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Business Formation Document Checklist

Attorney Resource

Guide clients through business formation with our comprehensive document checklist. Perfect for business attorneys helping entrepreneurs establish LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and other business entities with proper documentation.

Business Formation Document Checklist form template preview

Key Benefits

Reduce formation time by 50%
LLC and corporation ready
State filing requirements included
Operating agreement templates
Professional business setup guidance

Common Use Cases

Business formation attorneysCorporate lawyersStartup legal servicesSmall business attorneysLegal document services

Frequently Asked Questions

LLCs offer simpler management and tax flexibility, while corporations provide better investment opportunities and liability protection for multiple owners. What ongoing compliance is required?
Most states require annual reports, franchise tax payments, registered agent maintenance, and proper corporate record keeping for liability protection.

Checklist

Pre-Formation

Choose and verify business name availability
Required

Check state database and reserve name if needed

Determine business structure and entity type
Required

LLC, Corporation, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship

Define business purpose and activities
Required

Clear description of business activities and services

Identify all owners, members, or shareholders
Required

Names, addresses, and ownership percentages

Select and appoint registered agent
Required

Must have physical address in formation state

Formation Documents

Prepare and file articles of incorporation/organization
Required

Main formation document filed with state

Create operating agreement or bylaws
Required

Internal governance and management structure

Tax Requirements

Obtain Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Required

Federal tax ID number from IRS

Register for state tax identification

Required if state has income or sales tax

Licensing

Obtain required business licenses and permits
Required

Local, state, and industry-specific licenses

Financial Setup

Open business bank account
Required

Separate business and personal finances

Insurance

Obtain business insurance policies
Required

General liability, professional liability, property insurance

Location

Establish business address and location
Required

Physical or virtual business address

Communication

Set up business phone and email
Required

Professional business contact information

Online Presence

Register business domain and website

Business website and online presence

Financial Management

Set up accounting and bookkeeping system
Required

Accounting software and record keeping

Human Resources

Set up payroll system (if hiring employees)

Required if hiring employees or contractors

Compliance

Create compliance calendar and deadlines
Required

Annual reports, tax filings, and other deadlines

Establish corporate record keeping system
Required

Meeting minutes, resolutions, and corporate records

Legal Review

Have formation documents reviewed by attorney
Required

Professional legal review of all documents