Set Up My Business
Name, structure, EIN, registration, and a business bank account.
Learn it
Setting up your business is mostly paperwork in a specific order. Doing it in order keeps costs down and avoids redoing steps.
Create a free account to save your progress on this checklist.
Do it
I'll do it myself
- Your EIN is always free directly from IRS.gov — never pay for it
- Check your Secretary of State site for name availability
- Ask your bank what documents they need before you go in
Look up your state
The official government site, the real fee, and what you owe each year.
Register your business in your state
Pick your state to see the official government website, what the state charges, what you owe each year, and how long approval usually takes. You never have to pay a third-party site to do this for you.
Use a recommended provider
Business formation
Northwest Registered Agent
LLC filing and registered agent service in any state.
Visit Northwest Registered AgentPartner — SkillToClient may receive compensation if you choose this provider.
Business address
iPostal1
Real street address for your business instead of your home address.
Visit iPostal1Partner — SkillToClient may receive compensation if you choose this provider.
Business credit
Nav
Track business credit and see financing you may qualify for.
Visit NavPartner — SkillToClient may receive compensation if you choose this provider.
These are providers we use and recommend, not an independent ranking of every option available.
SkillToClient provides business education only — not legal, tax, insurance, or financial advice. Requirements vary by state and by the type of work you do.