Business Registered

How to complete Business Registered

This turns a side project or freelance hustle into a legal entity that can open a bank account, sign contracts, and separate your personal assets from business risk. The paperwork is more annoying than hard, and finishing it makes the whole thing feel real.

1. Decide between sole proprietor (simplest, no liability shield) and LLC (protects personal assets, more paperwork) based on your risk and income
2. Pick and search a business name in your state's registry to confirm it's available
3. File the formation paperwork with your state (articles of organization for an LLC) and pay the filing fee
4. Get an EIN from the IRS website for free, then open a dedicated business bank account
5. Check whether your city or county requires a separate business license or permit

Tips

• You usually don't need a paid formation service; states let you file directly online for less
• Mixing personal and business money can pierce an LLC's liability protection, so open that separate account immediately
• Note any annual report or franchise tax deadline now so you don't get auto-dissolved later

What counts as done

You hold your state-stamped registration confirmation and an EIN, with a business bank account opened under the entity.