Start Up & SMB Required Filings

Small businesses are the backbone for the US Economy. As a small business or a startup, you will need to make some filings with local, state and/or federal governments to be compliant. We have compiled the list of necessary filings you will need to make below.

Startup Filing Requirements

• Other than sole proprieterships, most new businesses are required to register in the state(s) in which they will do business.
• Businesses that are required to register generally are also required to have a registered agent. This agent will receive official papers and legal documents on behalf of the company and must be located in the state in which the company operates. It can be someone appointed in the company or a third-party registered agent service.
• Filing documents will vary by state and type of business structure. Filing fees are typically around $300.
• Common required documents for LLC business structures are the articles of organization and LLC operating agreement.
• Common required documents for limited partnerships and limited liablility partnerships include a Certificate of limited (liability) partnership and the limited (liability) partnership agreement.
• Common required documents for coporations include the articles of incorporation and the bylaws or resolutions.

Ongoing Common Filing Requirements

• Annual filing requirements for small businesses and startups vary by state and business structure. In general, corporations will have the strictest filing requirements regardless of state.
• ​Corporations are generally required to file an annual report or biennial statement. The due date may be the anniversary day of the business formation or may be a specific date for all businesses set by the state.
• Typical annual filing fees are about $300.
• Any changes made within the company such as address change, new shares, or membership should be reported with Articles of amendment.

You can apply for a business license online or renew business license online with Papergov.