Small business, in particular, is booming in Delaware. The 77,306 small businesses registered in Delaware represent 98.3% of businesses in the First State, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration<\/a>. Small businesses in the state employ 176,837 people, 45.2% of Delaware employees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not every small business is a limited liability company (LLC), but there\u2019s a reason that many are. LLCs are a great choice when you want to keep your company organization simple but still enjoy the benefits of a business structure that is a distinct legal entity from its owners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting an LLC in Delaware is easier than you may think. Still, running a business means that your time is exceptionally valuable. If you would rather concentrate on the process of getting your business endeavor off the ground, you can leave the tedious tasks of filing LLC formation paperwork to a professional service like ZenBusiness<\/a>. Otherwise, you can follow these 13 simple steps to start an LLC in Delaware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you rush into starting a Delaware LLC, make sure you understand your options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Limited liability companies are such a popular choice of business entity that many new business owners set their sights on this structure without even looking at other options. While LLCs offer some unique benefits, they aren\u2019t the right choice for every business or business owner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n LLC is just one of seven distinct legal business structures recognized by the state of Delaware<\/a>. Deciding which of these business entities is right for your small business is the first step you should take when starting your new company. The Delaware Division of Corporations<\/a> suggests that small business owners consult a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or an attorney when making this decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, you should consider choosing an LLC business structure if you: <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also find information distinguishing LLCs from other types of business structures, including corporations and sole proprietorships, by consulting the U.S. Small Business Administration<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Every LLC should have a business plan to guide and direct the course of your company and make sure you\u2019re meeting milestones in growth and performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In your business plan, you should include the following sections: <\/p>\n\n\n\n A thorough business plan can go on for pages upon pages. The executive summary can serve as a quick overview that brings together all of the most important points from each section in one easy-to-access place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the executive summary should be the first item that appears when you open up your business plan, you should write it last, after you have fully fleshed out the remaining sections of the plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your company is more than the products it sells or the services it provides. Your description of your company should dig deeper, identifying what makes the organization unique and what strengths and assets equip it to succeed. Think about the customers you will try to appeal to and the problems your company will attempt to solve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Businesses don\u2019t thrive or fail in a vacuum. They\u2019re subject to market trends and conditions, including changes in customers\u2019 needs and in competing products, services, and companies. Preparing for success means understanding and analyzing the market now, even before you get the business running. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your company organization encompasses your legal business structure (LLC) and so much more. Who will manage your business and its different endeavors and divisions? What does your company\u2019s internal hierarchy look like? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although you don\u2019t need to get too granular when writing your business plan, you should strive to answer the question of who will be responsible for what aspects of the work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your small business is more than an inventory list, but you can\u2019t fully separate what products and services your company sells from its identity. Use this section of your business plan to identify key details of the products or services you will provide and the way they will improve your customers\u2019 lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t forget to address the logistics of managing your supply chain so that you can keep consistently providing your product or service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Marketing your business is an important part of staying in business. Without customers, you won\u2019t be bringing in any revenue. You don\u2019t have to have all of the details figured out just yet, but you should start thinking early on about how you\u2019re going to get your company\u2019s name out there and start bringing in business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve probably heard it said that it takes money to make money. Although there are some businesses you can start with just $1,000<\/a>, $100<\/a>, or even no money<\/a>, it\u2019s a lot harder to grow a company successfully when you\u2019re short on capital. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your business plan should make note of the assets and resources you have. If you\u2019re seeking investment funding, identify the amount of money you\u2019re looking for and how you intend to use it to grow your business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your financial goal is simply to \u201cmake money,\u201d your thinking is still a bit too vague. Identify the costs of operating your business. Do the math to figure out how much you can realistically expect to make based on the costs and price markups for your products and services and the volume of work you\u2019re able to handle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prospect of writing a business plan can be intimidating, but it\u2019s not nearly as hard as it sounds. Having the right tools can make a big impact. A professional service like LivePlan<\/a> can help you write a business plan without the hassle, plus prepare financial forecasts and statements even if math isn\u2019t your strong suit\u2014all for a low monthly price. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you go any further with making your LLC official, you need to decide what to call your company. Choosing a name for a Delaware LLC is a multi-step process that encompasses checking Delaware\u2019s LLC name requirements, verifying name availability, potentially reserving a business name, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n LLCs formed in Delaware can include the use of capital and lowercase letters and numbers. English words, words in other languages, proper nouns, and unique combinations of letters are all fair game under Delaware LLC name requirements<\/a>. (Names containing foreign language words may require a written English translation to accompany your name registration.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n The state specifically permits LLC names to include the name of a member (owner) or manager of the company, if desired. LLC names in Delaware may also include any of the following words: <\/p>\n\n\n\n What must be in the name of your Delaware LLC is one variation of the following, left up to the owner\u2019s preference: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Business owners approach naming their companies from a variety of perspectives. Sometimes they use their own name or name a business after a special place or person. Other LLC owners choose a word or phrase that resonates with them or one that sounds catchy and easy to remember. You might want to emphasize your industry in your LLC name so that customers know what products or services you offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no right or wrong way to name a business, provided that it follows all requirements for a Delaware LLC name and avoids language that could be considered offensive. Although you want to choose a name right off the bat that fits your company well, it is possible, and often not that difficult, to change your LLC name<\/a> if you need to do so later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you know what you want to call your LLC, you have to make sure the name is available. You can do this by running a free search through the online name database maintained by the Delaware Division of Corporations<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just type the name you would like to use into the \u201centity name\u201d field on the database search webpage and click \u201cSearch.\u201d The database will tell you if there is an active or inactive entity registered in the state of Delaware with that name. If so, this search will also provide information about that company\u2019s phone number, address, date of formation, registered agent, and file number. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your search yields no results, you can move forward with claiming the name for your company. If other businesses are already using that name, you may need to consider new options and repeat your name search until you find a unique name that suits your company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For some small business owners, officially reserving a name is the next step. Filling out an Application for Name Reservation for an LLC<\/a> ensures that no one else can use that name for a period of 120 days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You might decide to reserve an LLC name if you want to make sure that name is available but you\u2019re not ready to make your LLC official just yet. Aspiring small business owners should know, though, that name reservation isn\u2019t a required step in the process of starting a Delaware LLC. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are three main reasons new business owners might skip reserving an LLC name altogether. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unless you plan to keep re-reserving the name you want over and over again\u2014and paying a fee each time\u2014it only makes sense to reserve a business name in Delaware if you\u2019re going to be ready to file your Certificate of Formation within that 120-day reservation period. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just because you choose one name to serve as your company\u2019s legal name doesn\u2019t mean that you\u2019re locked into only doing business under that appellation. Companies often choose to register a \u201cdoing business as\u201d (DBA) name, a nickname under which they are legally allowed to conduct business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Delaware, business owners have to register DBA names with their county\u2019s Prothonotary Office. To do this, complete the Registration of Trade, Business, & Fictitious Name Certificate<\/a> and submit it to the appropriate county Prothonotary Office. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides your LLC\u2019s legal name and any DBA names, you should also give some thought to choosing a domain name. Maintaining a web presence is necessary for modern businesses in just about any industry, regardless of the size of the company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The domain name that houses your company website doesn\u2019t have to match your legal name or your DBA name, although it can. GoDaddy\u2019s domain name search<\/a> is the perfect place to begin checking availability and pricing out domain name options for your small business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have chosen your LLC\u2019s legal name, DBA names, and domain name, you might consider trademarking those names to make sure they belong solely to you. Trademarking your business name isn\u2019t required, and other Delaware businesses won\u2019t be able to form under the same legal name you have chosen for your company. Still, obtaining a trademark offers extra protection of your company\u2019s ownership of and right to use these names. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re considering a trademark, you should look into both state and national trademark registration. In Delaware, you need to submit an Application for Registration of Trademark\/Service Mark<\/a>. To secure a national trademark, you would start by running a trademark database search<\/a> through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Successfully securing a trademark isn\u2019t easy, so it may be worth hiring a trademark attorney to assist you. You can start looking for a qualified lawyer through LegalZoom<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Delaware, you don\u2019t officially have an LLC until you file a Certificate of Formation of a Limited Liability Company<\/a> with the Division of Corporations. The easiest way to file your Certificate of Formation is online using the Division of Corporations Document Upload Service<\/a>, available weekdays during limited hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To streamline the process of completing your Certificate of Formation, it\u2019s a good idea to find out what you need in advance and gather that information together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, as government forms go, the Certificate of Formation of a Limited Liability Company is actually fairly straightforward. The simple, one-page form requires only the following information: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you input the company name exactly as you want it to appear in legal government records. Double-check spelling, grammar, and punctuation before submitting the form. Be sure to include some variation of \u201cLimited Liability Company,\u201d \u201cL.L.C.,\u201d or \u201cLLC\u201d in the company name, as required under Delaware law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you make a typo, spelling error, or another kind of mistake in the name of your company on your Certificate of Formation, you will have to file a form called a Certificate of Correction<\/a> and pay a $200 fee to set things right. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The second and final numbered requirement that appears on Delaware\u2019s Certificate of Formation of a Limited Liability Company is information about a registered agent and registered office. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Think of a registered agent (and the physical office out of which they work) as the party you designate to accept legal and tax documents on behalf of your company. These official documents include service of process documents that notify companies of a lawsuit filed against them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All LLCs formed in Delaware are required to appoint a registered agent. You must include the name of that individual and the address of their office (called the registered office) on your LLC\u2019s Certificate of Formation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Delaware, a company can serve as its own registered agent as long as its physical location is in the state, the Division of Corporations<\/a> reported. This is an unusual option, since many states prohibit LLCs from serving as their own registered agent (although a member or manager of the company may do so). <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t want your LLC (or one of its members) to act as the company\u2019s registered agent, you will need to appoint someone who meets the legal requirements to be a registered agent. These requirements include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n To avoid the inconvenience of having to be constantly available on-site at the registered office, many LLC owners opt to pay for professional registered agent services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Division of Corporations maintains an online list of Delaware registered agents<\/a>. These Listed Agents must meet standa<\/a>r<\/a>ds <\/a>established by the state to be included on the list. LLC owners aren\u2019t required to choose a registered agent included in this list. ZenBusiness<\/a> is an example of a professional registered agent service that is popular with business owners across the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n LLCs can change their registered agent. To do so, they must file a special Certificate of Amendment Changing Only the Registered Office\/Agent of Limited Liability Company form<\/a>. The state charges a $50 fee to process this form. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The person who files the Certificate of Formation paperwork is required to include their own printed name and signature as the \u201cauthorized person.\u201d You personally can serve as the authorized person when forming an LLC, as can others involved in your entity. However, you may also have a professional, such as an attorney or a registered agent from a paid service, act as the authorized person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To file a Certificate of Formation in Delaware, LLC owners will pay a $90 fee. Once you complete your Certificate of Formation, you are entitled to a stamped \u201cFiled\u201d copy of the certificate at no charge. If you would like a certified copy of this legal document, you will have to pay an additional fee of $50.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re planning to register a DBA name for your LLC<\/a>, make sure you do so promptly after the certificate of formation is filed. The state of Delaware<\/a> may impose fines of up to $100 and\/or prison terms of up to three months on the members of LLCs who do business under a fictitious name that has not been properly registered in accordance with state law. If an LLC plans to use a DBA name in multiple counties, it should register the name in each county. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Filing the Certificate of Formation is an essential part of starting a Delaware LLC, but the task can be somewhat tedious or intimidating. If you already have too much on your plate preparing the company to start doing business, consider hiring a professional service, like ZenBusiness<\/a> or LegalZoom<\/a>, to file the paperwork for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Both of these paid services do a great job reliably handling the details of LLC formation, but if we had to choose just one to recommend, it would be ZenBusiness for its ease of use. What\u2019s great about ZenBusiness is that even the lowest-priced Starter plan includes registered agent services as part of its standard filing service, so you won\u2019t have to pay separate entities to file your forms and act as your registered agent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The smart step to take after you file your Certificate of LLC Formation is to write an operating agreement. You aren\u2019t legally required to submit this document to the state, as you do with the Certificate of Formation, but that doesn\u2019t make it any less important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Having a written operating agreement\u2014a legal contract\u2014in place establishes the rules for how the company will run and how it will handle the changes and challenges that arise in the course of its business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure your operating agreement includes: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your operating agreement is a binding legal contract. Any mistake or oversight in it can open your company up to disputes between members or make the procedures for growing your business unclear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s crucial to make sure the language of your operating agreement covers every contingency. This is one area of the LLC formation process in which it\u2019s worth paying for professional help, even if you opt to do most of the work yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is that you don\u2019t have to spend a lot of money to get a professional-quality operating agreement. You can use LegalZoom<\/a> to find an attorney and view sample operating agreements. If you hire ZenBusiness<\/a> to assist you with LLC formation, a customizable operating agreement is included in all plan levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An important part of the process of forming an LLC in any state is getting set up to pay federal taxes on your company\u2019s revenue. You do this by applying for a federal employer identification number (EIN)<\/a> from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). <\/p>\n\n\n\n A federal EIN is your company\u2019s tax identification number. You use this ID number for federal tax reporting purposes. You may also need this number for banking, including setting up your own small business bank account, and as you apply for business licenses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n LLC owners can apply for their EIN online using the IRS Online EIN Assistant Portal<\/a>. The service is free, and applicants can receive their tax ID number immediately. If you use the business formation services from ZenBusiness, applying for your federal EIN is one of the services included in the Pro and Premium plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that your LLC is set up, you need to start off managing your company\u2019s finances on the right foot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the LLC business structure establishes your company as its own separate legal entity, mixing your business assets with your personal assets muddies that distinction. Even if you\u2019re the only owner of the LLC and you are legally entitled to all of its profits, failing to keep business assets separate can undermine the liability protection an LLC is supposed to provide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Neglecting to keep personal and business assets separate can also backfire when you\u2019re looking for capital to grow your company. Whether you\u2019re seeking a traditional business loan or looking for investors, not being able to clearly show your company\u2019s operating costs and profitability will make potential funders think twice about financing your business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is that separating your company\u2019s assets from your own assets is as simple as establishing a business bank account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To open a bank account for your new business, you will need identification documents for you and your business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Delaware, banks and financial institutions often ask for a certified copy of your Certificate of Formation or a Certificate of Good Standing. You can get these documents from the Delaware Division of Corporations<\/a>. The state charges a fee of $50 for a Short Form Certificate of Status or $175 for a Long Form Certificate of Status. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Securing these copies is as easy as including the request in your business filing form. To make sure you\u2019re asking for the right form (and not paying more than you have to), it may be a good idea to find out what specific documents your bank requires to open a business account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How do you select a business bank account? It\u2019s a good idea to compare your options and weigh factors like fees, account benefits, and restrictions like minimum balance requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Choosing a national bank offers the flexibility of in-person banking locations wherever you go, not to mention a more extensive range of products and services and, often, better rates. Two of the top national banks to consider for a Delaware business bank account are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Small business owners sometimes prefer to work with regional banks. Two of the regional banks with the most branch locations in the state include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Spending money is part of running a company, and a business credit card is usually the best method of paying for the things your business needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After all, you don\u2019t want to have to write a check every time you need to make a business purchase. Paying cash for business expenses is less than ideal in terms of recordkeeping. Even a debit card linked to your business bank account isn\u2019t the best option, especially because debit cards tend to offer less fraud protection than credit cards do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Having a dedicated business credit card makes it easy to pay for your company\u2019s expenses without mixing up your personal assets with your company’s assets. Small business owners enjoy numerous benefits of using a business credit card<\/a>, including easy recordkeeping, the ability to add managers and key company representatives as authorized users on the account, and the chance to earn valuable rewards on the money you\u2019re already spending, anyway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all business credit cards are equally rewarding, and different businesses benefit more from different cards. If business trips are important in your company, the best business credit cards<\/a> for you might be the ones that offer generous rewards in airline miles. On the other hand, if you rarely travel for business, a cashback card may be a better fit for your company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Setting up a separate bank account is just one aspect of managing your company\u2019s finances. You also need to establish strong business bookkeeping practices. Staying on top of the books year-round\u2014not just at tax time\u2014is important so that you understand how much money your company is spending and where it\u2019s going. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you plan to do the bookkeeping in-house, QuickBooks<\/a> is an easy-to-use, easy-to-learn tool that makes the task simple. Small business owners who would rather outsource their bookkeeping needs should consider a cloud solution like Bench Accounting<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Delaware is known for having no state or local sales tax, but that doesn\u2019t mean small businesses have no state tax obligation. LLCs in Delaware are required to pay an annual tax of $300 to the state by June 1st, the Division of Corporations<\/a> reported. They do not, however, have to file a corporate annual report (and pay the associated filing fee) or pay the same corporate franchise tax that corporations are required to pay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other requirements for Delaware businesses that are not formed as corporations\u2014including LLCs\u2014include an annual business license. If you sell what the state calls \u201ctangible property,\u201d you also need a retail license or wholesaler license and, possibly, payments of a gross receipts tax<\/a>, the Delaware Division of Revenue<\/a> reported. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Navigating the different kinds of taxes imposed by different levels of government can be tricky, and missing any of these tax requirements could cost your business big time. If you\u2019re having trouble keeping on top of it all, it\u2019s a great idea to enlist the help of a CPA. The Delaware Society of Certified Public Accountants is the best place to start when you need to find a CPA<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your LLC will be hiring employees, you have certain obligations as an employer. These obligations include registering the company with the Division of Unemployment Insurance<\/a>, the Offices of Workers\u2019 Compensation<\/a>, and the Division of Revenue<\/a> (for a withholding account). <\/p>\n\n\n\n These requirements only apply to LLCs that hire employees. If the only workers are the members of the LLC and they are compensated with an owner\u2019s draw instead of an employee\u2019s salary, then you can skip this step. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When bringing on help for your LLC, you need to make sure you are categorizing workers correctly. For in-house employees who you hire to be part of your company, typically (but not always) on a permanent or long-term basis, you will need to withhold taxes<\/a>, pay into the state unemployment program, and purchase workers\u2019 compensation insurance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s not the case if you\u2019re hiring professionals as independent contractors. Workers classified as independent contractors rather than employees usually assist companies on a per-project basis. When companies hire an independent contractor, the relationship is fundamentally different from an employer-employee relationship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hiring an independent contractor instead of an employee means you have only the level of control over the work that a client has over a company whose services they purchase. If you\u2019re looking for more control over the worker, then you must classify them as an employee or risk facing steep penalties and fines for misclassification. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Employers in Delaware<\/a> need to register their business to obtain their Department of Labor Division of Unemployment Insurance Employer Account Number. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Within the first 20 days your LLC is in operation, you should file the \u201cReport to Determine Liability and if Liable Application for Employer Account Number\u201d Form, also known as Form UC-1<\/a>. For help with this form or to request to have a paper copy mailed to you, contact the Unemployment Insurance Employer Contributions Unit at (302) 761-8484 or DOL_UI_Employer_Tax_Questions@stat<\/a>e<\/a>.de.us<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have your Employer Account Number, you can use the Department of Labor\u2019s Online Employer Services Portal<\/a> to file your quarterly unemployment insurance tax reports online and to make payments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Delaware employers must also comply with workers\u2019 compensation law and create a withholding account with the Division of Revenue. Fortunately, you can knock out these obligations relatively quickly\u2014and start the process of securing your Delaware business license\u2014using the Delaware One Stop<\/a> online tool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To fulfill their obligations with regards to the workers\u2019 compensation program, employers in Delaware may purchase a workers\u2019 comp insurance policy from any private insurance agency that is licensed to sell this type of coverage in the state. If you can\u2019t get workers\u2019 compensation coverage on the voluntary market, your LLC is eligible for \u201cassumed risk\u201d coverage through the Delaware Workers Compensation Insurance Plan (DIP)<\/a>, but this coverage is much more expensive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Between accounting for unemployment insurance taxes and withholding payments for federal and state income taxes, managing payroll for an LLC with employees can get complicated. A payroll provider service will run your payroll operations to keep your LLC in compliance while you focus on actually managing the company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are plenty of payroll providers out there, but we prefer Gusto<\/a>. This user-friendly full-service payroll provider allows LLC owners to handle payroll, employee benefits, and much more. We love that it integrates with popular bookkeeping tools like Bench to make every aspect of managing your obligations as an employer easier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n LLCs in Delaware must acquire a business license. The Delaware One Stop online tool allows you to register your business with the Division of Revenue<\/a> and apply for your business license. Business licenses in Delaware are issued on an annual basis and can be renewed online through the One Stop tool<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All businesses in Delaware should apply for a state business license, but some LLCs will need additional licenses and permits. Some of the types of business licenses your company may need could include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n LLC owners should check with their county and municipality to determine what additional licenses and permits they may need besides the general Delaware business license. You can consult the Index of State of Delaware Business Licenses and Registrations<\/a> for help determining what professional and industry-specific licensing laws apply to your company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Failing to have the right licenses in place could get your company in trouble. If you need more help figuring out which licenses you need for your LLC, LegalZoom\u2019s Business Licenses tool<\/a> can help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The legal structure of an LLC is designed to protect you, the individual, from liability for the company\u2019s debts and financial losses. However, starting a business does open the door to at least some amount of risk. Smart business owners take steps to minimize this risk and protect themselves and their company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this guide to forming an LLC in Delaware, we have already talked about several tools and procedures used to reduce the risk of going into business: <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a great start, but LLC owners still have two important tasks to do to protect their companies: sign legal documents correctly and purchase insurance coverage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that your company exists as its own legal entity, you need to be careful when signing legal documents. When you sign any kind of legal document on behalf of the LLC, you need to sign as a representative of the business, rather than as an individual. This may seem like a minor distinction, but failing to distinguish between your personal signature and your signature as the LLC\u2019s owner could blur the line between you and your company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how we structure signature sections on contracts in order to reflect the separate legal existence of the company. Feel free to steal this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Agreed to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n _[Your Company Name]_<\/p>\n\n\n\n By: _Your Signature_<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its: _Founder and Owner [or whatever other title you use]_<\/p>\n\n\n\n There will always be some risk involved in running a business, but having the right kinds of insurance can minimize your company\u2019s financial liabilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For many LLC owners, the question isn\u2019t whether they should get insurance (they should!) but instead what kinds of insurance they really need. Some types of business insurance coverages include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n A great place to start to figure out your LLC\u2019s insurance needs is Hiscox<\/a>, an insurance company that works exclusively with small businesses and provides tailored insurance solutions for more than 180 different professions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One specific aspect of your business that needs protection is its intellectual property (IP). You might not think about safeguarding your LLC\u2019s intellectual property because these assets aren\u2019t (necessarily) tangible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The World Intellectual Property Organization<\/a> defines IP as \u201ccreations of the mind,\u201d which may include anything from inventions to works of art in any media and even the unique names given to companies and their products and services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your LLC\u2019s intellectual property is an important aspect of its assets. If you\u2019ve developed a new technology used in the products or services you provide, your intellectual property is integral to your business. Even if not, though, your IP matters because it\u2019s how clients and customers recognize your company. A competitor stealing your company\u2019s look, logo, slogans, or the names of its products and services could ruin your business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Think about your LLC\u2019s intellectual property as everything that sets your company apart from other companies in the industry. If you can\u2019t protect it, then your business runs the risk of blending into the background, unnoticed and unsuccessful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many types of intellectual property and specific ways business owners can go about protecting them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you\u2019re aware of what forms of intellectual property your LLC may have and why it matters, the next question is how you can protect it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Filing a patent, copyright, or trademark is an important step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Register a copyright<\/a> online through the Electronic Copyright Office (eCO) Registration System<\/a>. You can also apply for a patent<\/a> online through the EFS-Web tool<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The process of registering a trademark<\/a> is a bit more complicated. The trademark application process<\/a> begins with searching the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) to make sure your IP isn\u2019t so similar to existing trademarks that it is likely to lead to confusion. Then you would have to identify and classify the goods and services your LLC offers, specify your legal filing basis, and make sure you choose the right application form\u2014the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) Plus or the TEAS Standard\u2014to file electronically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Delaware, you can also file Trademark and Service Mark registrations with the Secretary of State to protect your IP within the state, according to the DE Division of Corporations<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides filing for formal protection of intellectual property under the federal government, many LLCs choose to use IP agreements in the course of their business. These agreements may include non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and confidentiality agreements that apply to workers, as well as independent contractor agreements for work you outsource to other companies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Work Made for Hire Agreement may help your company retain ownership of any intellectual property created for it. You might ask workers, both in-house and independent, to sign a non-solicitation agreement that keeps them from soliciting your LLC\u2019s clients and customers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You may even request that workers sign a non-compete agreement that restricts a worker from working for a competitor while or even after working for your company. However, a non-compete agreement that is too restrictive may be difficult to enforce, since companies generally don\u2019t have a legal right to permanently ban their former employees from working in the industry or the geographical area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Figuring out a strategy to protect all of your LLC\u2019s intellectual property can be complicated. You don\u2019t have to fumble through this complex legal and business area all on your own. If you have questions about which methods of IP protection are right for your company\u2014or if you would rather pay a professional to deal with it so you can spend your time on other things\u2014the Intellectual Property Portal on LegalZoom<\/a> can help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You know you have to pay federal and state income tax for your business. What you might not know is whether your county and municipality also impose their own taxes on businesses. Not knowing isn\u2019t a valid excuse for not paying these taxes, so LLC owners need to proactively seek out information. Check with the county and city where your company is located to determine what your tax obligations are. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You might also have separate tax obligations, or at least separate forms to fill out, based on your industry and the products you sell or the services you provide. The Division of Revenue\u2019s collection of Business Tax Forms<\/a> provides additional information and downloadable forms for industries that range from sales of alcoholic beverages to petroleum wholesaling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This whole time you\u2019ve been dreaming of starting a business, it hasn\u2019t been paperwork and insurance coverage that piqued your interest. If anything, the logistics of starting a company have probably discouraged you from moving forward with the business launch. Seeing the long list of steps you need to take may feel more discouraging than anything for a prospective small business owner deciding whether to take the plunge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s easy to get bogged down with the minutiae of business formation and compliance, but your passion for this adventure in entrepreneurship is so much bigger than a stack of (mostly digital) paperwork. You can do this.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The logistics of LLC formation may seem intimidating, but they\u2019re also short-lived. Once your company is officially up and running, you just have to maintain compliance through relatively painless steps like renewing licenses and filing routine reports and payments. The rest of the time, you can focus on actually running your business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t have to undertake LLC formation alone. Remember, a company like ZenBusiness<\/a> can take care of the whole process for you at a price that\u2019s surprisingly affordable and, for many new business owners, unquestionably worthwhile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Small businesses are born every day. Isn\u2019t it time you made your dreams of running your own company a reality? <\/p>\n\n\n\n How to Start an LLC in California<\/a> If you\u2019re itching to launch a new business in Delaware, you\u2019ve come to the right place. With business-friendly laws on the books and the widely respected Delaware Court of Chancery in place to address commercial disputes and legal matters, the state is a prime place for undertaking entrepreneurship. Not only have upwards of one million […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":79498,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-79487","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business"},"acf":[],"wps_subtitle":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79487","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/82"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=79487"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79487\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":79555,"href":"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79487\/revisions\/79555"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/79498"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=79487"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=79487"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=79487"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}1. Verify That a Delaware LLC Is the Right Business Structure to Choose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Verify](\"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_1552802861.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n2. Create a Business Plan for Your LLC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"](\"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_1789212509.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat Belongs in a Delaware LLC\u2019s Business Plan? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Executive Summary<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Company Description<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Market Analysis <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Company Organization<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Your Products or Services<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
A Marketing Plan <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Your Funding Needs <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Financial Forecasts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Get](\"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_299322323.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nGet Help Writing Your Business Plan <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Choose a Name for Your LLC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Choose](\"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_1088221376.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nKnow the Name Requirements for a Delaware LLC<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Check Your Name\u2019s Availability Through a Database Search <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![](\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/5IaiHxdUK7-y3M-C3KfNPbbpAgcOdspbsMcfhwbt_YJzB3mDTwPeNFXQ9oTCEi3MEkuzcIZ7LQQcAlEkiMvUhtfCSqYeECxaLThFiRpzY7YMAN5udUxEGy1MpxCCPlb98YKv-O6g\")
Reserving a Name <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Legal Name vs. DBA Name<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Beyond Choosing a Business Name <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. File a Certificate of Formation with the Delaware Division of Corporations <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![](\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/Hv7DwBIgTAc0gMPWlqFPcGsWs7gf2gOvUVWRqTmYAuz1V9ps_U4az9tDXsaWEindGqLw7kQlc05a9WgTqDqIkrvWQzYAwn1CsYMcGZlNjYXsvswIq2MXYDMGWpCUhnTSanKlTyCU\")
Delaware LLC Certificate of Formation Requirements <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Adding Your LLC Name to the Certificate of Formation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Is a Registered Agent? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Choosing a Registered Agent <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Authorized Person <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Delaware State Fees for LLC Formation <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts to Keep in Mind About Filing Your Certificate of Formation <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Write an Operating Agreement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Write](\"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_1863233440.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s in an Operating Agreement?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Write Your Operating Agreement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Apply for a Federal EIN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Apply](\"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_461780287.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n7. Open a Company Bank Account<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_615754826.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat You Need to Open a Business Bank Account for Your Delaware LLC <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Choosing a Delaware Business Bank Account <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Getting a Business Credit Card for Your Delaware LLC <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Business Bookkeeping for LLCs <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Pay Your Annual Delaware Taxes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![](\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/-ZoSwYyhDx7HlSbc6K8qjoo-rO0x-8kXlG2atsVuVan9FRsIKpq0wqfsM2FCfLILa0JeRj303LtpXlnBnpoqkGqpG1ZrqKUEqyqWozSxDOND-yklbZZpNdWK0d9fSlE2wp4-IMs-\")
9. Register Your LLC as an Employer With the Delaware Department of Labor <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Register](\"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_1638562999.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nDoes Your LLC Need to Hire Employees? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Register as an Employer With the Delaware Department of Labor <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Planning for Payroll <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. Apply for Delaware Licenses and Permits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Apply](\"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_766254241.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n11. Protect the Owners and the Company<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Protect](\"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_303490139.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nProtection and Risk Mitigation for LLC Owners in Delaware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Sign Legal Documents as an LLC<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nGetting Insurance for a Delaware LLC <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
12. Protect Your Intellectual Property<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_291050585.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat Is IP and Why Does It Matter? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Types of Intellectual Property <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How a Delaware LLC Can Protect Its Intellectual Property <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
IP Protection Under the United States Patent and Trademark Office <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How Your Business Contracts Can Protect Your LLC\u2019s Intellectual Property <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Getting Help With Intellectual Property Protection <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
13. Comply with Local Tax Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Comply](\"https:\/\/www.businesspundit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shutterstock_519037627.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nConclusion to How to Start an LLC in Delaware<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
LLC Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Start an LLC in Florida<\/a>
How to Start an LLC in Texas<\/a>
How to Start an LLC in New York<\/a>
How to Start an LLC in Illinois<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"