LLC Formation Checklist
An LLC formation checklist for business name, state filing, registered agent, articles of organization, operating agreement, EIN, licenses, and records.
Built for LLC formation planning: state choice, name search, registered agent, articles of organization, operating agreement, EIN, licenses, BOI status, and filing records.
Checklist formats
Edit online, print, or save this template
Start with the ready-made LLC formation checklist, customize the tasks, then print a clean copy or save it as a PDF.
- Items
- 8 editable tasks
- Time / effort
- 20-60 minutes for setup and handoff
- Best for
- An LLC formation checklist for business name, state filing, registered agent, articles of organization, operating agreement, EIN, licenses, and records.
- Focus
- An LLC formation checklist for business name, state filing, registered agent, articles of organization, operating agreement, EIN, licenses, and records.
Client-ready checklist
Create a reusable operating checklist
Convert this template into a branded workflow with roles, frequencies, exceptions, customer handoff details, and signoff fields your team can reuse.
- Role-based workflow sections
- Customer handoff language
- Reusable signoff format
Quick answer
What this checklist is for
Built for LLC formation planning: state choice, name search, registered agent, articles of organization, operating agreement, EIN, licenses, BOI status, and filing records.
- Best for
- An LLC formation checklist for business name, state filing, registered agent, articles of organization, operating agreement, EIN, licenses, and records.
- Core checklist items
- Choose state, business structure, business name, backup names, business purpose, owners, management style, and formation timeline, Search state name availability, domain availability, trademark concerns, DBA needs, and restricted words before filing, Choose registered agent, physical registered office address, mailing address, organizer details, and privacy preferences, Prepare articles of organization or certificate of formation with required state information, fees, signatures, and filing method, Draft operating agreement notes for members, ownership percentages, voting, contributions, distributions, roles, transfers, and dissolution rules
Printable LLC formation checklist
- Choose state, business structure, business name, backup names, business purpose, owners, management style, and formation timeline
- Search state name availability, domain availability, trademark concerns, DBA needs, and restricted words before filing
- Choose registered agent, physical registered office address, mailing address, organizer details, and privacy preferences
- Prepare articles of organization or certificate of formation with required state information, fees, signatures, and filing method
- Draft operating agreement notes for members, ownership percentages, voting, contributions, distributions, roles, transfers, and dissolution rules
- Apply for EIN if needed, save IRS confirmation letter, and connect tax account, bookkeeping, payroll, or bank setup tasks
- Check business licenses, permits, state tax accounts, local registrations, annual reports, franchise tax, and BOI status if applicable
- Save filed formation document, state receipt, operating agreement, EIN letter, registered agent records, licenses, and renewal reminders
How to use this checklist
Built for LLC formation planning: state choice, name search, registered agent, articles of organization, operating agreement, EIN, licenses, BOI status, and filing records. Bookmark /llc-formation-checklist/ if you use this checklist repeatedly.
Planning tips for this checklist
Formation starts before the filing form
SBA registration guidance points to state, local, tax, registered agent, and record requirements. The checklist keeps name search, agent choice, articles, operating agreement, EIN, and license questions together.
The operating agreement is still useful
Even when a state does not require an operating agreement, ownership, voting, contributions, distributions, and exit rules are easier to handle when they are written before conflict appears.
Save the post-filing trail
Formation is not finished at approval. EIN letters, licenses, bank records, annual report dates, BOI status notes, and registered agent renewals should all be filed with the state receipt.
Frequently asked questions
What should I include in a LLC formation checklist?
A useful LLC formation checklist should include the tasks that matter before, during, and after the situation. Start with the printable list, remove anything that does not apply, and add personal details such as dates, names, addresses, or supplies.
Can I print this LLC formation checklist?
Yes. Use the checklist generator to edit the tasks, then choose Print / Save PDF. A printed checklist is helpful when several people need to share the same plan.