Journal
Plain answers for new business owners.
How to form, file and stay in good standing, written for people starting their first business. New articles every month.
Opening a business bank account: what banks ask for and how to prepare
Banks ask for more than a photo ID when you open a business account. The documents to bring, the questions to expect and the snags that delay approval.
Read the articleWhen does an S-Corp election make sense for your LLC?
An S-Corp election can cut self-employment tax, but only when profit comfortably covers a reasonable salary and the extra costs. How to tell if your LLC is ready.
September 8, 20266 min readStarting outDelaware, Wyoming or your home state: where should you form your LLC?
Delaware and Wyoming get the hype, but most small businesses are better off forming at home. How foreign registration works and when another state really pays off.
August 11, 20266 min readComplianceAnnual reports and franchise taxes: the deadlines that can dissolve your business
Miss an annual report or franchise tax and your state can dissolve your LLC or corporation. What these filings are, how due dates work and how to stay current.
July 14, 20266 min readTaxesDo you need a sales tax license? A plain-English guide for new sellers
Selling products or certain services? How to tell if you need a sales tax license, what nexus means after Wayfair, and how to register before your first sale.
June 9, 20266 min readRunning the businessYour first 30 days after your LLC is approved: a checklist
Your LLC is approved. Now what? A week-by-week checklist covering your EIN, operating agreement, bank account, licenses, tax setup and the deadlines that come next.
May 12, 20266 min readRunning the businessWhat goes in an LLC operating agreement, even if you're the only member
An operating agreement is your LLC's rulebook, and single-member LLCs need one too. Here's what to include, why banks ask for it, and how to keep it current.
April 14, 20265 min readStarting outHow much does it cost to start an LLC? Every fee, explained
State filing fees for an LLC run roughly $35 to $500, but that's not the whole bill. Here's every one-time and recurring cost, and which ones are optional.
March 10, 20266 min readRunning the businessWhat is a DBA, and when does your business need one?
A DBA lets you operate under a name other than your legal one. Here's when sole proprietors and LLCs need one, where to file, and what a DBA doesn't do.
February 10, 20266 min readTaxesWhat is an EIN, and does your LLC need one?
An EIN is your business's federal tax ID number. Here's when an LLC is required to have one, why most get one anyway, and how to apply for free with the IRS.
January 13, 20265 min readTaxes10 LLC Tax Deductions You Might Be Missing
Don't leave money on the table! Review these deductions with your accountant to ensure you're taking full advantage of the tax benefits available to LLC owners. Proper documentation is key—keep receipts and records for all business expenses.
December 28, 20257 min readStarting outLLC vs Corporation: Which Business Structure Is Right for You?
Both LLCs and Corporations offer liability protection, but they differ significantly in taxation, management structure, and formality requirements. Most small businesses benefit from the flexibility of an LLC, while those seeking investors or planning an IPO may prefer a Corporation.
December 26, 20258 min readStarting outWhat Is a Registered Agent and Why Your Business Needs One
A registered agent is a critical component of your business compliance. While you can serve as your own registered agent, using a professional service provides privacy, reliability, and peace of mind that you won't miss important documents.
December 22, 20256 min readStarting outHow to choose a business name and check it's available in your state
A good business name has to work for customers and clear your state's filing rules. Here's how to pick one, search availability, and avoid trademark trouble.
December 9, 20255 min readStarting outLLC vs. sole proprietorship: when it's time to make it official
A sole proprietorship is easy, but it leaves your personal assets exposed. Here's how an LLC compares and the signs it's time to form one.
November 11, 20256 min readReady to make it official?
About ten minutes, from $0 plus your state fee.