Whether you want to open a brand new business, or you want to stop doing business as a sole proprietorship, forming an LLC is a popular way to make it official. Real estate investors who have found a property to buy may want to quickly form an LLC to hold the property for asset protection.
There are any number of reasons why you may be wondering, “How quickly can I form an LLC?”
In many cases you can start an LLC very quickly, and depending on processing times, you may be operating as an LLC within weeks.
What’s The Fastest Way To Open An LLC?
To open an LLC, you’ll need to:
- Choose your business name
- Get a registered agent service (not required in all states)
- File Articles of Organization with the state
- Get your Employer Identification Number (EIN)
The state agencies where you file your Articles of Organization (the Secretary of State or Division of Corporations), typically offer the option to file online, by mail or in person. Online filing is the fastest option, but how long it will take depends on how quickly that state processes those applications.
In some states it can take several business days to open a new LLC, and in others it may take a few weeks. In addition, some states offer expedited filing for an additional fee. For example, California offers same day filing for an additional $750 fee.
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Business Services that Help Open LLCs Fast
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are a popular business structure that offer numerous benefits. They are relatively easy and inexpensive to set up and they offer liability protection benefits that can help protect your personal finances.
Business owners can choose how their LLC will be taxed. And it can be easier to build business credit qualify for small business loans when you have a formal business entity.
But to enjoy the benefits this type of business entity offers you must set it up and maintain it properly.
You can hire a small business attorney or incorporation service to take care of your LLC formation for you. They will know what paperwork to file in the state you choose, and can help you take this task off your to do list so you can focus on growing your business.
Here are 8 popular business formation services that can help you form an LLC fast.
ZenBusiness
Great For Worry-Free Services & Support
ZenBusiness
Form a legal entity fast with ZenBusiness. Choose your filing option, then fill out your information and ZenBusiness takes care of the rest. Includes add-on services like registered agent, EIN, annual compliance, and expedited filing. Starting at $0 plus state fees.
Cost
Starts at $0 plus state fees.
Entity Types Supported
- LLC
- S-Corp
- C-Corp
Noteworthy Perks
- Verified Filing & Expert Support
- Worry-Free Compliance & 100% Accuracy Guarantee
Swyft Filings
Nav Exclusive: 10% off Standard & Premium packages
Swyft Filings
Create your legal entity with Swyft Filings--FREE and lightning-fast. Our dedicated business specialist handles all filing and paperwork, making it a breeze to form your LLC, C Corp, S Corp, nonprofit, or DBA. Nav Exclusive! $0 for Basic package and 10% off both Standard and Premium packages. Discount applied at Checkout.
Cost
Free + State Filing Fees
Entity Types Supported
- LLC
- S-Corp
- C-Corp
- Non-Profit
- DBA
Noteworthy Perks
- Fast Turnaround Time
- Free Dedicated Business Specialist
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Rocket Lawyer
Inc Now
Inc Authority
Great For Free & Fast Incorporation Services
Inc Authority
Inc Authority will get your entity set-up quickly, easily and for FREE. Unlike other incorporation companies, Inc Authority does not charge ANY extra fees to simply set-up your business entity. Only pay state fees.
Cost
- Free*
- *Plus state fees
Entity Types Supported
- LLC
- S-Corp
- C-Corp
- Nonprofit
Noteworthy Perks
- Free LLC, Registered Agent, and EIN/Tax ID
- Free Business Advisor Support
- Premium Business Packages
Doola
Great for Payment Gateway Services
Doola
Start your US business from anywhere and keep it 100% compliant with doola. Doola offers full service entity formations with a base package price that includes everything you need to set up your business like Business Formation, EIN, Registered Agent, Operating Agreement and Compliance reminders. Their premium package offers all of this plus annual State and IRS Tax Filings, a dedicated account manager, CPA consultation and so much more. It all starts with a free consultation with a doola consultant to answer all your questions about starting and incorporating your business. They can help you navigate the ins and outs of entity types, taxes and state specific requirements. Start Now With A Free Consultation
Cost
$297 + State fees
Entity Types Supported
- LLC
- DAO LLC
- C-Corps
- S-Corps
Noteworthy Perks
- Exclusive partner perks
- Compliance services available
- In-house bookkeeping software
- Free Business call
Tailor Brands
Great For Easy-To-Follow Steps And Guidance
Tailor Brands
Get an LLC, EIN & Registered Agent in minutes. Everything you need to start and grow your official US business, from legal formation all the way to website, logo and other business setup tools. Zero paperwork & zero stress. Join over 30M business owners who already launched their businesses with Tailor Brands.
Cost
Cost- $0 + State fee
Entity Types Supported
LLC
Noteworthy Perks
Receive up to $50 in new business gifts
Northwest Registered Agent
Great For Registered Agent Services
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent provides comprehensive business formation services. They specialize in registered agent services, offering important features like data protection and free mail forwarding. A dedicated business expert is available to guide you through the formation process.
Cost
Starts at $39 plus state fees
Entity Types Supported
- LLC
- S-Corp
- C-Corp
- Non-Profit
Noteworthy Perks
- Free Legal Forms & Guides
- Lifetime Guidance From Business Experts
How Much Money Should You Start With An LLC?
In many cases, an LLC can be formed for less than a few hundred dollars. You may be able to file your LLC with just the money for state filing fees. State fees are as less than $50 in some states, and in others they run a few hundred dollars. If you form your LLC in one state (like Delaware) but operate in another you may need to register as a foreign LLC in that other state and there is an additional cost for that.
If your business is required to get a business license to operate, you’ll want to make sure you have enough money for that. You’ll also likely need to file an annual report with your state and pay a fee for that, but hopefully by then you’ll be making money to pay it.
LLC filing fees can typically be charged to a personal or business credit card.
If you’re already operating a business and wonder whether you are making enough money to form an LLC, keep in mind that your business does not have to be profitable to potentially put your personal assets at risk. If you cause an accident while operating in your business as a sole proprietor, the person injured may try to sue you personally.
The US Small Business Administration offers a free startup cost calculator to help you estimate your costs to get your business off the ground.
How Fast Can I Get An LLC In California?
It can take one to two weeks for a California LLC formation filing to be reviewed. The California Secretary of State publishes updates on its website that details how long it takes for various filings to be processed. It notes that processing times increase near the end of the year when volume increases.
It also offers expedited filing for an additional fee:
- 24–Hour Filing Service (Class C) – $350.00: Online Only. Filing response guaranteed electronically within 24 hours (e.g., submitted Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., filing confirmation or filing response available Thursday by 11:00 a.m.)
- Same Day Filing Service (Class B) – $750.00: Online Only. Filing response guaranteed by 4:00 p.m. the same day. Note: The document must be received online by the Secretary of State by 9:30 a.m., and a filing confirmation or filing response will be available online the same day by 4:00 p.m.
- (Temporarily Suspended) 4–Hour Filing Service (Class A) – $500.00: Drop Off Only in Sacramento. Filing response guaranteed within 4 hours (e.g., submitted Monday at 10:00 a.m., filing confirmation or filing response available Monday by 2:00 p.m.) Note: A document must be precleared and approved to be eligible for the 4-Hour Filing Service.
What Are The Requirements For An LLC In California?
The basic steps for creating an LLC in California are:
- Conduct a name search and choose a business name
- Register Your LLC with the Secretary of State
- File a fictitious name (DBA, if using)
- File a Statement of Information
- Apply for an EIN (tax ID number) from the IRS
- Create an LLC Operating Agreement
- Register with the Franchise Tax Board
- Register with the EDD if you are hiring employees
- Apply for a Seller’s Permit
- Comply with County and/or City Tax Requirements
You can learn more about how to start an LLC in California here.
There are other steps entrepreneurs need to take when forming an LLC, such as opening a business bank account in the name of the LLC. Review our 15 Steps to Make Your Business Legit.
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Gerri Detweiler
Education Consultant, Nav
Gerri Detweiler, a financing and credit expert, has been featured in 4,500+ news stories and answered 10,000+ credit and lending questions online. In addition to Nav, her articles have appeared on Forbes, MarketWatch, and Startup Nation. She is the author or co-author of six books, including Finance Your Own Business, and she has also testified before Congress on consumer credit legislation.