Every state enforces ongoing obligations to keep an entity in good standing. Nearly every state requires an informational report on a fixed cycle, annual in most jurisdictions and biennial in others, whether or not the business traded that year. Furthermore, an LLC must maintain a registered agent at a physical in-state address for as long as the entity exists. When details change, such as a physical address, registered agent, or reported members, states generally require an official amendment or notification filing rather than an internal decision.

Timing also matters when establishing federal tax accounts. You must form the entity with the state before applying for an Employer Identification Number. An EIN is free ($0) directly from the Internal Revenue Service, so you should never pay a third party for an EIN. Additionally, under the federal rule effective August 14, 2026, entities created in the United States are exempt from federal Beneficial Ownership Information reporting according to FinCEN.

Start Here

To navigate your specific situation, review the guides below based on where you are in the filing process:

  • Are DIY LLC Filing Errors Hard to Fix After the Fact?
  • Is it Dangerous to File Your Own LLC Paperwork?
  • What Common Mistakes Do People Make When They DIY Their LLC?
  • What Should You Watch Out for if You File Your LLC without a Service?
  • What Are the Risks of Filing an LLC Yourself?

If you decide to use a commercial provider, compare pricing options carefully. As of 2026, ZenBusiness offers a Starter plan for $0 plus state fee, a Pro plan for $199 per year, and a Premium plan for $299 per year. A registered agent is a separate $199 per year service across all tiers, including Premium, though discounted to $99 for the first year when you form with them.

State Specific Guides

State rules, mandatory deadlines, and ongoing fees vary significantly across jurisdictions:

  • California: Will You Miss the California Franchise Tax Deadline if You DIY Your LLC?
  • Georgia: Are There Risks to Registering Your Georgia LLC Yourself?
  • Michigan: Are There Risks to Registering Your Michigan LLC Yourself?
  • New York: What Mistakes Do People Make Filing a New York LLC Themselves?

Next Steps

Maintaining an active entity requires ongoing attention long after initial formation paperwork is approved. Staying on top of periodic state reports, registered agent address requirements, and local tax schedules protects your personal liability shield and keeps your business compliant.

Sources:

Internal Revenue Service, “Get an employer identification number”

Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, “Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting”

This page provides general information rather than legal advice, and requirements vary by state and change over time.