> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pluvel.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# LLC Formation
> Form a Limited Liability Company through Pluvel.
You want liability protection without the headache of running a corporation. No board meetings. No annual shareholder votes. No corporate minutes to file. Just a legal structure that keeps your personal assets separate from your business.
That's an LLC. It's the most popular business structure in America, and there's a reason: it works for almost everyone.
## Why people choose LLCs
**Your house, your savings, your car — protected.** If your business gets sued or can't pay its debts, creditors can only go after business assets. They can't touch what's yours personally.
**One tax return, not two.** LLC profits flow directly to your personal tax return. No corporate tax filing. No double taxation. (You can elect corporate taxation later if it makes sense.)
**Banks and clients take you more seriously.** "Smith Consulting LLC" gets better treatment than "John Smith, freelancer." That perception matters when you're opening accounts, signing contracts, or pitching bigger clients.
**Minimal paperwork.** Unlike corporations, most states don't require annual meetings, shareholder votes, or corporate minutes. Run your business, not a bureaucracy.
## What Pluvel handles
When you form an LLC through Pluvel:
| Task | What we do |
| ------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------- |
| Name availability | Check if your name is available in your state |
| Articles of Organization | File with the Secretary of State |
| Registered agent | Provide a registered agent in your state (included) |
| EIN application | Apply for your federal tax ID |
| Operating Agreement | Generate a template you can customize |
| State compliance | Track annual report deadlines automatically |
## How long formation takes
| State type | Typical timeline |
| ---------------------------------- | ------------------ |
| Fast states (Wyoming, Delaware) | 1-2 business days |
| Average states | 3-5 business days |
| Slow states (California, New York) | 5-10 business days |
Expedited filing is available in most states for an additional fee. We'll show you the options during checkout.
## Choosing where to form
Most businesses should form in their home state — where they have a physical presence or do most of their business. It's simpler and cheaper.
### When another state makes sense
* **Holding companies** that own assets but don't actively operate
* **Venture-backed startups** (investors often prefer Delaware, though that's more common for corporations)
* **Privacy-focused businesses** (Wyoming doesn't require member names in public filings)
* **Multi-state businesses** with no clear home base
Form in a different state than where you operate, and you'll need to "foreign qualify" in your home state too. That means double the compliance requirements and double the fees every year.
## Single-member vs. multi-member
| Type | Who it's for | Tax treatment |
| ------------- | ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------- |
| Single-member | One owner | Disregarded entity — profits go on your Schedule C |
| Multi-member | Two or more owners | Partnership — you'll file Form 1065 |
Pluvel supports both. During formation, you'll specify how many members your LLC has and their ownership percentages.
## What you need to form
Your desired LLC name. We'll check availability. Most states require "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" in the name.
Where your business operates. This becomes public record. You can use your registered agent address if you want to keep your home address private.
Names and addresses of all members (owners). Some states require this in the public filing.
Member-managed (owners run the business) or manager-managed (designated managers run it). Most small LLCs are member-managed.
## After formation
Once your LLC is approved:
1. **EIN** — We apply for your federal tax ID (usually same day)
2. **Operating Agreement** — Download your template and customize it
3. **Compliance calendar** — Annual reports and renewals are tracked automatically
4. **Banking** — Open a business bank account with your formation documents
## State-specific gotchas
California charges an \$800 annual franchise tax regardless of profit. Due the first year and every year after. This applies even if you formed in another state but do business in California.
New York requires LLCs to publish formation notices in two newspapers for six consecutive weeks. Cost: $300-$1,500 depending on the county. Pluvel handles this for you, but budget for it.
No state income tax. No annual report — you file a "Public Information Report" with your franchise tax return instead. Franchise tax is often \$0 for small businesses.
Annual report due May 1st each year. \$138.75 filing fee. We remind you 60 days before.
## LLC vs. other structures
| Feature | LLC | Sole Prop | S-Corp | C-Corp |
| --------------------------- | ------- | --------- | ------ | ------ |
| Liability protection | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pass-through taxation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Self-employment tax savings | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stock/equity issuance | Limited | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Complexity | Low | Very low | Medium | High |
Step-by-step guide to forming your LLC with Pluvel.