By Jon Morgan 12 days ago
How to Capitalize an LLC? (And Should You Do It)
Capitalizing an LLC means putting money or other resources into the business so it can pay its costs and operate. After completing the LLC formation paperwork, plan the funding separately: there is no universal dollar amount that makes every LLC adequately funded. Start with a realistic cash plan and document whether each transfer is a contribution or a loan. Read more >
By Jon Morgan 27 days ago
How to Start an LLC in Maryland (2026)
Maryland's Articles of Organization form your LLC once the State Department of Assessments and Taxation's Charter Division accepts it. The filing costs $100, whether you file online or by mail. Every LLC also owes a $300 Annual Report and Personal Property Return each year, even if the business had no income.
This guide covers forming a new, domestic Maryland LLC from scratch. If you already run... Read more >
By Jon Morgan 27 days ago
How to Start an LLC in Tennessee (2026)
Tennessee LLCs file Articles of Organization (Form SS-4270) with the Secretary of State's Division of Business and Charitable Organizations. The filing fee starts at $300, and every LLC also owes a separate $100 minimum Franchise and Excise Tax.
Use this walkthrough to set up a brand-new domestic LLC in Tennessee. An LLC already formed elsewhere registers here with a Certificate of Authority... Read more >
By Jon Morgan 12 days ago
How to Amend an LLC Operating Agreement? (5 Steps Guide)
An operating agreement sets the LLC’s internal ownership, voting, management and financial rules. To amend it, follow the amendment clause and state law, document the required approval, and keep the final version with the company’s records.The operating agreement is generally an internal document rather than a state filing [1]. A change to public formation information may require a separate... Read more >
By Jon Morgan 27 days ago
How to Start an LLC in Missouri (2026)
To form an LLC in Missouri, you file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. The fee is $105 by mail or $50 online.
The state never makes you publish a formation notice in a newspaper. This guide walks through every step for a new Missouri LLC, from picking a name to your first tax registration. Read more >
By Jon Morgan 26 days ago
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Texas? (Filing Fees Breakdown)
The Certificate of Formation creates a Texas LLC. Filing it with the Secretary of State costs $300. That's true whether you file online through SOSDirect or by mail.
Texas LLCs skip the annual report most states require, but that isn't the whole story. Each LLC still owes the Comptroller a Public Information Report each year. That's true even in a year the franchise tax works out to $0. The... Read more >
By Jon Morgan 27 days ago
How to Look Up an LLC in California (2026)
To look up an LLC in California, search the Secretary of State's bizfile Online business search tool. It's free. It doesn't require an account.
Search by the LLC's name or by its entity number. This pulls up the record, showing the entity's status, formation date and Agent for Service of Process.
We've reviewed California business filings for years. We tested the state's search tools firsthand.... Read more >
By Jon Morgan 13 days ago
What Tax Form Does an LLC File? (Everything You Should Know)
There is no single federal tax form that every LLC files. The answer depends on the LLC’s federal tax classification, its activity, and whether it has employees or other filing obligations [1].
Start by confirming the classification and any election that applies for the tax year you are filing. A state-law LLC can use different federal return routes, and payroll or excise filings may apply... Read more >
By Jon Morgan 19 days ago
How Do I Pay Myself From My LLC? │ Single & Multi-Member Guide
The right way to pay yourself from an LLC depends on how it is classified for federal tax purposes—not just on the number of owners.
An owner draw is not the same as payroll wages, a partnership distribution, or a guaranteed payment. The tax treatment follows the LLC's classification and the owner's role [1].
First check whether the LLC uses its default classification or elected corporate tax... Read more >
By Jon Morgan 12 days ago
Do LLCs Have Shares? (Everything You Should Know)
LLCs generally have membership interests rather than corporate stock, and those interests may be expressed as percentages or units. The operating agreement and state law determine what an owner can vote on, receive, and transfer [1]. Read more >
By Jon Morgan 27 days ago
How to Start an LLC in Washington (2026)
To start an LLC in Washington, you file a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State's Corporations & Charities Division. The fee is $180 by mail or in person, or $200 online.
Washington also assigns your LLC a 9-digit Unified Business Identifier once your Certificate is approved. It's the number every agency you register with will use to track your business.
This guide covers... Read more >
By Jon Morgan 12 days ago
What Is an LLC Manager? (Obligations & Benefits Explained)
An LLC manager is a person or entity authorized to manage some or all of the company’s business. The manager may be a member-owner or someone who does not own an interest; the operating agreement and state law define the role. Read more >