Business Initiative Home

Stop Wasting Weeks on Research: State-by-State LLC & Corporation Checklist

Jan 15, 2025 Updated: Jan 15, 2025
12 minute read
By: Jack Nicholaisen author image
article image

You’ve been researching for weeks.

State requirements. Filing deadlines. Required forms. Legal jargon that makes no sense.

You’re drowning in Google tabs. Every article says something different. You’re no closer to filing your LLC or corporation than when you started.

This stops today.

Here’s a state-by-state checklist that cuts through the noise. No more endless research. No more confusion. Just clear steps in the right order.

article summaryKey Takeaways

  • Each state has unique requirements, but the core formation process follows the same pattern across all states
  • Research time can be cut from weeks to hours by focusing on the essential steps: name availability, registered agent, filing documents, and compliance
  • Every state requires a registered agent with a physical address in that state—you can be your own or use a professional service
  • State-specific directories provide comprehensive resources for formation requirements, filing procedures, and compliance information
  • The biggest time-waster is researching the same information multiple times—use this checklist once and file with confidence

table of contentsTable of Contents

Why Research Takes So Long

Most founders waste weeks because they don’t know what to focus on.

They read every article. They watch every video. They join every forum. They collect information but never organize it into action.

The problem isn’t lack of information. It’s lack of structure.

You need a clear checklist. One that shows you exactly what to do, in what order, for your specific state.

That’s what this guide provides.

state business formation research checklist

The Universal Formation Process

Every state follows the same basic formation process. The details change, but the steps stay the same.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Name

Check name availability in your state. Make sure it’s not already taken. Verify it meets state naming requirements.

Step 2: Select a Registered Agent

Every LLC and corporation needs a registered agent. This person or business receives legal documents on your behalf. You can be your own registered agent, but many founders choose a professional service for privacy and reliability.

Step 3: File Formation Documents

Submit your Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (Corporation) to your state’s Secretary of State office. Pay the required filing fee.

Step 4: Obtain an EIN

Get an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. This is free and takes minutes online.

Step 5: Create Operating Agreement or Bylaws

Draft your operating agreement (LLC) or bylaws (Corporation). These documents govern how your business operates.

Step 6: Stay Compliant

File annual reports. Pay franchise taxes if required. Maintain good standing with your state.

That’s it. Six steps. The rest is just details.

state business formation checklist united states map

State-by-State Checklist

Below is a streamlined checklist for each state. Use this to cut your research time from weeks to hours.

business formation checklist analysis

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Note: California has additional requirements including publication for LLCs in some counties. Check your specific county requirements.

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

Note: New York requires LLCs to publish formation notices in newspapers. This can cost $500-$1,500 depending on county.

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

District of Columbia

Important Note: Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements on your state’s official website before filing.

Common Time-Wasters to Avoid

Here’s what wastes most founders’ research time:

1. Reading the Same Information Multiple Times

You read one article. Then another. Then another. They all say the same thing, but you keep reading to be sure.

Solution: Use this checklist. Trust it. Move forward.

2. Researching Edge Cases You’ll Never Face

You spend hours researching what happens if you have 50 members or want to go public. But you’re a solo founder with no plans to scale.

Solution: Focus on your actual situation. Research edge cases only if you need them.

3. Comparing Every Formation Service

You research LegalZoom. Then Northwest. Then Rocket Lawyer. Then five more. You’re comparing services instead of forming your business.

Solution: Pick one service or file yourself. The differences are minor. The time cost is major.

4. Waiting for Perfect Information

You want to know everything before you file. But you’ll never know everything. And waiting costs you opportunities.

Solution: Get the essentials. File. Learn the rest as you go.

5. Overthinking Entity Choice

You research LLC vs Corporation for weeks. You read every comparison. You still can’t decide.

Solution: For most solo founders, an LLC is the right choice. If you’re not sure, start with an LLC. You can always convert later.

Research vs. Action: When to Stop

Here’s how to know when you’ve researched enough:

You’ve researched enough when:

  • You know your state’s filing fee
  • You know your state’s processing time
  • You know what documents you need to file
  • You know your registered agent requirements
  • You know your annual report deadline

You haven’t researched enough if:

  • You’re still confused about basic requirements
  • You don’t know where to file
  • You don’t know what forms to use

The rule: Research until you can take the next action step. Then take it. Research more only if you hit a blocker.

Most founders research for weeks because they’re afraid to act. But action beats research every time.

Your Next Steps

Stop researching. Start filing.

This Week:

  1. Find your state in the checklist above
  2. Check name availability using your state’s search tool
  3. Choose your registered agent (yourself or a service)
  4. Gather the information you need for your filing

Next Week:

  1. File your Articles of Organization or Incorporation
  2. Get your EIN from the IRS
  3. Create your operating agreement or bylaws
  4. Open your business bank account

That’s it. Two weeks from research to filed. Not two months.

Need more detailed guidance? Check out our complete LLC formation guide for step-by-step instructions.

Ready to protect your privacy and never miss a legal document? Get professional registered agent service for just $125 per year.

Stay informed about business strategies and tools by following us on X (Twitter) and signing up for The Initiative Newsletter.




Sources & Additional Information

This checklist is compiled from official state websites and Secretary of State offices. Fees and processing times are subject to change. Always verify current requirements on your state's official website before filing.

For more detailed information about LLC formation, see our Ultimate Guide to Forming an LLC.

For information about registered agent requirements, see our Registered Agent Service page.

Ask an Expert

Not finding what you're looking for? Send us a message with your questions, and we will get back to you within one business day.

About the Author

jack nicholaisen
Jack Nicholaisen

Jack Nicholaisen is the founder of Businessinitiative.org. After acheiving the rank of Eagle Scout and studying Civil Engineering at Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), he has spent the last 5 years dissecting the mess of informaiton online about LLCs in order to help aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners better understand everything there is to know about starting, running, and growing Limited Liability Companies and other business entities.

linkedin social media twitter social media