In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do after your LLC is approved—from obtaining tax IDs to managing profits and staying compliant with U.S. laws.
✅ 1. Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Even if you don’t plan to hire employees, you’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. It functions like a Social Security Number for your business and is required to:
- Open a U.S. business bank account
- File federal and state taxes
- Apply for business licenses
- Hire employees in the future
You can apply for an EIN online via the official IRS website:
🔗 Apply for an EIN from IRS
✅ 2. Open a U.S. Business Bank Account
To keep your LLC compliant and protect your personal liability, you must separate your personal and business finances. Open a dedicated business bank account under your LLC name.
Most non-U.S. residents use fintech-friendly banks like:
- Mercury
- Relay Financial
- Wise Business (for international transfers)
You’ll need the following documents:
- LLC formation documents (Articles of Organization)
- EIN confirmation letter
- Operating Agreement
- Passport or national ID
- Proof of address (business or personal, depending on bank)
✅ 3. Create an LLC Operating Agreement
An Operating Agreement outlines how your LLC will be managed, even if you’re the only owner (single-member LLC). This document should cover:
- Ownership percentages
- Profit distribution rules
- Voting rights (if multi-member)
- Responsibilities of each member
- Dissolution process
Some states (like California, New York, and Missouri) require you to keep this document on file—even if not submitted to the state.
✅ 4. Register for State and Local Taxes (If Required)
Depending on where your LLC is registered and does business, you may need to:
- Register for state income taxes
- File sales tax permits (especially if you sell goods or digital products)
- Pay franchise or LLC annual fees
Here are examples:
- California: $800 minimum annual LLC tax + $20 filing fee
- Delaware: $300 annual franchise tax (flat fee for LLCs)
- Texas: Franchise tax based on revenue
🔗 State Tax Links – IRS.gov
Always check your Secretary of State and Department of Revenue websites.
✅ 5. Keep Track of Federal Tax Responsibilities
LLCs are considered “pass-through” entities by default. This means:
- The LLC itself doesn’t pay income tax
- The owners report profits on their personal tax returns
- You may owe Self-Employment Tax (Social Security + Medicare)
- You’ll likely need to file Form 1040 + Schedule C (for single-member LLCs)
- Multi-member LLCs must file Form 1065
If you elect to have your LLC taxed as an S-Corp, you’ll file additional forms like Form 1120-S.
Get tax help from a CPA who understands LLC taxation and international ownership if you live outside the U.S.
✅ 6. File Annual Reports or Statements of Information
Most states require LLCs to file annual or biennial reports to stay in good standing. These are separate from tax filings and include:
- Current LLC address
- Names of members or managers
- Registered agent info
Examples:
- Florida: Annual Report due by May 1
- California: Biennial Statement of Information (Form LLC-12)
- Wyoming: Annual report + $60 fee
Missing these filings may lead to penalties or dissolution.
✅ 7. Get Business Licenses or Permits (If Needed)
Depending on your industry and location, you may need specific licenses, such as:
- Sales tax permit
- Reseller’s certificate
- Local business license (from county or city)
- Health or safety permits (if selling food or goods)
Use the SBA license finder tool to determine what’s required:
🔗 SBA Business License Lookup
✅ 8. Keep Proper Financial Records
You should keep clean and organized records of:
- Invoices and receipts
- Operating expenses
- Tax filings and payments
- Profit distributions to members
- Bank statements and reconciliation reports
Use accounting tools like:
- QuickBooks
- Xero
- Wave Accounting
You should also hire a tax accountant—especially if you’re a non-resident or have multiple income streams.
✅ 9. Pay Yourself the Right Way
If you’re a single-member LLC, you’re considered a disregarded entity. You can pay yourself by transferring money from the business to your personal account. This is called an “owner’s draw.”
If your LLC is taxed as an S-Corp, you must pay yourself a reasonable salary through payroll and issue a W-2.
Speak to your tax advisor about optimizing this to avoid overpaying in self-employment taxes.
✅ 10. Protect Your LLC: Trademark, Insurance, and Contracts
To protect your brand and business:
- Register your company name and logo with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
🔗 Trademark Search – USPTO - Get general liability insurance or professional liability if needed
- Use professional contracts with clients, freelancers, and partners
🧾 Summary Checklist: What to Do After Forming Your LLC
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| ✅ Get EIN | From IRS.gov |
| ✅ Open U.S. bank account | Mercury, Wise, Relay |
| ✅ Create Operating Agreement | Even if single-member |
| ✅ Register for state/local taxes | Sales tax, income tax, etc. |
| ✅ File federal taxes | Form 1040 + Schedule C or 1065 |
| ✅ File annual reports | To Secretary of State |
| ✅ Apply for business licenses | Use SBA license tool |
| ✅ Maintain records | Use QuickBooks/Xero |
| ✅ Pay yourself correctly | Owner’s draw or payroll |
| ✅ Protect your business | Trademark, contracts, insurance |
Final Thoughts
Forming an LLC in the U.S. is a major achievement, but what you do after formation determines your success. Whether you live in the U.S. or abroad, these post-formation steps help you stay legal, reduce taxes, and scale confidently. From getting your EIN to filing taxes and managing profits, each task plays a vital role in your company’s journey.
Use official government resources like: