Starting an LLC may seem simple but understanding the tax-related complexities and the requirements of the state you are forming or operating within is vital. If you are going to launch your own business, this guide on how to start an LLC in Pennsylvania will provide you with all the information you need to navigate your new enterprise.
When it comes to new business ventures, Pennsylvania is a great place to launch your own business. The state has a relatively low cost of living, numerous available resources, and tax exemptions.
In order to start your own LLC, you must understand how to choose the name of your business, which is a very important factor that will depend on what type of business you are actually going to launch and whether or not it has been used by another company.
This process includes an in-depth check as there are several restrictions regarding the names that can be used. Once the name has been accepted, you will move on with the creation of your LLC.
Steps to Start an LLC in Pennsylvania
1. Choose the name of your business
The very first thing that you need to do is choose the name of your business, which will be the name of your LLC and it must be in compliance with all local laws and regulations. The name is vital since it will be the only way for clients and customers to identify your business, so choose it wisely.
When choosing the name of your LLC you must take into account the industry that you are dealing with as there can be certain restrictions regarding the names of businesses established in certain industries or services. You should never use names that are confusing, such as “Bank of” or “Financial Services”.
The last thing that you would want is to receive a letter from a company that owns a similar business name asking for you to change yours.
2. Register a Domain Name
After you have chosen the name of your business, the next step is to register a domain name. You should do this as soon as possible since having a domain name is crucial for the success of your business. Having a domain name will make it easier for people to find your site, while also making it easier to market your business.
Your domain name should be a memorable name. This will make your company stand out from the crowd and show potential clients that you have what it takes to succeed.
Your domain name must be adapted in a way that is easy to pronounce and, at the same time, easy to remember. Some of the most common domain names are those ending with “dot com” or “.com” because they have become very popular over time.
3. Choose a Registered Agent
After you have decided on your name and it has been registered, you must choose a registered agent. This is an individual who will act as the contact person for the company. This way you can receive notices, reminders and fulfill other administrative tasks that are required of all companies.
If possible, it is best to choose someone with whom you have worked in the past or someone who can help with this type of company duty. The main responsibility of a registered agent is to receive all the documents that need to be delivered, act as an intermediary between state agencies and you, and inform you of any upcoming changes in your LLC.
4. File your LLC papers
To register your company you need to fill out the necessary papers and submit them to the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. These papers include a Certificate of Organisation, docketing agreement, list of members, and other necessary documents.
You should also consider the fact that you will have to pay a fee for filing your application. This fee depends on the type of LLC you are establishing and whether it is a revision of an existing LLC.
If you have found another company with a similar name to yours, the Bureau may ask for additional information in order for them to make sure that there will be no mix-ups between your company and the other one.
5. Secure an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
In order to start your LLC, you need to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The EIN or Federal Tax ID is a tax identification number that will be used to identify your business. It will be used by the IRS in order to make sure that you have paid all the taxes that are required of your business.
The EIN is vital since the IRS will not send the filing forms to your company if you do not have one. The EIN is usually obtained after submitting an Employer Identification Form and a check for a minimum fee.
You will have to give your name, address and contact information as well as verify that you are eligible for obtaining an EIN. Once your application has been approved, you will receive a letter from the IRS which will include instructions on how to obtain it.
6. Develop an Operating Agreement
The LLC that you have created is a legal entity that must comply with all State and Federal laws. In order to do this, you need to establish an operating agreement. This is a set of rules which will be used in order to operate your business and manage the money which comes in.
These documents are very important since they will tell how the company will be run, what it will be taxed as, and how it will pay taxes. You can create your own set of rules or you could use the ones that are currently in use by other companies.
Conclusion
These insights on how to start an LLC in Pennsylvania are a great way to kickstart your business without legal issues. It gives you the benefits of being a sole proprietor without having to face all the tasks that a sole proprietor is faced with. The only downside is that the company has higher costs since you will have to pay taxes for it.
However, it does not mean that starting your new business is more difficult than registering a sole proprietorship. The steps are very similar and you do not need any special skills or knowledge in order to do them.
