You have a business idea.
You want to form an LLC or corporation. But research takes weeks. Forms are confusing. Requirements are scattered.
You can file in 7 days.
Not weeks. Not months. Seven days from idea to filed. This roadmap cuts research to the essentials. It shows you exactly what to do, when to do it, and where to find everything.
This guide shows you how.
Day-by-day breakdown. Essential steps only. Exact forms and agencies. No wasted time. No confusion.
Read this. Follow the roadmap. File in 7 days.
Key Takeaways
- You can form an LLC or corporation in 7 days by focusing on essential steps: name availability, registered agent, filing documents, and EIN
- Each day has specific tasks—Day 1-2 for research and preparation, Day 3-4 for document preparation, Day 5 for filing, Day 6-7 for follow-up
- The key is to stop researching once you have the essentials: your state's filing requirements, forms, and deadlines
- Professional formation services can handle most of this for you, but if you DIY, this roadmap keeps you on track
- Having all information ready before starting (business name, address, registered agent, member/owner info) speeds up the process significantly
Table of Contents
Why 7 Days Works
Most founders waste weeks researching. You don’t have to.
The problem:
- Endless research rabbit holes
- Reading the same information multiple times
- Overthinking every decision
- Waiting for perfect information
The solution:
- Focus on essentials only
- Stop researching once you have what you need
- Take action immediately
- File within 7 days
Why it works: Most formation requirements are straightforward. The research phase is where time gets wasted. This roadmap eliminates that waste.
Preparation Checklist
Before you start, gather this information:
Business Information
What you need:
- Business name (with backup options)
- Business address
- Business purpose/description
- Entity type (LLC or Corporation)
Why it matters: Having this ready speeds up every step.
Owner/Member Information
What you need:
- Full legal names
- Addresses
- Ownership percentages (if applicable)
- Contact information
Why it matters: Required for formation documents.
Registered Agent Information
What you need:
- Registered agent name and address
- Registered agent contact information
- Or decide to use a professional service
Why it matters: Required for all LLCs and corporations.
Pro tip: Gather all this information before Day 1. It takes 30-60 minutes and saves hours later.
Day-by-Day Roadmap
Here’s your 7-day formation roadmap:
Day 1: Research Essentials
Morning (1-2 hours):
- Choose your entity type (LLC or Corporation)
- Research your state’s filing requirements
- Find your state’s Secretary of State website
- Identify required forms
Afternoon (1 hour):
- Check name availability in your state
- Verify name meets state requirements
- Choose registered agent (yourself or professional service)
Resources:
Day 2: Gather Information
Morning (1-2 hours):
- Collect all owner/member information
- Prepare business address information
- Set up registered agent service (if using professional)
- Gather any required business licenses information
Afternoon (1 hour):
- Review formation forms
- Understand what information is required
- Prepare answers to form questions
Pro tip: Don’t overthink. Get the information you need and move forward.
Day 3: Prepare Documents
Morning (2-3 hours):
- Complete Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (Corporation)
- Review all information for accuracy
- Double-check name availability
- Verify registered agent information
Afternoon (1 hour):
- Review completed forms
- Make any necessary corrections
- Prepare filing fee payment method
Pro tip: Most states allow online filing. It’s faster and easier than mail.
Day 4: Final Review
Morning (1 hour):
- Final review of all documents
- Verify all information is correct
- Check filing fee amount
- Prepare payment
Afternoon (30 minutes):
- File your formation documents
- Pay required filing fee
- Save confirmation receipt
Pro tip: File early in the day. Some states process same-day if filed before a certain time.
Day 5: Filing Day
Morning (30 minutes):
- Submit formation documents online (or mail if required)
- Pay filing fee
- Save confirmation number
- Note expected processing time
Afternoon:
- Wait for state processing
- Check status if online portal available
- Begin preparing next steps (EIN, operating agreement, etc.)
Pro tip: Most states process online filings within 1-2 weeks. Some offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
Day 6: Follow-Up Preparation
Morning (1-2 hours):
- Prepare for EIN application
- Draft operating agreement (LLC) or bylaws (Corporation)
- Set up business bank account preparation
- Plan compliance tracking system
Afternoon (1 hour):
- Research EIN application process
- Gather information needed for EIN
- Prepare business bank account requirements
Resources:
Day 7: Next Steps
Morning (1-2 hours):
- Apply for EIN online (takes 5-15 minutes)
- Begin drafting operating agreement or bylaws
- Set up compliance tracking
- Plan business bank account opening
Afternoon:
- Review formation confirmation (when received)
- Update business records
- Celebrate your new business entity
Pro tip: Your formation is filed. Now focus on getting your EIN and setting up operations.
Essential Resources
Here are the resources you’ll need:
State Resources
Secretary of State websites:
- Secretary of State Directory
- State business entity search tools
- State filing forms and instructions
Why it matters: These are your primary sources for filing requirements.
Formation Guides
Business formation guides:
Why it matters: These guides explain the process and requirements.
Registered Agent Services
Registered agent information:
- Registered Agent Guide
- Professional registered agent services
- State registered agent requirements
Why it matters: Every LLC and corporation needs a registered agent.
Pro tip: Bookmark these resources. You’ll reference them throughout the process.
Common Delays to Avoid
Here’s what delays most founders:
Over-Researching
The problem: Researching for weeks instead of days.
The solution: Stop researching once you have the essentials. File and learn the rest as you go.
Perfectionism
The problem: Waiting for perfect information before filing.
The solution: Get good enough information and file. You can always amend later if needed.
Indecision
The problem: Spending days deciding between LLC and Corporation.
The solution: For most solo founders, LLC is the right choice. If unsure, start with LLC.
Missing Information
The problem: Starting to file without all required information.
The solution: Use the preparation checklist. Gather everything before Day 1.
Form Confusion
The problem: Getting stuck on confusing form fields.
The solution: Use plain-English guides. See our paperwork guide for help.
Pro tip: Most delays come from overthinking, not from actual complexity. Trust the process and move forward.
What Happens After Filing
Once you file, here’s what happens:
State Processing
What happens:
- State reviews your filing
- State processes your documents
- State approves or rejects your filing
- You receive confirmation
Timeline: Typically 1-2 weeks for standard processing. Some states offer expedited processing.
If Approved
What you get:
- Confirmation of formation
- Entity number
- Certificate of formation (some states)
- Access to online business records
What to do:
- Save all confirmation documents
- Apply for EIN
- Create operating agreement or bylaws
- Open business bank account
If Rejected
What happens:
- State notifies you of rejection
- Explains what needs to be corrected
- You can resubmit with corrections
What to do:
- Review rejection notice
- Make necessary corrections
- Resubmit promptly
Pro tip: Most rejections are due to name conflicts or missing information. Double-check before filing to avoid delays.
Your Next Steps
Follow this roadmap. File in 7 days. Start your business.
This Week:
- Day 1: Research essentials (2-3 hours)
- Day 2: Gather information (2-3 hours)
- Day 3: Prepare documents (3-4 hours)
- Day 4: Final review (1-2 hours)
- Day 5: File formation documents (30 minutes)
- Day 6: Prepare follow-up steps (2-3 hours)
- Day 7: Apply for EIN and next steps (2-3 hours)
This Month:
- Receive formation confirmation
- Apply for EIN (if not done Day 7)
- Create operating agreement or bylaws
- Open business bank account
- Set up compliance tracking
Going Forward:
- Maintain good standing with state
- File annual reports on time
- Pay franchise taxes if required
- Keep registered agent current
- Stay compliant with all requirements
Need help? Check out our state-by-state checklist for filing requirements, our paperwork guide for form help, and our registered agent guide for service options.
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Sources & Additional Information
This guide explains general business formation principles. Specific requirements and timelines vary by state.
For state-specific requirements, see our State-by-State Checklist.
For detailed formation guidance, see our Ultimate Guide to Forming an LLC.
For registered agent requirements, see our Registered Agent Service page.
