website and Google Business Profile are table stakes for any business. LinkedIn is essential for B2B businesses. Claim all profiles before a competitor does. Google Business Profile | ||
Establish a quarterly tax payment schedule — avoid IRS underpayment penalties Self-employed and LLC owners must pay estimated quarterly taxes (IRS Form 1040-ES) by April 15, June 15, Sept 15, and Jan 15. Consult a CPA to calculate amounts. IRS Estimated Tax Guide | ||
Schedule a 90-day operations review — assess all systems, compliance status, and growth plan At 90 days in business: review financials, ensure all licenses are active, confirm insurance coverage is adequate, and document initial SOPs. Set KPIs for year one. | ||
| Phase 7 — 0 of 6 steps complete | ||
RC2 Consulting helps new and growing businesses establish compliance infrastructure, operational documentation, and scalable systems from the ground up.