I had the same problem and just did the paperwork myself. I am in California so this information will only apply to people there. Obligatory, I am not a lawyer

I had the same problem and just did the paperwork myself. I am in California so this information will only apply to people there. Obligatory, I am not a lawyer. Pre steps: - pick a name that is available: https://businesssearch.sos.ca.gov/ https://businesssearch.sos.ca.gov/ - Register the domain name you are going to use - Get a mailbox (like one at the UPS store, NOT a PO Box!) to use as your business address so you will not have to use your home address if it bothers you. Now, for the real stuff - 1) Get a registered agent (even if you want to do it yourself, I recommend getting one anyway). I used freeregisteredagent.com for 1 year free. Required before you file the next step. 2) File an LLC-1 (http://bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov/llc/forms/llc-1.pdf http://bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov/llc/forms/llc-1.pdf) articles of organization. It requires a $70 filing fee, send off the form and $70 money order. 3) Grab an EIN from the IRS: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employe... 4) Wait for the Secretary of State of send a copy of the file articles of organization (form LLC-1). Now, file a Statement of Information, form LLC-12: http://bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov/llc/forms/llc-12.pdf http://bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov/llc/forms/llc-12.pdf This is due within 90 days of the file date (on the filed LLC-1 form) All the information here will become public information. Send that in to the SoS with a $20 money-order and wait. 5) Use your filed articles of organization, the EIN you got in step 3, and a state issued personal ID to get a bank account. US Bank and CapitalOne Spark have free checking accounts for business, you can also try a credit union as local ones have them for free. 6) Look for any local licenses you need, some cities require business licenses, some require a "Business Operation Tax" (BOT) certificate - check your city or county website(s). CalGold is useful: http://www.calgold.ca.gov/ http://www.calgold.ca.gov/ 7) Conduct business, keep records, etc Recurring items: - An $800 minimum tax is due every year to the state of California. - You must file a new LLC-12 (if the information has changed) or an LLC-12NC (if nothing about your LLC has changed) biannually (every two years). See all forms here: http://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/forms/#llc http://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/fo...