LLC Formation

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is the most common legal structure U.S. entrepreneurs and international founders use to separate personal assets from business liabilities while keeping paperwork and tax filing relatively simple. Fort Filing helps you file the LLC with the correct state, understand the ongoing requirements that come with it, and set up the related pieces — like an EIN and registered agent — that most LLCs need from day one.

What Is LLC Formation?

LLC formation is the legal process of registering a Limited Liability Company with a U.S. state’s Secretary of State (or equivalent office). Once approved, the LLC exists as its own legal entity, separate from its owner(s) — known as “members.” This separation is what limits personal liability for business debts and obligations, and it’s why most small businesses, online sellers, and consultants choose an LLC over operating as a sole proprietor.

Who Is It For?

• Entrepreneurs starting a new U.S. business
• Non-resident and international founders forming a U.S. company for e-commerce or online services
• Freelancers and consultants moving from sole proprietor to a formal entity
• Existing businesses expanding into the United States

Why It Matters

Operating without a formal entity leaves personal assets exposed to business liabilities and can make it harder to open a business bank account, work with certain platforms and payment processors, or build credibility with customers and suppliers. Forming an LLC is usually the first concrete step in making a business legally and financially distinct from its owner.

What Fort Filing Helps With

Fort Filing prepares and files your LLC formation documents with the state you select, and helps coordinate the related setup steps most new LLCs need — including EIN registration, registered agent service, and a business address where required by the state.

What’s Included

• Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization (or state equivalent) with your selected state
• Confirmation of name availability before filing
• Guidance on the information the state requires from you
• Delivery of your approved state formation documents
• Guidance on next steps: EIN, registered agent, operating agreement

What’s Not Included

• State government filing fees, where charged separately by the state
• Registered agent service beyond the period specified on your selected package
• Business bank account opening (we can guide you on requirements, but account approval is at the bank’s discretion)
• Legal, tax, or accounting advice — for advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or CPA

Requirements

To file your LLC, we’ll need:

• Your preferred LLC name (plus 1–2 backup options)
• The state you want to form in
• Member/owner name(s) and contact details
• A registered agent (Fort Filing can provide this) and business address for states that require one
• Basic information about the nature of your business

Process

Processing Time

Most states process standard LLC filings within a few business days to a few weeks. Processing time is set by the state government, not by Fort Filing, and can vary based on state workload, filing method, and time of year. We cannot guarantee a specific government processing date.

Pricing

USA LLC formation pricing is state-specific because government filing fees and annual requirements differ by state. See full pricing by state below, or visit the Pricing page for the complete breakdown.

Important Notes

FAQs

How long does LLC formation take?

Most states approve standard LLC filings within a few business days to a few weeks. Fort Filing does not control state government processing times.

Can a non-U.S. resident form an LLC?

Yes. Non-U.S. residents can form an LLC in most states. States like Wyoming, Florida, and Delaware are commonly chosen by non-resident founders. You may still need an ITIN or EIN depending on how you plan to operate the business.

Do I need a registered agent?

Most states require an LLC to maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state of formation. Fort Filing offers registered agent service as a separate add-on.

Is an EIN included with LLC formation?

EIN registration is a separate service. See our EIN / Tax ID service page for details and pricing.

What happens after my LLC is approved?

You’ll receive your state-approved formation documents. From there, most LLCs also register for an EIN, set up a registered agent (if not already included), and consider an Operating Agreement.

Can I change my LLC's state later?

Changing states after formation (called domestication or re-domiciliation) is possible in many states but is a separate, more involved process. It’s simpler to choose the right state upfront.

Does the listed price include annual report fees?

No. Annual report or renewal fees, where required by your state, are ongoing costs separate from the initial formation price and are outlined on our Annual Report Filing service page.