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Is it time to register your blog or business as an LLC?
Congratulations!
It’s exciting, but also a little scary. You do not want to mess anything up!
Before I registered my LLC I probably spent too much time overthinking it. (Maybe you relate?)
After all, it’s not a spur of the moment decision!
I learned a lot when I registered my LLC, so I’ll share with you what I found.
How to Register an LLC
You register an LLC at the state level rather than at the national level.
And you can actually choose which state you want to register in!
But while you can register in a state with better tax and business laws, it can be more complicated to deal with the red tape.
I kept it simple by registering my LLC in my home state.
You can file on your own, but the other option is to use a service like Northwest Registered Agent to help file your LLC for you.
I chose to use Northwest for two main reasons.
First, some of the questions on the LLC forms I had no idea how to answer.
- Do I put my name for questions 6 and 8? Or do I leave 8 blank?
- And if I’m filing online, how am I supposed to sign it?!
Northwest’s questionnaire, on the other hand, was easy to answer and the process was so quick and easy.
Plus, when I filled out the box asking for a description of my business, the woman who was helping me at Northwest suggested I elaborate a bit so my application wouldn’t get rejected.
Whew, close one!
Another reason I used Northwest is because I was able to register my LLC using their address instead of mine.
Because business registrations are public, I really didn’t want my home address published on the application.
And since I was going to use them as my registered agent, letting them file my application kept things really, really simple!
What a Registered Agent is and Why You Need One
A registered agent is the person or company who will receive lawsuits and subpoenas sent to your business.
Fun, right?
You can be your own registered agent, but I highly recommend against it.
As mentioned above, your LLC registration and the addresses listed therein are published publicly online.
That means anyone could see your home address if that’s what you used and it’ll get added to junk mail marketing lists that target business owners.
You’ll get flooded with ads from other companies wanting to sell you their services.
(If you’ve ever bought a house, you probably received a ton of junk mail at the beginning and you know exactly what I’m talking about. 🙄)
So it was a no-brainer for me to use Northwest as my registered agent and to file my application.
LLC Operating Agreement
Depending on the state you live in, your business may or may not need an operating agreement.
Regardless, banks might require your LLC to have an operating agreement in order to open a bank account.
If you haven’t got a clue what to put in your operating agreement, don’t worry!
Northwest has an operating agreement template that you can use for free.
Renewing Your LLC
Each year you’ll have to renew your business with your state, so pay attention to your deadline!
Northwest will make sure your LLC is renewed on time so you’ll have one less thing to worry about.
From beginning to end, Northwest made it so easy to register my LLC and I highly recommend them.
Get your business registered, and get back to growing it!
