Formation involves documents. Forms are confusing. Requirements are unclear. You don’t know what each form does.
Most founders are overwhelmed. They don’t understand forms. They make mistakes. They submit wrong documents.
Document library explains every form. Plain English. Clear purpose. Simple instructions.
This hub explains every common form you’ll encounter during formation.
Key Takeaways
- Understand forms—learn what each form does
- Know requirements—see what's needed
- Complete correctly—fill out properly
- Submit on time—file when due
- Maintain records—keep documents organized
Table of Contents
Document Overview
Formation requires documents. Each serves a purpose. Each has requirements.
Formation documents create business. They register entity. They establish structure.
Post-formation documents set up operations. They establish rules. They define relationships.
Ongoing documents maintain compliance. They update information. They report changes.
Why this matters: Document understanding enables formation. If you understand documents, formation becomes possible.
Formation Documents
These documents form your business.
Articles of Organization
What it is: Document that creates LLC. Filed with state. Establishes entity.
What it contains: Business name, address, purpose, registered agent, members.
Why this matters: Articles create LLC. If you file articles, LLC is created.
Articles of Incorporation
What it is: Document that creates corporation. Filed with state. Establishes entity.
What it contains: Business name, address, purpose, shares, directors.
Why this matters: Articles create corporation. If you file articles, corporation is created.
Operating Agreement
What it is: Document that defines LLC operations. Internal document. Not filed with state.
What it contains: Ownership, management, rules, procedures, distributions.
Why this matters: Operating agreement protects interests. If you create agreement, protection improves.
Pro tip: Use our TAM Calculator to evaluate market opportunity and inform business formation decisions. Calculate market size to understand growth potential.
Post-Formation Documents
These documents set up operations.
EIN Application
What it is: Application for Employer Identification Number. Filed with IRS. Tax identification.
What it contains: Business information, owner information, business type.
Why this matters: EIN enables operations. If you obtain EIN, operations become possible.
Business License Applications
What it is: Applications for required licenses. Filed with local/state agencies. Operating permission.
What it contains: Business information, location, business type, compliance information.
Why this matters: Licenses enable operations. If you obtain licenses, operations become possible.
Registered Agent Designation
What it is: Designation of registered agent. Filed with state. Service of process.
What it contains: Agent name, address, contact information.
Why this matters: Registered agent enables compliance. If you designate agent, compliance improves.
Ongoing Documents
These documents maintain compliance.
Annual Reports
What it is: Report filed annually with state. Updates information. Maintains status.
What it contains: Business information, changes, updates, fees.
Why this matters: Annual reports maintain status. If you file reports, status maintains.
Tax Returns
What it is: Tax returns filed with IRS and state. Reports income. Pays taxes.
What it contains: Income, expenses, deductions, tax calculations.
Why this matters: Tax returns maintain compliance. If you file returns, compliance maintains.
Amendment Documents
What it is: Documents that change formation documents. Filed when changes occur. Updates information.
What it contains: Changes, new information, updated details.
Why this matters: Amendments keep information current. If you file amendments, information stays current.
Document Management
Manage documents effectively. Keep organized. Maintain records.
Document Organization
Organize documents:
- Create filing system
- Store securely
- Label clearly
- Maintain copies
Why this matters: Organization enables access. If you organize documents, access improves.
Document Tracking
Track documents:
- Filing dates
- Due dates
- Status
- Requirements
Why this matters: Tracking prevents missed deadlines. If you track documents, deadlines are met.
Document Maintenance
Maintain documents:
- Update as needed
- Keep current
- Store safely
- Backup copies
Why this matters: Maintenance keeps documents useful. If you maintain documents, usefulness improves.
Pro tip: Use our TAM Calculator to evaluate market opportunity and inform business formation decisions. Calculate market size to understand growth potential.
Your Next Steps
Document library explains every form you’ll encounter. Understand forms, know requirements, complete correctly, submit on time, then maintain records to keep documents organized.
This Week:
- Begin understanding formation documents using our TAM Calculator
- Start learning post-formation documents
- Begin understanding ongoing documents
- Start organizing document system
This Month:
- Complete document understanding
- Prepare all required documents
- File formation documents
- Set up document management system
Going Forward:
- Continuously track documents
- File on time
- Maintain organized records
- Update as needed
Need help? Check out our TAM Calculator for market evaluation, our formation roadmap guide for steps, our task ordering guide for sequencing, and our myth-busting guide for clarity.
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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions About Formation Document Library: A Hub Explaining Every Common Form You
What is the difference between Articles of Organization and Articles of Incorporation?
Articles of Organization create an LLC, while Articles of Incorporation create a corporation—both are filed with the state to officially establish your business entity.
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Articles of Organization are the formation document for LLCs. They contain the business name, address, purpose, registered agent information, and member details. Once filed and approved by the state, your LLC legally exists.
Articles of Incorporation serve the same purpose for corporations but include different information: business name, address, purpose, number of authorized shares, and director information. The entity type you choose determines which document you file.
What is an Operating Agreement and do I need to file it with the state?
An Operating Agreement is an internal document that defines how your LLC is managed, who owns what, and the rules for operations—it is not filed with the state but is essential for protecting member interests.
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The Operating Agreement covers ownership percentages, management structure (member-managed vs. manager-managed), voting rights, profit distribution rules, and procedures for adding or removing members.
While most states don't require you to file it, some states like New York require LLCs to adopt one. Even where not legally required, an Operating Agreement is critical because it prevents disputes, defines responsibilities, and strengthens your liability protection by showing the LLC operates as a separate entity.
What post-formation documents do I need to complete after my business is officially created?
After formation, you need an EIN from the IRS, business license applications from local and state agencies, and a registered agent designation filed with your state.
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Your EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your business's tax ID from the IRS—you need it to open bank accounts, hire employees, and file taxes. The application is free and can be completed online for immediate issuance.
Business license applications vary by location and industry but typically include general business licenses from your city or county and any industry-specific permits. The registered agent designation formally identifies who will receive legal documents on your business's behalf.
What ongoing documents does my business need to file to stay compliant?
You'll need to file annual reports with your state, tax returns with the IRS and state agencies, and amendment documents whenever your business information changes.
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Annual reports update your state on current business information including address, officers, and registered agent. They maintain your entity's active status and typically require a filing fee. Missing them can result in loss of good standing.
Tax returns must be filed with both the IRS and your state tax agency. Amendment documents are required whenever you change fundamental business details like your name, address, registered agent, or ownership structure. Keeping these current prevents legal complications.
How should I organize and manage my business formation documents?
Create a secure filing system with clear labels, maintain both digital and physical copies, track filing dates and due dates, and keep all documents updated as your business evolves.
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Organize documents into categories: formation documents (Articles, Operating Agreement), post-formation documents (EIN confirmation, licenses), and ongoing documents (annual reports, tax returns, amendments). Store them securely with backup copies.
Track key dates for each document—when it was filed, when it expires or needs renewal, and what the deadlines are. A document management system prevents missed deadlines and ensures you can quickly locate any document when needed for banking, legal matters, or compliance filings.
What are amendment documents and when do I need to file them?
Amendment documents formally change your original formation documents—file them whenever you change your business name, address, registered agent, ownership structure, or other fundamental details.
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Amendments are filed with the state to update information in your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation. Common triggers include changing your business name, relocating to a new address, appointing a new registered agent, or modifying your business purpose.
Filing amendments promptly keeps your state records accurate and prevents compliance issues. Some changes, like adding members to an LLC, may only require updating your Operating Agreement internally, while others require a formal state filing with associated fees.
Sources & Additional Information
This guide provides general information about formation documents. Your specific situation may require different considerations.
For market size analysis, see our TAM Calculator.
Consult with professionals for advice specific to your situation.
