The Business Formation Podcast

The Business Formation Podcast
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  • Entrepreneurship

The Business Formation Podcast is a plain-English guide to starting a U.S. company. Each episode answers one question founders actually search for: how to start an LLC in your state, what it really costs, which registered agent to use, and which formation services are worth the money. Hosts Dan and Maya walk through the real numbers: state filing fees, annual report deadlines, registered agent renewal prices, and the add-ons that turn a $99 teaser into a much bigger bill. Services are ranked by what you pay over three years, not by the first-year price. We cover all 50 states, plus national roundups and episodes for non-U.S. founders forming an American LLC. State fees come from official state sources, and company prices come from each company's own pricing page at the time of recording. Nothing in this show is legal or tax advice.

  1. 2d ago

    How to Start an LLC in Wisconsin (2026)

    To start an LLC in Wisconsin, you file Articles of Organization, Form 502, with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The fee is $130 online, or $170 on paper. Every step for 2026, including the registered agent rules, the $25 annual report due by the end of your anniversary quarter, and the three best ways to have it filed for you. The 3 best ways to file in Wisconsin (2026) Mainstay Filing (our pick): $199/yr + state fee ($329 at checkout with Wisconsin's $130 online fee). Includes your Form 502 filed, your EIN application, your registered agent every year and your annual report filed in your anniversary quarter. Renews at $199/yr. https://www.mainstayfiling.com/wisconsin/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-wisconsin WI Registered Agent.org: $199 + state fee ($329 at checkout). Prepares and files your Articles of Organization, with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.wiregisteredagent.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-wisconsin Wisconsin Registered Agent.co: $199 + state fee ($329 at checkout). Forms your Wisconsin LLC with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.wisconsinregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-wisconsin Chapters 0:00 The short answer0:33 Step 1: Choose a name0:59 Step 2: Pick a registered agent1:36 Step 3: File Form 5022:06 Step 4: Write an operating agreement2:32 Step 5: Get a free EIN2:50 Step 6: File the annual report3:16 What it costs3:45 Rush options4:12 The agent rules in detail4:50 Paper or online5:19 Planning your annual report5:48 Your first-year checklist6:04 The 3 best ways to file in Wisconsin7:24 Three years of service fees7:50 Recap Wisconsin LLC facts (checked October 7, 2026) Filing: Articles of Organization, Form 502, with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI): $130 online, $170 on paper. Online filings are usually accepted on receipt; next-day expedite $100, in-person 4-hour $250. Name: must include "limited liability company," "limited company," "LLC" or "LC"; reservation $15 for 120 days. Registered agent: a Wisconsin resident or an authorized business, with an email address and a physical Wisconsin street address (not solely a P.O. box or mailbox service); the LLC can't be its own agent. Change online: $10. Operating agreement: not filed; a Wisconsin LLC is member-managed unless a written operating agreement says otherwise. EIN: free from the IRS at IRS.gov. Annual report: $25 online, each year after the formation year, due by the end of the calendar quarter of the anniversary. Missing it makes the LLC delinquent; a year overdue can lead to administrative dissolution after a 60-day notice. No beneficial ownership (BOI) report for U.S. companies (FinCEN). Sources Wisconsin DFI, fees: https://dfi.wi.gov/Pages/BusinessServices/BusinessEntities/Fees.aspx Form 502, Articles of Organization (PDF): https://dfi.wi.gov/Documents/BusinessServices/BusinessEntities/Forms/CORP502.pdf DFI file online: https://dfi.wi.gov/Pages/BusinessServices/BusinessEntities/FileOnline.aspx DFI FAQ: https://dfi.wi.gov/Pages/BusinessServices/BusinessEntities/FAQ.aspx Wis. Stat. § 183.0115 (registered agent): https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/183/i/0115 IRS, Get an EIN: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number FinCEN, BOI: https://www.fincen.gov/boi Company prices from each company's own page and checkout, October 7, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.

  2. 2d ago

    How to Start an LLC in West Virginia (2026)

    To start an LLC in West Virginia, you file Articles of Organization, Form LLD-1, with the West Virginia Secretary of State. The fee is $100, plus $1 if you file online. Every step for 2026, including the optional agent, the State Tax Division registration, the $25 annual report due by June 30, and the three best ways to have it filed for you. The 3 best ways to file in West Virginia (2026) Mainstay Filing (our pick): $199/yr + state fee ($300 at checkout with West Virginia's $101 online fee). Includes your Articles of Organization filed, your EIN application, your agent for service of process every year and your annual report filed. Renews at $199/yr. https://www.mainstayfiling.com/west-virginia/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-west-virginia WV Registered Agent.org: $199 + state fee ($300 at checkout). Prepares and files your Articles of Organization, with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.wvregisteredagent.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-west-virginia West Virginia Registered Agent.co: $199 + state fee ($300 at checkout). Forms your West Virginia LLC with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.westvirginiaregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-west-virginia Chapters 0:00 The short answer0:29 Step 1: Choose a name0:52 Step 2: Decide on an agent1:29 Step 3: File Form LLD-11:58 Step 4: Write an operating agreement2:14 Step 5: Get a free EIN and register for state tax2:50 Step 6: File the annual report3:15 What it costs3:43 Rush options4:14 Skipping the agent: the trade-off4:43 State business registration5:30 Planning your first annual report6:00 Your first-year checklist6:21 The 3 best ways to file in West Virginia7:42 Three years of service fees8:06 Recap West Virginia LLC facts (checked October 7, 2026) Filing: Form LLD-1, Articles of Organization, with the West Virginia Secretary of State: $100, plus $1 online through the One Stop Business Portal; paper by mail or in person. Standard processing 5 to 10 business days; next business day $25 extra (2-hour $250, 1-hour $500). Name: must end with "limited liability company," "limited company," "L.L.C.," "LLC," "L.C." or "LC." Reservation: 120 days, $15. Agent for service of process: optional in West Virginia; without one, service goes through the Secretary of State to the principal office. An agent can be an individual resident or a company. Add or change: $15 (Form AAO). Form LLD-1 must list the names and addresses of all members or managers, or it's rejected. It's a public document. Operating agreement: not filed. EIN: free from the IRS at IRS.gov. Business registration certificate from the WV State Tax Division: $30 in most cases. Annual report: January 1 to June 30 each year after the formation year, $25 (online through One Stop); after June 30, $75 including a $50 late fee; continued failure can lead to administrative dissolution. No beneficial ownership (BOI) report for U.S. companies (FinCEN). Sources West Virginia Form LLD-1 (PDF): https://sos.wv.gov/media/282/download?inline= WV Secretary of State fee schedule (PDF): https://sos.wv.gov/media/335/download?inline= Register a new WV business: https://sos.wv.gov/register-new-wv-business WV limited liability companies: https://sos.wv.gov/limited-liability-companies WV annual reports: https://sos.wv.gov/business/updates-and-changes/annual-reports WV expedite service: https://sos.wv.gov/business/general-information/expedite-service WV State Tax Division, business registration: https://tax.wv.gov/Business/BusinessRegistration/Pages/BusinessRegistrationQuestionsAndAnswers.aspx IRS, Get an EIN: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number FinCEN, BOI: https://www.fincen.gov/boi Company prices from each company's own page and checkout, October 7, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.

  3. 2d ago

    How to Start an LLC in Vermont (2026)

    To start an LLC in Vermont, you file Articles of Organization online with the Vermont Secretary of State, and the fee is $155. Every step for 2026, including the $45 annual report, the $250 business entity income tax minimum, and the three best ways to have it filed for you. The 3 best ways to file in Vermont (2026) Mainstay Filing (our pick): $199/yr + state fee ($354 at checkout with Vermont's $155 fee). Includes your Articles of Organization filed, your EIN application, your registered agent every year and your annual report filed. Renews at $199/yr. https://www.mainstayfiling.com/vermont/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-vermont VT Registered Agent.org: $199 + state fee ($354 at checkout). Prepares and files your Articles of Organization, with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.vtregisteredagent.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-vermont Vermont Registered Agent.co: $199 + state fee ($354 at checkout). Forms your Vermont LLC with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.vermontregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-vermont Chapters 0:00 The short answer0:29 Step 1: Choose a name1:02 Step 2: Name a registered agent1:34 Step 3: File the Articles online1:55 Step 4: Write an operating agreement2:16 Step 5: Get a free EIN, and know the tax minimum2:53 Step 6: File the annual report3:24 What it costs3:47 Fiscal year and your due date4:08 The $250 income tax minimum4:39 Choosing an agent in Vermont5:01 When an LLC is terminated5:34 Online or mail, side by side5:55 Your first-year checklist6:14 The 3 best ways to file in Vermont7:38 Three years of service fees8:01 Recap Vermont LLC facts (checked October 7, 2026) Filing: Articles of Organization with the Vermont Secretary of State through the Online Business Service Center: $155, no extra fee online. Online filing normally takes less than 1 business day; mailed filings 7 to 10 business days. Name: must contain "limited liability company," "limited company," "L.L.C.," "LLC," "L.C." or "LC" and be distinguishable in the records. Reservation: 120 days, $25. Registered agent: a Vermont resident or a business registered and active in Vermont (not the LLC itself), with a street and mailing address in Vermont. Change: $35. Operating agreement: not filed. EIN: free from the IRS at IRS.gov. Vermont business entity income tax (BI-471): generally a $250 minimum; single-member disregarded LLCs don't file BI-471. Annual report: within three months after the fiscal year end on record (March 31 for a calendar year), $45, online. No late fee; unfiled reports end good standing and terminate the LLC; reinstatement $35 plus $45 per missed year. No beneficial ownership (BOI) report for U.S. companies (FinCEN). Sources Vermont Secretary of State, LLC formation: https://sos.vermont.gov/business-services/business-filings/domestic-formation/llc/ Fees and statutes: https://sos.vermont.gov/business-services/fees-statutes/ Registered office and agent filings: https://sos.vermont.gov/business-services/business-filings/registered-office-agent-filings/ Annual and biennial reports: https://sos.vermont.gov/business-services/business-filings/annualbiennial-reports/ Reinstatements: https://sos.vermont.gov/business-services/business-filings/reinstatements/ Vermont business entity income tax: https://tax.vermont.gov/business/business-entity-income-tax IRS, Get an EIN: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number FinCEN, BOI: https://www.fincen.gov/boi Company prices from each company's own page and checkout, October 7, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.

  4. 2d ago

    How to Start an LLC in Utah (2026)

    To start an LLC in Utah, you file a Certificate of Organization online with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code, and the fee is $59. Every step for 2026, including the $18 annual renewal, the agent rules, and the three best ways to have it filed for you. The 3 best ways to file in Utah (2026) Mainstay Filing (our pick): $199/yr + state fee ($258 at checkout with Utah's $59 fee). Includes your Certificate of Organization filed, your EIN application, your registered agent every year and your annual renewal filed on time. Renews at $199/yr. https://www.mainstayfiling.com/utah/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-utah UT Registered Agent.org: $199 + state fee ($258 at checkout). Prepares and files your Certificate of Organization, with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.utregisteredagent.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-utah Utah Registered Agent.co: $199 + state fee ($258 at checkout). Forms your Utah LLC with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.utahregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-utah Chapters 0:00 The short answer0:29 Step 1: Choose a name0:57 Step 2: Name a registered agent1:27 Step 3: File the Certificate of Organization1:57 Step 4: Write an operating agreement2:19 Step 5: Get a free EIN2:47 Step 6: File the annual renewal3:18 What it costs3:45 What a missed renewal costs4:22 Expedited processing and manual review4:55 What the Certificate puts on the record5:18 The agent question in Utah5:40 Your first-year checklist5:59 The 3 best ways to file in Utah7:21 Three years of service fees7:47 Recap Utah LLC facts (checked October 7, 2026) Filing: Certificate of Organization through Utah's Business Registration System (UtahID login): $59. Most online filings are processed immediately; manual reviews take longer. Expedited processing $75. Name: must contain "limited liability company," "limited company," "L.L.C.," "LLC," "L.C." or "LC"; no corporation, incorporated, partnership or L.P. Reservation: 120 days, $22. Registered agent: a commercial registered agent, or a noncommercial agent with a Utah street address; designating one affirms consent. Change: $17. Operating agreement: not filed. EIN: free from the IRS at IRS.gov. Annual renewal (annual report): $18, due by the last day of the anniversary month; late fee $10. 60 days late can lead to administrative dissolution; reinstatement $54 plus $18 per missed year and a $10 delinquency fee. No beneficial ownership (BOI) report for U.S. companies (FinCEN). Sources Utah Division of Corporations, domestic LLC: https://commerce.utah.gov/corporations/business-entities/domestic-limited-liability-company/ Fee schedule (PDF): https://commerce.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/currentfees.pdf Renewal process: https://corporations.utah.gov/renewal-process/ Business Registration System: https://businessregistration.utah.gov/ Utah Code Title 16, Chapter 1a: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title16/Chapter1A/16-1a.html IRS, Get an EIN: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number FinCEN, BOI: https://www.fincen.gov/boi Company prices from each company's own page and checkout, October 7, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.

  5. 2d ago

    How to Start an LLC in South Dakota (2026)

    To start an LLC in South Dakota, you file Articles of Organization online with the South Dakota Secretary of State, and the fee is $150. Every step for 2026, including the $55 annual report in your anniversary month, the agent rules, and the three best ways to have it filed for you. The 3 best ways to file in South Dakota (2026) Mainstay Filing (our pick): $199/yr + state fee ($349 at checkout with South Dakota's $150 fee). Includes your Articles of Organization filed, your EIN application, your registered agent every year and your annual report filed. Renews at $199/yr. https://www.mainstayfiling.com/south-dakota/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-south-dakota SD Registered Agent.org: $199 + state fee ($349 at checkout). Prepares and files your Articles of Organization, with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.sdregisteredagent.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-south-dakota South Dakota Registered Agent.co: $199 + state fee ($349 at checkout). Forms your South Dakota LLC with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.southdakotaregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-south-dakota Chapters 0:00 The short answer0:30 Step 1: Choose a name0:59 Step 2: Name a registered agent1:34 Step 3: File the Articles online2:05 Step 4: Write an operating agreement2:26 Step 5: Get a free EIN2:49 Step 6: File the annual report3:27 What it costs3:51 A new due date coming in 20274:16 Noncommercial or commercial agent4:48 Online or paper, side by side5:20 Staying out of delinquency5:48 Your first-year checklist6:05 The 3 best ways to file in South Dakota7:31 Three years of service fees7:56 Recap South Dakota LLC facts (checked October 7, 2026) Filing: Articles of Organization with the South Dakota Secretary of State through Business Services Online: $150 ($165 on paper). Online filings are processed immediately; paper averages 1 to 3 business days. Name: must contain "limited liability company," "limited company," "L.L.C.," "LLC," "L.C." or "LC" and be distinguishable on the records. Reservation: 120 days, $25. Registered agent: a noncommercial agent (a South Dakota resident or a business registered in South Dakota) or a commercial registered agent, with both a physical and a mailing address in South Dakota. Change: $10 online. Owners aren't filed; the Articles list the organizers. Operating agreement: internal, not filed. EIN: free from the IRS at IRS.gov. Annual report: due the 1st day of the anniversary month each year, $55 online ($70 paper); delinquent two months later with a $55 late fee; continued delinquency can lead to administrative dissolution; reinstatement $150 with a tax clearance certificate. From January 1, 2027 (SDCL 59-11-25), new entities can choose a January 31 due date instead. No beneficial ownership (BOI) report for U.S. companies (FinCEN). Sources South Dakota Articles of Organization (PDF): https://sdsos.gov/docs/business/llc-domestic-articlesoforganization.pdf SD Secretary of State filing fees: https://sdsos.gov/general-information/filing-fees.aspx SD business services FAQ: https://sdsos.gov/business-services/corporations/contact.aspx Business Services Online, registration: https://sosenterprise.sd.gov/BusinessServices/Business/RegistrationInstr.aspx SDCL 47-34A-105 (name): https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/47-34A-105.html SDCL 59-11-25 (annual report timing): https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/59-11-25.html IRS, Get an EIN: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number FinCEN, BOI: https://www.fincen.gov/boi Company prices from each company's own page and checkout, October 7, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.

  6. 2d ago

    How to Start an LLC in South Carolina (2026)

    To start an LLC in South Carolina, you file Articles of Organization, Form F0006, with the South Carolina Secretary of State, and the filing fee is $110. Every step for 2026, including why a standard South Carolina LLC files no annual report, the agent rules, and the three best ways to have it filed for you. The 3 best ways to file in South Carolina (2026) Mainstay Filing (our pick): $199/yr + state fee ($309 at checkout with South Carolina's $110 fee). Includes your Form F0006 filed, your EIN application and your registered agent every year. Renews at $199/yr. https://www.mainstayfiling.com/south-carolina/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-south-carolina SC Registered Agent.org: $199 + state fee ($309 at checkout). Prepares and files your Articles of Organization, with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.scregisteredagent.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-south-carolina South Carolina Registered Agent.co: $199 + state fee ($309 at checkout). Forms your South Carolina LLC with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.southcarolinaregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-south-carolina Chapters 0:00 The short answer0:33 Step 1: Choose a name1:09 Step 2: Name a registered agent1:49 Step 3: File the Articles2:15 Step 4: Write an operating agreement2:41 Step 5: Get a free EIN3:09 Step 6: No annual report, but keep your agent current3:58 What it costs4:20 Why the agent matters more here4:51 Corporate tax treatment5:23 What you'll see on the public record5:44 Your first-year checklist6:07 The 3 best ways to file in South Carolina7:15 Three years of service fees7:51 Recap South Carolina LLC facts (checked October 7, 2026) Filing: Articles of Organization, Form F0006, $110 (S.C. Code 33-44-1204), online through Business Entities Online (faster) or by mail in two copies; the same fee either way. Name: must include "limited liability company," "limited company," "LLC," "L.L.C.," "LC" or "L.C."; reservation $25 for a nonrenewable 120 days. Registered agent (agent for service of process): a South Carolina resident or a business authorized in the state, at a South Carolina street address; the agent signs the Articles. Change later: $10. Operating agreement: need not be in writing under S.C. Code 33-44-103; not filed. EIN: free from the IRS at IRS.gov. Annual report: none for a standard LLC. An LLC taxed as a corporation files Form CL-1 with SCDOR ($25 minimum license fee). Unpaid state fees can lead to dissolution after a 60-day notice. No beneficial ownership (BOI) report for U.S. companies (FinCEN). Sources SC Secretary of State, Business Entities Online: https://businessfilings.sc.gov/ Form F0006, Articles of Organization: https://businessfilings.sc.gov/BusinessFiling/Entity/DownloadForm?formName=F0006&entityType=2&filingType=Articles+of+Organization S.C. Code Title 33 Chapter 44: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t33c044.php SCDOR corporate FAQ: https://dor.sc.gov/business-income-taxes/corporate/corporate-faqs IRS, Get an EIN: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number FinCEN, BOI: https://www.fincen.gov/boi Company prices from each company's own page and checkout, October 7, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.

  7. 2d ago

    How to Start an LLC in Rhode Island (2026)

    To start an LLC in Rhode Island, you file Articles of Organization on Form 400 with the Rhode Island Department of State, and pay $150, or $156 online. Every step for 2026, including the $400 minimum tax, the annual report due by May 1, and the three best ways to have it filed for you. The 3 best ways to file in Rhode Island (2026) Mainstay Filing (our pick): $199/yr + state fee ($355 at checkout with Rhode Island's $156 online fee). Includes your Articles of Organization filed, your EIN application, your resident agent every year and your annual report filed. Renews at $199/yr. https://www.mainstayfiling.com/rhode-island/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-rhode-island RI Registered Agent.org: $199 + state fee ($355 at checkout). Prepares and files your Articles of Organization, with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.riregisteredagent.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-rhode-island Rhode Island Registered Agent.co: $199 + state fee ($355 at checkout). Forms your Rhode Island LLC with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.rhodeislandregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-rhode-island Chapters 0:00 The short answer0:32 Step 1: Choose a name0:53 Step 2: Name a resident agent1:23 Step 3: File Form 4001:50 Step 4: Write an operating agreement2:07 Step 5: Get a free EIN2:31 Step 6: Pay the minimum tax2:53 Step 7: File the annual report3:18 What it costs3:49 Online, mail, or in person4:16 The minimum tax over time4:55 The late annual report5:35 Choosing your agent5:56 First-year checklist6:17 The 3 best ways to file in Rhode Island7:38 Three years of service fees8:03 Recap Rhode Island LLC facts (checked October 7, 2026) Filing: Form 400, Articles of Organization, with the Rhode Island Department of State, Business Services Division: $150 by mail or in person, $156 online (a $6 enhanced fee). The Division says it processes filings within two business days (its start page says one to three). No mailed confirmation; check the corporate database. Name: must end with "limited liability company" or "LLC" (with or without punctuation) and be distinguishable on the records. Reservation: 120 days, $50. Resident agent: a Rhode Island resident or an entity authorized in Rhode Island, at a Rhode Island street address (no P.O. boxes or virtual addresses), reachable 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Changing the agent's name: $20. Members aren't listed on the Articles; ownership is documented in the operating agreement, which isn't filed. EIN: free from the IRS at IRS.gov. The tax box on the Articles isn't sent to the IRS. Minimum tax: $400 a year to the Division of Taxation (Form RI-1065 for LLCs not taxed as corporations), not prorated, owed even with no profit. Annual report: February 1 to May 1 each year after the formation year, $50 ($52.50 online). $25 penalty applied June 1; unfiled reports can lead to revocation; reinstatement starts with a $50 Letter of Good Standing from the Division of Taxation. No beneficial ownership (BOI) report for U.S. companies (FinCEN). Sources Rhode Island Form 400 (PDF): https://docs.sos.ri.gov/documents/BusinessServices/400-articles-of-organization.pdf LLC Articles of Organization filing guide (PDF): https://docs.sos.ri.gov/documents/BusinessServices/LLCArticlesOfOrganizationFilingGuide.pdf Costs and fees: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/business-basics/costs-and-fees Start your Rhode Island business: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/ri-business/start-your-rhode-island-business File your annual report: https://www.sos.ri.gov/divisions/business-services/ri-business/file-your-annual-report RI Division of Taxation, filing requirements: https://tax.ri.gov/tax-sections/corporate-tax/tax-filing-requirements IRS, Get an EIN: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number FinCEN, BOI: https://www.fincen.gov/boi Company prices from each company's own page and checkout, October 7, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.

  8. 2d ago

    How to Start an LLC in Oregon (2026)

    To start an LLC in Oregon, you file Articles of Organization with the Oregon Secretary of State's Corporation Division, and the fee is $100. Every step for 2026, including the $100 annual report on your anniversary, the agent rules, and the three best ways to have it filed for you. The 3 best ways to file in Oregon (2026) Mainstay Filing (our pick): $199/yr + state fee ($299 at checkout with Oregon's $100 fee). Includes your Articles filed, your EIN application, your registered agent every year and your annual report filed by your anniversary. Renews at $199/yr. https://www.mainstayfiling.com/oregon/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-oregon OR Registered Agent.org: $199 + state fee ($299 at checkout). Prepares and files your Articles of Organization, with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.orregisteredagent.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-oregon Oregon Registered Agent.co: $199 + state fee ($299 at checkout). Forms your Oregon LLC with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.oregonregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-oregon Chapters 0:00 The short answer0:28 Step 1: Choose a name0:58 Step 2: Name a registered agent1:26 Step 3: File the Articles1:57 Step 4: Write an operating agreement2:18 Step 5: Get a free EIN2:47 Step 6: File the annual report3:18 What it costs3:41 Why the agent rules matter4:10 Reading the renewal notice4:36 What goes on the public record5:09 Name rules in more detail5:41 Timing your filing6:00 First-year checklist6:16 The 3 best ways to file in Oregon7:32 Three years of service fees7:58 Recap Oregon LLC facts (checked October 7, 2026) Filing: Articles of Organization with the Oregon Secretary of State, Corporation Division, online through the Oregon Business Registry or by mail: $100. Current estimate for online filings: 1 to 3 business days; no expedite. Name: must contain "Limited Liability Company," "LLC" or "L.L.C."; no corporation, Inc., Ltd. and similar words. Reservation: optional, $100 for 120 days. Registered agent: an individual or business at a physical Oregon street address where the agent is located during normal business hours; not a mail drop or virtual office; the LLC can't be its own agent; consent required. Change: free. The Articles also list an individual with direct knowledge of the business (ORS 63.047). Operating agreement: not filed; may be written or oral. EIN: free from the IRS at IRS.gov. Annual report (renewal): $100, due on the anniversary of the original filing; notices about 45 days ahead. Missed reports can lead to administrative dissolution after 45 days' notice; reinstatement within 5 years. No beneficial ownership (BOI) report for U.S. companies (FinCEN). Sources Oregon Articles of Organization (PDF): https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Documents/business-registry-forms/llc-articles.pdf Business Registry fee schedule (PDF): https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Documents/business-registry-forms/br-fee-schedule.pdf Oregon Secretary of State, business: https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/default.aspx Registered agents: https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/registered-agents-service-of-process.aspx Business FAQ: https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/faq.aspx ORS chapter 63: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors063.html IRS, Get an EIN: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number FinCEN, BOI: https://www.fincen.gov/boi Company prices from each company's own page and checkout, October 7, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.

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About

The Business Formation Podcast is a plain-English guide to starting a U.S. company. Each episode answers one question founders actually search for: how to start an LLC in your state, what it really costs, which registered agent to use, and which formation services are worth the money. Hosts Dan and Maya walk through the real numbers: state filing fees, annual report deadlines, registered agent renewal prices, and the add-ons that turn a $99 teaser into a much bigger bill. Services are ranked by what you pay over three years, not by the first-year price. We cover all 50 states, plus national roundups and episodes for non-U.S. founders forming an American LLC. State fees come from official state sources, and company prices come from each company's own pricing page at the time of recording. Nothing in this show is legal or tax advice.

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  • Creator
    The Business Formation Podcast
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    103
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    Clean
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    © 2026 The Business Formation Podcast
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    The Business Formation Podcast