Ask HN: What are the best resources to create an LLC/Incorporate?

Re:Ask HN: What are the best resources to create an LLC/Inco... by samtho on Sunday February 05, 2017 @05:19PM (#13575014)

I had the same problem and just did the paperwork myself.

I am in California so this information will only apply to people there. Obligatory, I am not a lawyer.

Pre steps:

- pick a name that is available: https://businesssearch.sos.ca.gov/

- Register the domain name you are going to use

- Get a mailbox (like one at the UPS store, NOT a PO Box!) to use as your business address so you will not have to use your home address if it bothers you.

Now, for the real stuff -

1) Get a registered agent (even if you want to do it yourself, I recommend getting one anyway). I used freeregisteredagent.com for 1 year free. Required before you file the next step.

2) File an LLC-1 (http://bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov/llc/forms/llc-1.pdf) articles of organization. It requires a $70 filing fee, send off the form and $70 money order.

3) Grab an EIN from the IRS: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employe...

4) Wait for the Secretary of State of send a copy of the file articles of organization (form LLC-1). Now, file a Statement of Information, form LLC-12: http://bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov/llc/forms/llc-12.pdf This is due within 90 days of the file date (on the filed LLC-1 form) All the information here will become public information. Send that in to the SoS with a $20 money-order and wait.

5) Use your filed articles of organization, the EIN you got in step 3, and a state issued personal ID to get a bank account. US Bank and CapitalOne Spark have free checking accounts for business, you can also try a credit union as local ones have them for free.

6) Look for any local licenses you need, some cities require business licenses, some require a "Business Operation Tax" (BOT) certificate - check your city or county website(s). CalGold is useful: http://www.calgold.ca.gov/

7) Conduct business, keep records, etc

Recurring items:

- An $800 minimum tax is due every year to the state of California.

- You must file a new LLC-12 (if the information has changed) or an LLC-12NC (if nothing about your LLC has changed) biannually (every two years).

See all forms here: http://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/fo...

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Re:Ask HN: What are the best resources to create an LLC/Inco... by prokes on Wednesday February 08, 2017 @12:49AM (#13596121)

Going through this currently and this is the detailed, correct answer for CA LLC; nice work. Save this if you are considering one in the future.

Only thing I might add is the operating agreement, which is critical for multi-member LLC's as it defines everything. Maybe fits into step 7 above, and worth having a lawyer assist with some clauses.

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Re:Ask HN: What are the best resources to create an LLC/Inco... by traviswingo on Monday February 06, 2017 @11:42AM (#13581187)

Thanks, this is exactly what I was looking for.

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Re:Ask HN: What are the best resources to create an LLC/Inco... by samtho on Monday February 06, 2017 @12:09PM (#13581523)

Glad it was of help :) Good luck to you.

Because I am impatient, I found this page to further fuel my silent rage against the time it take for the state to process anything: http://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/pr...

I got my copy of LLC-1 returned to me 8 business days after they stated they had processed it. Your LLC will show up in the business search the next day after they processed yours.

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