r/StartingYourLLC

A lot of people focus on the step of forming their LLC. But once the paperwork is approved, the next steps are what really set your business up for success. Here are a few items many founders handle right after their LLC is formed:

1. Get an EIN. This is the IRS identification number for your business and is often needed for taxes, hiring employees, and opening financial accounts.

2. Open a business bank account. Separating personal and business finances is one of the easiest ways to keep your business organized.

3. Set up bookkeeping. Even a simple system for tracking income and expenses will make things much easier later.

4. Create an operating agreement. This outlines how your LLC works, especially if there are multiple owners.

5. Understand your state’s ongoing requirements. Many states require annual reports or other filings to keep your LLC active.

Once these pieces are in place, you can focus more on the exciting part—building and growing your business.

I live in a very small town in Alaska and am starting an LLC for my window cleaning business. I have spent a lot of time researching options for forming an LLC and have landed on either bizee or northwest.

As far as business addresses go, I understand that registered agents only deal with official paperwork, ie tax information and not general mail. Both services provide a virtual address at $29/ month or $360 a year. My town only uses a post office for mail; no mail gets delivered to homes. Am I stuck paying almost $400 a year for a virtual address to send a small amount of general mail that I will receive for my business? When I order products such as business cards and equipment, I will have to send them to my po box because there are no other options. I can open a second po box for $60 a year but still need to provide a physical address.

Is there an option I am not aware of? Thank you for the input.