Choose the right entity
Compare the LLC with other structures and identify when professional advice may be worthwhile.
Free attorney-created resource
Keep your LLC journey organized from the first decision forward.
The LLC Startup Checklist gives you a practical sequence for what to consider before filing, what to complete after approval and what to revisit as your business grows.
- Know what information to gather before you form
- See the important setup steps that follow state approval
- Open detailed LLC Guide resources whenever you need more help
Printable PDFSave it, print it and work at your pace.Interactive checklistCheck off items online and return as your LLC progresses.
Attorney-created · Plain English · Updated for 2026
Why this checklist helps
Formation is one filing. Starting properly involves more.
It is easy to focus on filing the Articles and miss the decisions and records surrounding the filing. The Checklist puts the journey into a manageable order so you can see what to decide, what to do and where to learn more.
Use the section that matches where you are today, then return when you reach the next stage.
Inside the Checklist
Seven stages from planning through ongoing maintenance.
Each stage combines concise action items with practical suggestions and links to related video and written guides.
Choose the state and structure
Consider your home state, Wyoming, Delaware and whether a holding company fits the risks and assets.
Plan before you file
Organize the name, owners, contributions, management, addresses, registered agent and privacy decisions.
Form the LLC
Follow the filing sequence, preserve the approved records and calendar state-specific deadlines.
Set it up after approval
Work through the operating agreement, EIN, bank account, licenses, tax registrations and company records.
Fund and operate it properly
Document money entering the company, keep finances separate and choose the appropriate way to pay owners.
Protect and maintain it
Address insurance, recurring reports, registered-agent renewals, licenses and annual review items.
Two useful formats
Keep the PDF. Work through the interactive version.
The printable version is designed to stay with your LLC records. The interactive version lets you check off applicable items, saves progress on that device and connects you to more detailed guidance.
- Printable: LLC snapshot, complete checklist and annual review page
- Interactive: Saved progress, step navigation and relevant guide links
- Practical: Quick suggestions showing how to address each category
Start where you are
You do not need to complete everything at once.
Use Steps 1–3 to evaluate the entity, state, structure and information needed before filing.
Jump to Step 5 for the agreement, EIN, banking, registrations and company records.
Use Steps 6–7 and the annual review to identify records, separation and maintenance items.
Created by Chris Jackson, Esq.
Guidance informed by more than 30 years helping business owners.
I created the Checklist because forming the LLC is only the beginning. My goal is to give DIY owners a clear path, while also showing when formation services, better documents or individualized professional help may make sense.
Explore the LLC Roadmap →Free LLC Startup Checklist
Put the important LLC steps in one place.
Receive the printable PDF and access to the interactive checklist by email.
Get the Free Checklist →