Cost to Form an LLC in Michigan

To form a Limited Liability Company in Michigan, file the Articles of Organization with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau. The LLC filing fee is $50.

Approval for the LLC typically takes between 10-15 business days. Expedited service is available to reduce the time to file the LLC. 24-hour service is available for an additional $50, same day service is an additional $100, two-hour service is an additional $500 and one-hour service is available for $1,000. In this situation where the LLC needs to be filed quickly, it is advisable to submit in person at the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs – Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau office located at 2501 Woodlake Circle in Okemos, MI. For more information, contact 517-241-6470.

An out-of-state LLC wanting to do business in Michigan will have to register as a foreign LLC by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority to Transact Business in Michigan (CSCL/CD-760) with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Steps to Form a Michigan LLC

To file an LLC in Michigan, begin by downloading the Articles of Organization (Form CSCL/CD-700) or filing online. This form is for most business activities, however, if this Limited Liability Company will be providing professional services such as a dentist, physician, surgeon, doctor of divinity, attorney, etc, you can use form BCS/CD 701, though it’s not required. This is the filing form for the Professional Limited Liability Company (sometimes called a Professional LLC or PLLC)

Step 1: Name the LLC

Enter the name you want for the LLC. The LLC’s name also has to differ from other entity names registered with the state of Michigan. Check on available Michigan LLC names before filing to be sure the one you want is available.

Additionally, the name of the LLC must include one of the following phrases or abbreviations at the end of the business name:

• • Limited Liability Company
  • L.L.C.
  • LLC
  • L.C.
  • LC

Step 2: Purpose of the LLC

You are allowed to provide more information about what the LLC will do; however, you can keep the included text “The purpose or purposes for which the limited liability company is formed is to engage in any activity within the purposes for which a limited liability company may be formed under the Limited Liability Company Act of Michigan” and not add anything more.

Step 3: Entity Duration

If you intend the business to exist forever, which most businesses leave this field blank. If you have a specific end date in mind (typically used for investment-related businesses) choose a dissolution date.

Step 4: Resident Agent

A Resident Agent (more commonly known as a Registered Agent) must be identified to have an LLC in Michigan for service of process. The Registered Agent can either be a resident of Michigan or a Resident Agent service registered with the state. The agent must have a physical street address in the state to act as a point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc on behalf of the LLC.

Step 5: Additional Provisions

This is an optional section and not used by most LLCs. Here you would include additional rules for the operation of the LLC.

The most common provision would be if the LLC were Manager-Managed. If the LLC is Manager-Managed, meaning the members hired a manager to run the LLC, similar to a CEO of a corporation a statement would need to be included in this Article. It’s more common for an LLC to be Member-Managed, meaning the members (owners) are actively involved in the business’s day-to-day operations.

Step 6: Additional Articles

Additional articles can be added. One common one is a delayed effective date. By default, the LLC is effective on the date submitted. If you prefer to have the LLC officially start at a later date (up to 90 days), enter that date in a new article.

Step 7: Signature

The LLC organizer(s) need to sign the Articles. The organizer(s) are typically the members but can also include or be an attorney, accountant or resident agent.

Step 8: Pay and File

Pay and file the Articles of Organization.

The LLC will be approved in approximately 10-15 business days with standard processing or less with expedited processing.

• Begin by visiting the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website.
• Click on “If you are forming a new entity, click here.”

• • Select Domestic Limited Liability Company, Certificate of Organization

Step 1: Name the LLC

Enter the name you want for the LLC.  The name of the LLC also has to differ from other entity names registered with the Secretary of the Commonwealth Corporations Division.  Learn how to check on available Massachusetts LLC names before filing to ensure the one you want is available.

Additionally, the name of the LLC must include one of the following phrases or abbreviations at the end of the business name:

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Company
• L.L.C.
• LLC
• L.C.
• LC

Step 2: LLC Address

2a. Location of the principal office – In this section, enter the street address, city, state, and zip code of the initial principal office.  This address can be the LLC’s physical address, or it can be the address where the business records are stored.  You may not use a PO Box for the designated office.

2b. Address where records are kept – If the records of the LLC will be kept at a different address, enter that information in section 2b.  If the address is the same as the principal office, click on the “Same Address as” tab to copy the address.

Step 3: Business Description

Provide some basic information about what the business does.  You will need to provide some basic information; otherwise, the LLC filing will be rejected.  If you want to keep the business purpose more open-ended, you can add “and engage in any lawful business activity for which a Limited Liability Company may be organized in Massachusetts” in addition to the original purpose statement.

Step 4: Latest Date of Dissolution

This section is optional if you intend the business to exist forever, which most businesses do.  If you have a specific end date in mind (typically used for investment-related businesses), choose a dissolution date.

Step 5: Registered Agent

To have an LLC in Massachusetts, a Registered Agent must be identified.  The Resident Agent can either be a resident of Massachusetts or a Resident Agent service registered with the state.  The Resident Agent must have a physical street address or business address in the state to act as a point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc. on behalf of the LLC.

The Resident Agent must also provide consent that they are the agent for this LLC.

Step 6: Manager Information

In a Manager-Managed LLC, the members hire a manager to run the LLC, similar to a CEO of a corporation.  It’s more common for an LLC to be Member-Managed. If so, leave this section blank.

Step 7: Authorized Signers

A Member-Managed LLC has members (owners) that are active in the day-to-day operations of the business.  If the LLC is Member-Managed, enter the name and address of each member who is authorized to sign documents of the LLC.  Additionally, if there are non-members, like an attorney or accountant, the members give signing authority to will fill out their information in this section.

Step 8: Authorized Signers for Real Property

If the LLC is involved with buying and selling real property like real estate, enter the name and address of all individuals who are authorized to sign these types of documents.  If the LLC is not involved in real property transactions, skip this step.

Step 9: Additional Matters

This is an optional section and not used by most LLCs.  Here you would include additional rules for the operation of the LLC.

Step 10: Special Filing Instructions

Another optional section that is usually left blank by more filers.

Step 11: Filer’s Contact Information

Enter the name, address, phone, and email of the filer.  If it is the same as a previous section, you can copy and auto-populate the fields.  Should there be any questions during filing, this is the information they will use to contact someone to fix any problems.

In the “Business Name” field, if you are filing individually, leave it blank.   This will only apply if you have someone filing the LLC on your behalf.

Step 12: Signature

Have an individual forming the LLC to sign and accept the terms and conditions.  Click the submit button to save the information and proceed.

Step 13: Review

Review that all of the information is correct.  If there are no corrections, click “Accept.”

Step 14: Pay and File

Pay and file the LLC Certificate of Organization.

In approximately 24-36 hours (during the weekday), the LLC will be approved.

Under the Limited Liability Company Act, Title 4A, LLCs may conduct activities related to any lawful business (with the exception of acting as an insurer), purpose, investment, or activity, whether as a for-profit business or a not-for-profit entity.

The steps for filing a domestic online or by mail are largely the same. The screenshots show filing online.

Businesses offering a professional service can form a Professional Limited Liability Company (also referred to as a Professional LLC or PLLC), but are not required to do so. Some examples of professional services include attorneys, accountants, attorneys, psychologists, real estate brokers, veterinarians, and more. The filing process is very similar.

To get started, register with the Secretary of State’s Maryland Business Express website. Alternatively, you can download the Articles of Organization and file by mail.

Step 1: Create a New Business Filing

To start with the LLC formation process, after registering for an account, go to “Click Here to Create a New Business Filing” on the home page.

Step 2: Select the Business Type

Select the type of business entity you wish to form. In this case, select “Limited Liability Company.”

Step 3: Filing Options

On the next screen, you are asked if you prefer to upload your own documents or use the online forms. Most LLCs will choose “I will use the online forms.”

Step 4: Name the LLC

Enter the name you want for the LLC. This will start a Maryland LLC name search to see if the name is available. The name of the LLC also has to be different from other entities registered with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.

The name of the LLC must also include one of the following phrase or abbreviations at the end of the business name:

• • Limited Liability Company
  • L.L.C.
  • LLC
  • L.C.
  • L C

Step 5: Business Information

Business Address

In this section, enter the street address, city, state, county, and zip code of the initial principal office. This address can be the LLC’s physical address, or it can be the address where the business records are stored. This may not be a PO Box. If there is a mailing address that is different from the Maryland business address, click on the box and enter that address.

Contact Information

Enter the email address and phone number of the main contact should the Secretary of State have questions about filing the LLC.

Description of Business

This is an optional section but is asking for a brief description of what the business does. One to two sentences will be sufficient.

Step 6: Resident Agent

To form an LLC, a Resident Agent in Maryland (called a Registered Agent in many states)will need to be identified. The Resident Agent can either be a resident of Maryland (select “Individual” under “Registered Agent is”) or a registered agent service (select either “Maryland Corporation” or “Maryland LLC” under “Registered Agent is”). The Resident Agent must have a physical address in the state to act as a point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc. on behalf of the LLC. A PO Box won’t be accepted.

Step 7: Contact Information

If you want to add another person to receive contact information from the Secretary of State (usually an accountant or attorney), enter their contact information and return address in this section. If there isn’t a person, skip and hit the “Continue” button.

Step 8: Review

Review that the information is correct. When ready, click on “Proceed to Certification.”

Step 9: Sign and Certify

Authorized Persons – The signature of an authorized person such as a member, attorney, etc. will be needed on the Articles of Organization. At least one person must sign.

Resident Agent Certification – Click on the box to certify the Resident Agent agrees to be the Resident Agent for the LLC.

Filing Party – Enter the name and address of the person filing the articles. This may be the same person as the authorized person and resident agent.

Certified Copy – Click on the check box if you want to receive a certified copy of the articles. A certified copy will cost $20 plus $1 per page.

Step 10: Pay and File

Pay and file the Articles of Organization.

If mailing the LLC form, send the Articles of Organization and payment to:

Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Division
301 W. Preston Street; 8th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201-2395

At the time of filing, you will need to indicate if you are “opting out” of having the original filed documents returned (certified Articles of Organization and Certificate of Status). To get the original documents returned, there is an additional $20 filing fee.

If you have questions, contact the Maryland Secretary of State by phone at 410-767-1340 or email charterhelp@dat.state.md.us.

Cost to Form an LLC in Maine

The LLC filing fee for standard processing is $175, which typically takes 5-10 business days. Expedited processing is available which shortens the approval process to 24 hours for an additional $50 or an additional $100 for 1-hour processing.

Steps to Form a Maine LLC

To get started forming a domestic LLC, download the Certificate of Formation (Form MLLC-6). Foreign LLC’s (only for an LLC that was formed in another state and wants to be located in Maine) will need to file a Statement of Foreign Qualification to Conduct Activities (Form MLLC-12) with the Secretary of State.

Step 1: Name the LLC

When selecting a name for your LLC, it’s important to do a Maine LLC name search before filing to ensure the name you want is available. In Maine, each entity registered with the Secretary of State must have a unique name.

In addition, the name of the LLC must include one of the following words or abbreviations at the end of the business name:

• • Limited Liability Company
  • Liability Company
  • L.L.C.
  • LLC
  • L.C.
  • LC

Step 2: Filing Date

You may list an effective date if you would like the Limited Liability Company´s existence to become effective on a date other than the date of filing.

If an LLC is being created late in the calendar year and doesn´t expect to begin business until after the following year, delaying the start will save money and reporting.

Step 3: Designation as a low-profit LLC

The Secretary of State provides a designation as a low-profit LLC or L3C. The low-profit LLC is a business with a charitable or educational focus but doesn’t want or qualify for not-for-profit status. See more information about the Maine L3C Act.

Step 4: Professional LLC Designation

If any of the business activities require a professional license from the state, this box will need to be checked, and the type of professional service entered. Common licenses professionals need in Maine include accountants, attorneys, veterinarians and many more.

If your business does not need professional licensing, leave this box unchecked.

Step 5: Registered Agent

A Maine Registered Agent must be identified before forming the LLC. The Registered Agent can either be a Commercial or Noncommercial Registered Agent. If a Commercial Registered Agent was hired or you plan to hire one, their CRA public number and the name of their company must be entered. Visit the Bureau of Corporations, Elections & Commissions to do a Commercial Registered Agent search.

A Noncommercial Registered Agent can be a member (owner), friend, family member, attorney, etc. The Registered Agent must have a physical address (PO Boxes are not allowed) in the state to act as a point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc. on behalf of the LLC during business hours. There is an option for a mailing address in addition to the physical address, should you want mail going to a different address.

Step 6: Registered Agent Consent

Before a Registered Agent can be selected, they have to consent to serve as the Registered Agent. Nothing is required to fill out in this step.

Step 7: Other Matters

If there are other rules and regulations the members want to LLC to be bound by, those can be attached as additional exhibits. Most LLCs skip this section.

Step 8: Signature

Have an individual authorized to sign contracts to sign and date the Certificate of Formation. This is typically a member.

Step 9: Filer Contact Cover Letter

The filer contact cover letter (3rd page of the pdf) needs to be filled out and sent along with the Certificate of Formation. Enter:

• • Name of the Entity – Make sure to match the name entered on page 1.
  • Type of Filing – Enter “Certificate of Formation”
  • Special Handling Request and Fee – If you want faster processing, indicate the option by checking the appropriate box.
  • Contact Information – This can be any person, member, or non-member, that can answer questions should the Secretary of State need answers during processing.
  • Address – This does not have to be any of the addresses listed earlier. This address is where the filing will be returned.

Step 10: Pay and Submit

Submit payment and mail the Certificate of Formation to:

Secretary of State
Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0101

If you have questions, contact the Maine Secretary of State by phone at

207-624-7752 or email cec.corporations@maine.gov.

To get started, create an account with the Louisiana GeauxBiz website.

After logging in, select “Getting Started.”

Step 1: Name the LLC

In the list under “What would you like to do?” select Reserve a new business name and click next.

On the next screen, you are asked if you have a FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number).  You don’t want this number yet as if the name you want is already being used, and you will need to change the name later with the IRS.  Select “Start Name Registration” to proceed.

Step 2: Select Entity

Select the type of business entity you intend to form.  In this instance, we are looking at the LLC (Limited Liability Company).

Then choose whether the entity is a “Domestic LLC” or “Foreign LLC.” In this instance, foreign is an entity filed in another state that intends to physically do business in Louisiana (open another branch, hire employees, etc.). 

Choose your responses and then click “Next.”

The Name filing fee is $25.

Step 3: File and Sign the Name Registration

Before filing the name registration, you will want to check for Louisiana LLC name availability.  Names registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State must be unique.  Enter the name of the LLC you want to register to do a name search.  The name of the LLC must also include one of the following phrase or abbreviations at the end of the business name:

• Limited Liability Company
• L.L.C.
• L.C.

One question that may be confusing is, “Said name is requested to be reserved on behalf of.”  In this field, enter the name of a member or manager in the LLC.

If you plan to use a different name from the one that you register (perhaps you want to run multiple businesses under the LLC), you can use a trade name (sometimes referred to as a fictitious business name, assumed name, DBA, or Doing Business As name).  To register a fictitious name, the application for Reservation of Trade Name form, along with the $25 filing fee will need to be sent to the Secretary of State.

In the last field, “Title,” enter Member or Manager.

• Member-Managed LLCs have members (owners) that are active in the day-to-day operations of the business.
• Manager-Managed LLCs have managers hired by the members to run the LLC, similar to a CEO of a corporation.

Step 4: File and Pay for the Name Registration

You do have an option to expedite the name review process from 1-2 business days to only 3 business hours.  This option costs an additional $50.

Step 5: Register for an EIN

After filing the name registration, register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  The EIN is basically a social security number for a business and will be needed before opening a business bank account.  There is no cost to apply, and it takes about 5 minutes to get. 

The EIN or Employer Identification Number (also called a Federal Employer Identification Number, FEIN, or Federal Tax Identification Number) is a unique 9-digit tax identification number assigned to a business by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Similar to a social security number for an individual, the EIN identifies business entities for tax purposes. The EIN will be needed to hire employees, open a bank account, register for business licenses and permits, file federal and state taxes, and more.

There is no cost for the EIN when registering through the IRS. The number is available immediately when applying through the IRS website; however, you can also register by phone, fax, or mailing IRS Form SS-4.

Step 6: Articles of Organization

After registering the name and obtaining an EIN, go back to the GeauxBiz site.

• Click on the “My Businesses” link
• Select your business name
• At the top, click on the “Convert to New Business Registration” button.

Step 7: Doing Business As

If you only plan to use the name that was registered, leave this field blank.  Otherwise, enter the name of your DBA (Doing Business As)

Step 8: Federal Employment Identification Number (FEIN)

Enter the recently acquired FEIN

Step 9: Business Purpose

The first option lists “Engaging in any lawful activity” and is what most LLCs enter.  The other option is to enter information about what the business does.  It’s usually recommended to stay with the first option because if you list a specific business activity and decide to change later, additional filings will be needed to update the Articles of Organization.

Step 10: Duration of the LLC

Most businesses intend to exist forever, and if so, would choose “perpetual.”  If you have a specific end date in mind (typically used for investment-related businesses), choose “Indefinite, dissolves on {specific date}” and enter the closing date.

Step 11: Other Provisions

If there are other operational rules for the LLC to follow that you would like to include in the Articles, add them here.  Most LLCs skip this step.

Step 12: Title

Enter “Member,” “Manager,” or “Organizer.”

• A member is an owner of the LLC.
• A manager is an individual hired by the members to run the LLC, similar to a CEO of a corporation.
• An LLC organizer is someone helping form the LLC, sometimes an attorney or accountant.

Click the “Next” button to continue.

Step 13: Registered Office Location

In this section, enter the street address, city, state, and zip code of the initial registered office.  This address must be located in Louisiana, which can be the Louisiana Limited Liability Company’s physical address, the address where the business records are stored, or the address of the registered agent.  A PO Box may not be used.

Next, enter your phone number and email address.

Step 14: Mailing Address

If you would rather have mail from the Secretary of State go to another address enter that address in this field.  This address can be a PO Box and does not have to be in Louisiana.

Step 15: Registered Agent

A Registered Agent in Louisiana is required to form an LLC for service of process.  The Registered Agent can either be a resident of Louisiana (select “Person”), a commercial registered agent service (select “Service Company”), or an attorney (select “Law Firm”).  The agent must have a physical address in the state to act as a point of contact to receive important legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc. on behalf of the LLC.  A PO Box is not allowed.

Enter the contact information for the selected Registered Agent.

Note – The Louisiana Registered Agent must agree to be the Registered Agent of the LLC by clicking on a link emailed from the Secretary of State.  If the Registered Agent does not accept, the LLC will not be filed. 

Step 16: Names and Addresses of Managers and Members

Enter the name, social security number, role, physical address (no PO Box), and phone number for all of the LLC members and managers.

Step 17: Review

Review the information to ensure it is all correct.

Step 18: Describe your business activity

This section is used to classify the industry the business operates in.  If you choose to list your business industry, select a NAICS Code from the drop-down menu.

The NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code is a six-digit number that classifies and categorizes the different businesses.  This information is used in reporting statistical data for each of the industries in the U.S.  Remember this number as you will need it when filing annual tax returns.  Find your NAICS number here.

Step 19: Tax and Employer Questions

The GeauxBix system connects to various agencies for the new business to register with.  For the purposes of this guide, we have skipped them.

Step 20: Pay and File

Pay and file the LLC’s Articles of Organization.  The processing time for LLC approval is typically 1-2 business days when filing online or around 1 week for mailed in applications.

Mailed in forms will be sent to:

State of Louisiana Secretary of State
P.O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804

To get started, register with the Kentucky OneStop Business Portal. Alternatively, you can download the Articles of Organization PDF and file by mail. If you are starting a business that requires occupational licensing (such as accountants, architects, veterinarians, etc) you will want to instead file for a Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC).

After registering, select Register a new business.

Step 1: Business Formation

You are asked to select the choice that best describes the business or organization you are organizing. Most new LLCs will choose “A business that will be formed in Kentucky.” The other choices are for out-of-state businesses wanting to do business in Kentucky. Assuming your LLC will be located in Kentucky, choose the first.

Next, you are asked to select the business structure. Assuming the chosen entity is an LLC, select “Limited Liability Company” in the drop-down menu.

Step 2: Disclaimer

Read and agree to the disclaimer and then click on the “Next” button.

Step 3: Registration Contact Information

Enter the Name, email address, and phone number of the individuals representing the business. Anybody can be the registrant, including a member, attorney, accountant, friend, etc. Enter the contact information and click on “Add Registration Contact.”

Step 4: Name the LLC

Enter the name you want for the LLC and be sure to follow naming guidelines. The primary naming guideline is that the LLC’s name also has to differ from other entity names registered with the Kentucky Secretary of State. Check on Kentucky LLC name availability before filing.

Next, check the box if this will be a veteran-owned business.

Last, the name of the LLC must include one of the following words or abbreviations from the drop-down menu. Some of the more popular ones are:

• • Limited Liability Company
  • Limited Liability Co.
  • LLC
  • L.L.C.

Enter the name of the LLC you would like to use in the “Business Name” field, accept the terms of the disclaimer, and click “Search.” If the name is available, a message will show up saying the name is available and whether you would like to request that name for the LLC.

If the name is not available, a message saying “Business Name Unavailable or Invalid due to the following reasons.”

Step 5: Registered Agent

To have an LLC in Kentucky, a Registered Agent must be identified. The Kentucky Registered Agent can either be a resident of Kentucky (select “Individual” from the drop-down menu) or a registered agent service (select “Business” from the drop-down menu). The agent must have a physical address in Kentucky and is available during normal business hours to act as a point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc. on behalf of the LLC.

When selecting “Individual” if the registered agent will be the same person in Step 3: Registration Contact Information, select the checkbox to copy that information over. If this is a different person, add their contact information, address, county, email, and phone number.

If you were to hire a registered agent service, their contact information would go in these fields.

In either case, the ATTN field is optional and not used by most when filing the LLC.

Step 6: Principal Office Address

In this section, enter the physical street address, city, state, and zip code of the initial principal office. This address can be the LLC’s physical address, or it can be the address where the business records are stored. This does not have to be an address in Kentucky, but you may not use a PO Box for the designated office.

Step 7: Member-Managed of Manager-Managed

This section asks if the LLC is Member-Managed or Manager-Managed.

• • Member-Managed LLCs have members (owners) that are active in the day-to-day operations of the business.

• • Manager-Managed LLCs have managers hired by the members to run the LLC, similar to a CEO of a corporation.

Most LLCs are member-managed. Select the one that applies and click on “Next.”

Step 8: Business Representative

This section asks for information about the business representative. If one of the members is filling out the Articles of Organization, most will select “Individual” from the first box and LLC Organizer from the second. An additional menu will pop up, asking for contact information. Once entered, click on the “Next” button to continue.

Step 9: Delayed Effective Date

The next step asks about the effective date of the LLC. By default, the LLC is effective on the date submitted. If you prefer to have the LLC officially start at a later date (up to 90 days), select “Yes” to the question “Do you want to enter a delayed effective date and time?” and enter the date and time in the following fields. Otherwise, select “No” and click on “Next” to continue.

Step 10: Business Administrators

One business administrator must be assigned to the Limited Liability Company. Most will select the checkbox to make the business representative be the administrator. Select the checkbox if that is so, otherwise add a new contact for the business administrator.

Step 11: Electronic Signature

Select the name of the business administrator from the drop-down menu and sign the Articles.

Next, the registered agent has to sign as well.

Step 12: Registration Summary

Review that the information is correct. If so, continue.

Step 13: Pay and File

Pay and file the Articles of Organization.

In approximately 24 hours, if filing online or around a week if filing by mail, your new Kentucky Limited Liability Company will be approved.

If mailing the Articles of Organization, send payment to:

Office of the Secretary of State
PO Box 718
Frankfort, KY 40602

Payment will be made to the Kentucky State Treasurer.

If you have questions, contact the Kentucky Secretary of State at 502-564-3490.

A Kansas domestic LLC can be filed online or by mailing in Form DL 51-09.

To file online – Register by signing up with the Kansas Business Center through the State of Kansas. The Kansas Business Center will be used for other business registrations. Register with KanAccess. After registering, choose Kansas Business Center” from the drop-down menu and then click on “Business Entity Formation (AOI).”

Companies offering professional services can form a special type of LLC known as a Professional Association (PA), which are sometimes referred to as a professional LLC. A few types of licensed professional services include accountants, attorneys, architects, real estate brokers and others.

To file by mail – Fill out the Articles of Organization (Form DL 51-09).

Step 1: Name the LLC

Before deciding on a business name, there are a few requirements for naming an LLC in Kansas.

• • The company name of the LLC, which must be unique from other LLCs.
  • The designator Limited Liability Company, Limited Company, LLC, or LC must be used at the end of the LLC’s name.
  • The name may contain the following words: “company,” “association,” “club,” “foundation,” “fund,” “institute,” “society,” “union,” “syndicate,” “limited,” or “trust” (or abbreviations of like import)
  • You can choose to use a comma or not before the designator. For example: “Acme, LLC” and “Acme LLC” are both fine to use.
  • Differences in grammar often do not create distinguishability. For example:

• • • • The singular, plural, and possessive use of a word
      • A, An, or The anywhere in the name
      • The use of and, or, &
      • A written number vs. the number itself. Example one vs. 1

Fortunately, the Kansas Secretary of State makes it easy to search and verify if your LLC name is available in Kansas. Here is more information on how to do an LLC name search in Kansas.

Step 2: Name of Resident Agent & Address of Registered Office

To have an LLC or corporation in the state of Kansas, there must be somebody named as the Resident Agent to serve as service of process, with a physical address to act as a point of contact and receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc. on behalf of the LLC. The Resident Agent is referred to as a Registered Agent in most states.

The Resident Agent needs to be available during normal business hours should the LLC be served with legal documents.

Who can be a resident agent in Kansas?

• • A resident of Kansas with a physical address. This can be the business owner.
  • Or a company that provides resident agent services.

To fill out the second question, enter the name and street address of the resident agent. Remember that this has to be a physical street address since PO Boxes are not allowed.

Step 3: Mailing Address

Enter the name and address of where you want any normal correspondence from the Secretary of State to be sent. This can include the same address as the Resident Agent and include a PO Box, home address, or address outside of Kansas.

Step 4: Tax Closing Month

The tax closing month is the end of the LLCs fiscal year. This date is important for tax filings. Most business owners will choose December for their tax closing month as most businesses run on a calendar fiscal year, January 1 to December 31.

If your LLC will tax a different fiscal year, enter the closing month in this field.

Step 5: Effective Date

The effective date is the day the LLC officially starts. There are two choices.

• • Upon filing – Selecting this will have the LLC start on the day the Kansas Secretary of State processes the Articles of Organization.

• • Future effective date – If you want the LLC to begin at some point in the future, select this option and enter the date the LLC should officially start. This date can’t be more than 90 days from the Secretary of State receiving the Articles of Organization.

Step 6: Signature

Assuming all of the information is correct, sign and date the form.

Step 7: Pay the Secretary of State

If filing by mail, prepare a check or money order made payable to the Kansas Office Secretary of State for $165.

Mail the completed Articles of Organization and filing fee to:

Secretary of State
Memorial Hall, 1st Floor
120 SW 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612-1594

Step 1: LLC Name

In Iowa, each registered LLC must follow naming guidelines such as having a unique name, nor be confusingly similar to other names.  Here, you can check on available Iowa LLC names before filing.

Next, every LLC must include one of the following words or abbreviations at the end of the business name:

Limited Liability Company
Limited Liability Co.
Ltd. Liability Company
Ltd. Liability Co.
LLC
L.L.C.
LC
L.C.

Step 2: Initial Registered Office Address

The initial registered office address can be the physical address of the business or the address where the business records are stored.  A P.O. Box may not be used.

Step 3: Registered Agent

To have an LLC in Iowa, a Registered Agent must be identified.  The registered agent can either be a resident of Iowa or a registered agent service.  The agent must have a physical street address in the state to act as a point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc. on behalf of the LLC.

Step 4: Effective Date (optional)

If you want to file the LLC but not want it to start until a date in the future, you can add a section stating the LLC’s effective date.  By default, the LLC is effective on the date submitted.  If you prefer to have the LLC officially start at a later date (up to 90 days), enter that date and time in these fields.

Step 5: Signature

Review the information, and the LLC organizer (could be a member, attorney, or individual helping form the LLC) will sign and date the Certificate of Organization.

Step 6: Pay and Send

The next step is to send in the Certificate of Organization.

By Mail: 

Prepare a check or money order made out to “Iowa Secretary of State” and mail to

Secretary of State – Business Services Division
Lucas Building, 1st Floor
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319

Online:

Scan the completed Certificate of Organization, upload to the Secretary of State website and pay via credit card – https://sos.iowa.gov/file/origination/index.aspx

By Fax:

Download the Credit Card Authorization Form – https://sos.iowa.gov/business/pdf/CCAUTH2.pdf

Then fax the completed Certificate of Organization and Credit Card Authorization Form to the Secretary of State at 515-242-5953.

To get started, register with Indiana INBiz. Alternatively, you can download the Articles of Organization (Form 49459).

Starting at INBiz, select “Start a New Business” and sign up for a new account.

After registering,

1. Select “Start a New Business” in the top menu
2. Click on the “Next” button in the lower right.
3. You can choose “Business Wizard” or “Frequent User.”  For this step-by-step guide, we chose “Frequent User.”
4. Next, you will select your business entity—Select Limited Liability Company in the Domestic Entity Type column.

Step 1: Register a Business Name

You are asked whether a name has been reserved for the LLC.  This isn’t a requirement to be done ahead of time and if it hasn’t been reserved, select “No.”

Next, you will search for available LLC names.  The LLC’s name has to differ from other entity names registered with the Indiana Secretary of State.  Here, you can do an Indiana LLC name search before filing.

The name of the LLC must include one of the following designators (words or abbreviations) at the end of the business name:

• Limited Liability Company
• L.L.C.
• LLC

Enter a business name with the designator to check if the name is available. If the name search comes back as available, click Next.

Step 2: Business Information

Enter an email for the Secretary of State to communicate information regarding the LLC.

Step 3: – Period of Duration

This question on the LLC’s duration is to choose a date in the future when the LLC will close. Most businesses don’t have a set date in mind when they expect to shut down and would choose “Perpetual.”  If you do have a specific end date (typically used for investment-related businesses), choose the date the business will close.

Step 4: Effective Date

The next area asks about the effective date of the LLC.  By default, the LLC is effective on the date submitted.  If you prefer to have, the LLC officially start at a later date (up to 90 days), enter that date and time in these fields.

Step 5: Principal Office Address

In this section, enter the street address, city, state, and zip code of the initial principal office.  This address can be the LLC’s physical address or the address where the business records are stored.  The Principal Office Address does not have to be in Indiana.

Step 6: Registered Agent

To have an LLC in Indiana, a Registered Agent must be identified for service of process.  The Registered Agent can either be a resident of Indiana (select “Individual” and create a new agent) or a registered agent service (select “Business,” enter their name and search).  The agent must have a physical address in the state to act as a point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc. on behalf of the LLC.

Step 7: Manager / Member Information

This section asks if the LLC is Member-Managed or Manager-Managed.

• Member-Managed LLCs have members (owners) that are active in the day-to-day operations of the business.
• Manager-Managed LLCs have managers hired by the members to run the LLC, similar to a CEO of a corporation.

Most LLCs are not managed by managers.

The next question is optional and asks if the LLC is a Single-Member LLC.  A Single-Member LLC is simply one that is owned by one person.

Step 8: Principal Information

Enter the title, name, and address of the principal’s of the LLC.  A principal is an officer, director, board member, partner, etc. in the business.  This is an optional section.

Step 9: Attachments

Attachments are additional rules or requirements for the LLC.  This is optional, and many LLCs down add additional articles.

Step 10: Review

Review the information to ensure it is correct.

Step 11: Signature

Review the terms, and someone with the authority to sign on behalf of the LLC will sign and provide their title.

Step 12: Pay

Pay and file the Indiana Articles of Organization.

In approximately 24 hours is filing online or around one week if filing by mail, the LLC will be approved.

If mailing the LLC-1 form, send payment to:

Indiana Secretary of State – Business Services Division
302 West Washington Street
Room E-018
Indianapolis, IN 46204

If you have questions, contact the Indiana Secretary of State by phone at 317-234-9768 or by email at https://faqs.in.gov/hc/en-us/requests/new

The following steps are to create a domestic LLC, which is the most common filing. We have more information about forming a foreign LLC (an out-of-state LLC wanting approval to operate in the state) or a professional LLC (designated for LLCs offering professional services).

To get started, you can apply on the Illinois Secretary of State’s website or file Form LLC-5.5.

Step 1: Choose the type of LLC

Indicate whether you wish to establish a “standard” or domestic limited liability company or a limited liability company that has the ability to establish as a series LLC.

A limited liability company with the ability to establish a series, commonly referred to as a “Series LLC,” has the ability to essentially create a mini LLC within the larger LLC umbrella. Real estate investors will often use the Series LLC to protect each property individually.

Step 2: Provisions

Read over the provisions. Agree to continue.

Step 3: Name the LLC

Enter the name you want for the LLC. The name of the LLC also has to differ from other entity names in the state of Illinois. Learn how to check LLC name availability in Illinois.

The name of the LLC must include one of the following designators at the end of the business name:

• • Limited Liability Company
  • LLC
  • L.L.C.
  • L3C

Step 4: Principal Place of Business

In this section, enter the street address, city, state, and zip code of the initial principal office (sometimes referred to as the registered office address). This address can be the LLC’s physical address, the address where the business records are stored, or the address of the registered agent.

Step 5: Registered Agent

To have an LLC in Illinois, an Illinois Registered Agent must be identified for service of process. This can either be a resident of Illinois or a commercial registered agent service and must have a physical street address in the state to act as a point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc. on behalf of the LLC. A PO Box is not allowed.

You can act as your own registered agent in Illinois and you are not required to pay for a registered agent.

Step 6: Names and Addresses of Managers and Members

This section is looking for the names and addresses of managers and/or members with the authority of manager.

• • Member-Managed LLCs have members (owners) that are active in the day-to-day operations of the business.
  • Manager-Managed LLCs have managers hired by the LLC members to run the business, similar to a CEO of a corporation.

If the LLC is Member-Managed, all of the members would typically be entered. If there is only one member, enter that member’s information. Member-Managed LLCs would enter the name of the manager(s).

Step 7: Organizer’s Signature

The Organizer is someone who is involved with the LLC formation. The Organizer may or may not be a member, such as a mentor, attorney, or accountant, but the initial member(s) could be listed as an organizer.

If the organizer agrees to the terms, they will sign and provide their contact information.

Step 8: Review

Review the information to ensure it is all correct.

Step 9: Select Processing

Choosing “no expedited service” saves $100, in filing fees, but the application won’t be reviewed for 10 business days, resulting in a total processing time of 3-4 weeks. Requesting expedited service will reduce the time of reviewing the application down to 24 hours, resulting in the LLC’s total processing time to 1-2 business days.

Step 10: Pay and File the Articles of Organization

Pay and file the Illinois Articles of Organization.

If mailing the LLC form, send 2 copies of the Articles of Organization and payment of state fees to:

Secretary of State
Department of Business Services
Limited Liability Division
501 S 2nd Street, Room 351
Springfield, IL 62756