Open Your U.S. Company on Solid Ground

1. Choose the entity before filing

Discuss ownership, liability and taxes with qualified professionals. If forming an LLC or corporation, file directly with the appropriate state office, choose a registered agent where required, retain accepted documents, and record the formation date. A federal S corporation election is separate from state formation.

2. Confirm the EIN requirement

Use the official IRS EIN application after forming your legal entity where applicable. EIN issuance is free. Keep the IRS confirmation securely and verify the responsible party and legal name.

3. Separate business money

Compare bank fees, account minimums, deposit protection and access. Bring your accepted formation documents, EIN confirmation where required, owner identification and any bank-requested records. Avoid mixing personal and business transactions.

4. Confirm coverage and licenses

Ask a licensed broker about general liability, professional liability, cyber and state-specific workers’ compensation requirements. Check state and city licensing, permits and sales-tax registration for your actual work. Save evidence and renewal dates.

5. Verify recurring obligations

Check the state’s official annual report and tax portal. Domestic U.S.-created entities are currently exempt from federal BOI reporting; certain foreign entities may still report. Do not use the old general 90-day domestic deadline.

Official starting points

• ·SBA launch guide: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business
• ·IRS EIN: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number
• ·FinCEN: https://www.fincen.gov/boi/ifr-qa