What to do after forming your LLC: a first 90 days checklist

What should you do in the first week?

1. Get the EIN

   Apply as soon as the state approves the LLC. See how to get an EIN online.

2. Sign the operating agreement

   Even for one owner. See LLC operating agreement.

3. Open the business bank account

   And put in the initial capital from your personal account. See how to open a business bank account.

4. Store the formation documents

   Stamped Articles, EIN confirmation and operating agreement in one secure place.

What comes in the first month?

• State taxes. Register for sales tax if you sell taxable goods or services where you have nexus, and for payroll taxes if you will hire. See how US sales tax works.
• Licenses. City, county and professional licenses, which vary by business and place.
• Bookkeeping. Connect the bank account to accounting software and set up a short chart of accounts. See bookkeeping basics.
• Insurance. General liability, professional liability or product liability, depending on the risks.
• Contracts and platforms. Put client agreements, payment platforms and marketplace accounts in the LLC's name.

Check which local and state licenses apply to your activity. See business licenses and permits after forming an LLC.

Which tax decisions have deadlines?

• S corporation election. To be an S corporation from the start, file Form 2553 within 2 months and 15 days of the LLC's tax year beginning. See Form 2553.
• Corporate tax election. Form 8832 can take effect up to 75 days before it is filed.
• Accounting method and year. Chosen on your first return, so decide now how you will keep the books. See your first business tax return.
• Estimated tax. If the business will be profitable this year, owners usually need to start quarterly payments. See estimated quarterly taxes.

Which early state filings are easy to miss?

• California requires an initial Statement of Information within 90 days of forming, with a $20 fee.
• New York requires a written operating agreement within 90 days, and a newspaper publication of the LLC's formation.
• Most states' first annual report falls in the year after formation, on a date tied to the state's rules. Put it in the calendar now.

Do you need to file a beneficial ownership report?

Not for an LLC formed in the United States. FinCEN's final rule, effective August 14, 2026, permanently exempts US-formed companies. See who still has to file BOI reports.

What should foreign owners add?

• Start a log of every transfer between you and the LLC, including the first deposit. It is reported on Form 5472.
• Put April 15 in the calendar for Form 5472, with a reminder in early March.
• Give payment platforms your Form W-8BEN.

Which habits should you start now?

• Keep business and personal money completely separate.
• Reconcile the bank account every month.
• Keep receipts and invoices as you go.
• Review the calendar of deadlines each quarter. See US business tax deadlines.

This guide is general information. It is not tax or legal advice for your situation.