Your state approved your LLC! Here's everything you need to do in the next 30 days to actually have a functioning business.

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business's federal tax ID. You need one to:

How to get one: - Free: apply directly with the IRS at irs.gov/ein (only available M-F, 7am-10pm ET — and only works for US residents with an SSN) - Easier: our $79 EIN add-on — we file it for you and it's usually ready within 1-24 hours after your LLC is approved. In rare cases the IRS requires a fax submission instead of an instant confirmation, which can add about a week.

If you already bought our EIN add-on at checkout, we've already started.

This is the single most important step for maintaining your liability protection. Mixing personal and business money is the #1 way to "pierce the corporate veil" and lose your LLC protection.

You'll need: - Articles of Organization (in your portal under Documents) - EIN confirmation letter (CP-575 from the IRS) - Operating Agreement (if applicable in your state) - Your photo ID

Banks we recommend: - Mercury (online-only, free, fastest signup) — best for tech / online businesses - Relay (online-only, free, multiple sub-accounts) — best for envelope-budget operators - Chase Business Complete — best for in-person banking, ~$15/mo fee - Bluevine — best for businesses that want a high-yield checking account

The Operating Agreement is the internal contract between LLC members (or just you and yourself if it's a single-member LLC).

Even if you're a solo owner, get one — banks frequently ask for it, and it formalizes details like: - Who owns what % - How profits are distributed - What happens if you bring on a partner later - What happens if you want to sell or dissolve

We deliver yours within 1-2 business days of LLC approval if you bought the OA add-on.

The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report is a filing that goes to FinCEN, the U.S. Treasury's financial-crimes division. The rules here changed in 2025: a federal rule change narrowed who has to file so that it now applies only to companies formed outside the U.S. that register to do business in a U.S. state. U.S.-formed LLCs and corporations — which is what FormationHub forms — are no longer required to file.

In plain terms: if your LLC was formed here in the U.S., you most likely don't need to file a BOI report. If your situation is unusual — for example you're qualifying a foreign-formed entity to do business in a U.S. state — check the current requirements at fincen.gov or talk to an attorney/CPA, since this rule has changed more than once and could change again.

If you do need to file, you can do it yourself for free at fincen.gov, or use our $99 BOI add-on and we'll handle the filing for you.

You don't need an accountant on day 1, but you DO need to track every expense and dollar of revenue from day 1.

Bare minimum: - A separate business bank account (week 1 — see above) - A business credit card (not personal!) - A simple spreadsheet or QuickBooks Simple Start ($25/mo)

If you cross $50k in revenue, it's time to talk to a CPA. We don't refer customers to specific CPAs or accounting firms — ask your network, or search for one who specializes in your state and entity type.

Annual obligations to put on your calendar NOW:

Live chat is available in your member portal (the messenger bottom-right) and is answered live. You can also call us at +1 (888) 695-5281 — a live person, not voicemail — or email [email protected] and we'll get back to you within an hour.