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Most states don't require an LLC to have a written or oral operating agreement. Only Maine, Missouri and New York require one. New York is the only state that requires it in writing.Everywhere else, the state's own LLC act steps in the moment you skip one. It runs your voting, profit splits and buyout terms instead of yours. Grab our free member-managed or manager-managed template below.Those... Read more >

Most entrepreneurs I've worked with — over 200 in 9 years of consulting — choose an LLC for 3 core reasons: it shields their personal assets, avoids double taxation, and adapts to nearly any ownership structure.But I've also seen founders pick the wrong LLC type for their situation — a mistake that costs real time and money to fix.In this guide, I'll break down what an LLC is, the 4... Read more >

To look up an LLC in Missouri, search the Secretary of State's Business Search tool. Search by business name, registered agent, name availability or charter number.The tool covers corporations, LLCs and other entities on file with the state. It's free to search and doesn't require an account.This guide covers every search method. It also shows how to check a name against Missouri trademarks.... Read more >

Run a single-member LLC in Virginia and you report profit on Schedule C with your Form 760. Multi-member LLCs and LLCs taxed as S-corps both file Form 502 with the Virginia Department of Taxation.LLCs that elect C-corp status instead pay Virginia's flat 6% corporate tax on Form 500. This page covers the deadlines and rates for each setup, the federal taxes on top and the pass-through entity... Read more >

A Maryland LLC's state tax form depends on its IRS classification. A single-member LLC reports profit on Form 502. A multi-member LLC uses Form 510. An LLC taxed as a corporation files Form 500 or Form 511.Maryland's graduated rates start at 2% and top out at 6.5% for the current tax year. This page covers Maryland's state tax forms and rates by LLC type. You'll also find the pass-through... Read more >

An LLC can elect C corp tax status by filing Form 8832 with the IRS. This changes how the business is taxed but does not affect its legal structure.As a corporate attorney with over 10 years working with LLC owners on entity classification elections, I've seen firsthand how these decisions play out for businesses of all sizes.Below, I cover the filing requirements, tax advantages and key... Read more >

TaxAct (founded 1998) is an affordable, user-friendly tax preparation service for individuals and small businesses. It balances cost with essential functionality for basic to moderately complex filings.In this article, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and everything you need to know about TaxAct so you can decide if it’s the right tool for your tax needs. Read more >

A single-member Arkansas LLC reports its income on the owner's Form AR1000F. A multi-member LLC files Form AR1050. An LLC taxed as an S-corp or C-corp files Form AR1100S or Form AR1100CT instead.Every LLC also owes the Arkansas Secretary of State an annual franchise tax, separate from these income tax filings. Sales tax and employer taxes can also apply. The federal rules behind each election... Read more >

To look up an LLC in Oklahoma, search the Secretary of State's Business Entities Search tool. Enter the company name and scan the results. Click the filing number link to open the full filing record.A trademark check is a separate step, and you should run one before you commit to a name. This guide walks through both searches, plus what to do if the online tool doesn't answer your question. Read more >

To dissolve an LLC in Michigan, you file a Certificate of Dissolution (CSCL/CD 731) with LARA and pay a $10 fee. You don't need tax clearance before you file. Instead, you request it from the Department of Treasury within 60 days after you file.This guide covers voluntary dissolution. That's when your members choose to close the LLC on their own. If your LLC formed in another state and... Read more >

To legally name your LLC, your chosen name must include a designator like "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company," be distinguishable from existing businesses in your state, and avoid restricted or prohibited words.I've helped over 250 LLCs get properly formed and registered over the past nine years. In that time, I've seen naming mistakes delay filings by weeks — and some cost clients real... Read more >