1. Get Your EIN (if not already ordered)

Your EIN (federal tax ID) is required to open a business bank account and file taxes. If you ordered it with ZenBusiness, it appears in your documents within ~7 business days of formation. If you didn't order it, get one now — it's free directly from the IRS or available as an add-on through ZenBusiness.

2. Open a Business Bank Account

Open a dedicated business checking account to keep your personal and business finances separate. You'll typically need:
- Your Articles of Organization (from your ZenBusiness dashboard)
- Your EIN
- A photo ID

ZenBusiness Banking is available directly from your dashboard if you want a business account that integrates with Money Pro.

3. Review Your Operating Agreement

If you're on a Pro or Premium plan, your operating agreement is in your dashboard Documents. Read it — it defines how your LLC operates, how profits are distributed, and what happens if membership changes. For single-member LLCs, it's often fine as-is. For multi-member LLCs, review it carefully and consider having an attorney review it.

4. Get Business Licenses and Permits

Your LLC formation doesn't automatically grant you permission to operate in your specific industry or location. Depending on your business type and location, you may need:
- Local business license (city or county)
- State professional license (contractors, cosmetologists, accountants, etc.)
- Sales tax permit (if you sell taxable products)
- Federal licenses (food, alcohol, firearms, transportation, etc.)

ZenBusiness's business license research service can identify what's required for your specific business and location.

5. Set Up Bookkeeping

Start tracking income and expenses from day one. Money Pro (available in your ZenBusiness dashboard) connects to your bank account and categorizes transactions automatically. Clean books from the start make tax time dramatically easier.

6. Understand Your Annual Report Requirement

Most states require LLCs to file an annual report each year to stay in good standing — even if nothing has changed. Your first annual report may be due as soon as a few months after formation. Worry-Free Compliance tracks this automatically. See What Is an Annual Report? to understand the requirement for your state.

7. Consider Your Tax Election

By default, a single-member LLC is taxed as a sole proprietor (Schedule C). If your business is profitable (roughly $40,000+ net profit/year), consider whether an S-Corp election could save you money on self-employment taxes. Consult a CPA about timing and whether it makes sense for your situation.

When can I start doing business?

Immediately after your LLC is approved by the state. You don't need to wait for your EIN or operating agreement — those can come later. The state formation approval is what creates the LLC as a legal entity.

Do I need to register my LLC in my city or county?

Possibly. State formation creates your LLC at the state level, but many cities and counties require a local business license to operate. Check your local government's website for requirements in your jurisdiction.

What should I do if I made a mistake on my formation documents?

File a business amendment. Common corrections include name misspellings, wrong addresses, or incorrect member information. See How to File a Business Amendment.