All Your LLC, Incorporation, and Business Formation Questions Answered
You’re finally making moves—and we’re here to make sure they’re the right ones. We’ve gathered the most common questions our customers ask and included them here to make things easy. (And if there’s an answer you still need, contact us here.)
I have so many questions about starting a business - where should I start?
Starting a business is exciting, but also stressful. We’re here to make it as easy as possible.
Whether you’re going it alone or making a major career shift to become your own boss, you’ve probably run into more questions than answers. There’s no shortage of advice online, but too often it’s conflicting, complicated, or just not written for someone like you.
That’s why we created this FAQ page—to give you clear, attorney-backed answers to the most common questions we hear, all in plain language. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for or would rather talk it through, our Business Success Advisors are just a call or click away—real people, trained by attorneys, here to support real entrepreneurs with big goals.
Remember this: you can do this. Millions of people start businesses every year and most of them were just as confused as you might be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I form an LLC?
There are four big reasons people form LLCs—and you don't need a law degree to understand them. We’re breaking them down in plain English .
- Protect Your Personal Assets
If your business gets sued or owes money to a creditor, an LLC helps protect your personal assets—like your 401k, home, car, or savings. Without an LLC, a lawsuit can wipe out everything you own. - Look More Legitimate to Clients and Partners
When you're building your business, you need to look credible. After all, you're asking people to hire you. Having a proper entity and including “LLC” after your business name builds trust and shows you've been here before, which can make it easier to land clients, partnerships, and funding. - Simplify Taxes (and Get More Deductions)
LLCs offer flexibility in how you're taxed and allow you to write off a wide range of business expenses—potentially saving you money come tax season. A lesser known fact is that you can write-off up to $5000 in start-up expenses your first year in business, including the cost to form your LLC! - Separate Business from Personal Finances
An EIN (which is tied to your LLC) is required to open a business bank account and keep finances organized, which is key for staying compliant and stress-free at tax time.
Want to go deeper? We go through them in detail in our Ultimate Guide to LLC Formation.
What exactly is LLC Attorney filing on my behalf?
To start your LLC, we’ll file your articles of organization with your chosen state. To start your corporation, we’ll file your articles of incorporation with your chosen state. In addition, we will:
- Act as your registered agent
- Prepare your operating agreement
- Get your Employer ID Number (EIN) and business bank account
You can choose the services you want from us from convenient, comprehensive bundles. We’re here to help, not push you into something you don’t want or need.
What do I need to start my business with LLC Attorney?
Great question! You’ll want to know:
- Your business name
- The address of your principal place of business
- The way your LLC will be managed (member-managed or manager-managed)
Can I still form an LLC if I’m not a U.S. Citizen?
Yes, you can. There are some key differences between starting a business as a non-resident, and you’ll want to be aware of them.
For instance, foreign EINs take significantly longer to obtain. FEINs can take 4-6+ weeks to get, while EINs are instant.
To simplify the process for non-citizens, we offer an international formation bundle tailored to meet your unique needs.
How long does it take for my business to form?
Short answer: 24 hours! Longer answer is that it varies by the state in which you register. Once you’ve completed your Start My Business form, we file your paperwork instantly. It then goes to your state to process. Time can vary by state, but we’ll turn it around in 24 hours — without charging you extra. We want to get you up and running as quickly as possible.
What happens after I submit the Start Your Business form?
You sit back with a cocktail or cup of tea and relax. After that, we’ll send you some paperwork and then you’ll want to head over to our Small Business Blog where we walk you through setting up a bank account and other important services to help you manage your business more smoothly.
Can I form a corporation through LLC Attorney?
Yes! We form corporations in Delaware and Wyoming.
However, we recommend speaking with an attorney before forming a corporation to ensure it's the best choice for your specific situation.
Corporations often add more complexity to small business operations than they are worth.
Our goal is to get your business started as quickly and easily as possible while providing you with the guidance you need.
Does attorney-client privilege apply to my discussion on LLC Attorney?
Attorney-client privilege is granted only when you engage in a paid consultation with one of Trusted Attorneys specifically for your LLC formation or other legal matters. Booking a consultation is necessary to establish this confidential relationship. Please note that while LLC Attorney prioritizes your privacy and security, not all interactions with us automatically provide attorney-client privilege, as LLC Attorney is not a law firm.
What is a registered agent and do I need one?
A registered agent is a person or company you choose to receive legal papers and official documents on behalf of your business. They receive all formal documents and legal communications directed to your business, ensuring your business stays compliant with all state laws.
Yes, all states legally require you to have a registered agent. Good news! LLC Attorney can act as your registered agent in any state you choose, and we’ll take care of everything. You can also be your own registered agent if you meet your state’s requirements.
What are the different types of business and how do I know what’s right for me?
Knowing the type of business right for you can be overwhelming. There’s so much to know, or so it seems. We’re here to help. Head over to our Small Business Blog where we have more information on choosing the right business entity for you.
Remember, you can always contact us, too, for personalized support from business formation experts. We even have attorneys you can talk to at affordable rates.
Can’t I start my LLC business on my own?
Absolutely! Many people do, and we’ll even teach you how to do it.
One aspect that most people don’t realize, however, is that when filing the formation paperwork yourself and acting as your own registered, you are required to list your name and address on the secretary of state’s public database. This means anyone with internet access can find out who you are and where you live.
Additionally, your business needs to stay compliant for as long as it exists. Between mandatory federal reporting and required record keeping, business compliance can get complicated. Staying compliant is crucial. And by crucial, we mean legally required.
For these reasons, we recommend using a professional, compliance-focused business formation and registered agent service like LLC Attorney.
What does it mean to stay compliant?
Each business structure comes with different state and federal requirements. The best-known requirement is to pay your business taxes. There are other requirements, depending on your business structure, location and business type.