The Business Formation Podcast

About The Business Formation Podcast

The Business Formation Podcast is a plain-English guide to starting a U.S. company. Each episode answers one question founders actually search for: how to start an LLC in your state, what it really costs, which registered agent to use, and which formation services are worth the money. Hosts Dan and Maya walk through the real numbers: state filing fees, annual report deadlines, registered agent renewal prices, and the add-ons that turn a $99 teaser into a much bigger bill. Services are ranked by what you pay over three years, not by the first-year price. We cover all 50 states, plus national roundups and episodes for non-U.S. founders forming an American LLC. State fees come from official state sources, and company prices come from each company's own pricing page at the time of recording. Nothing in this show is legal or tax advice.

Publisher

The Business Formation Podcast

Category

business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 Nov 2026

Latest episode

2 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

103 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Nov 2026

   How to Start an LLC in Wisconsin (2026)

   To start an LLC in Wisconsin, you file Articles of Organization, Form 502, with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The fee is $130 online, or $170 on paper. Every step for 2026, including the registered agent rules, the $25 annual report due by the end of your anniversary quarter, and the three best ways to have it filed for you. The 3 best ways to file in Wisconsin (2026) Mainstay Filing (our pick): $199/yr + state fee ($329 at checkout with Wisconsin's $130 online fee). Includes your Form 502 filed, your EIN application, your registered agent every year and your annual report filed in your anniversary quarter. Renews at $199/yr. https://www.mainstayfiling.com/wisconsin/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-wisconsin (https://www.mainstayfiling.com/wisconsin/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-wisconsin) WI Registered Agent.org: $199 + state fee ($329 at checkout). Prepares and files your Articles of Organization, with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.wiregisteredagent.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-wisconsin (https://www.wiregisteredagent.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-wisconsin) Wisconsin Registered Agent.co: $199 + state fee ($329 at checkout). Forms your Wisconsin LLC with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.wisconsinregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-wisconsin (https://www.wisconsinregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-wisconsin) Chapters 0:00 The short answer 0:33 Step 1: Choose a name 0:59 Step 2: Pick a registered agent 1:36 Step 3: File Form 502 2:06 Step 4: Write an operating agreement 2:32 Step 5: Get a free EIN 2:50 Step 6: File the annual report 3:16 What it costs 3:45 Rush options 4:12 The agent rules in detail 4:50 Paper or online 5:19 Planning your annual report 5:48 Your first-year checklist 6:04 The 3 best ways to file in Wisconsin 7:24 Three years of service fees 7:50 Recap Wisconsin LLC facts (checked October 7, 2026) Filing: Articles of Organization, Form 502, with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI): $130 online, $170 on paper. Online filings are usually accepted on receipt; next-day expedite $100, in-person 4-hour $250. Name: must include "limited liability company," "limited company," "LLC" or "LC"; reservation $15 for 120 days. Registered agent: a Wisconsin resident or an authorized business, with an email address and a physical Wisconsin street address (not solely a P.O. box or mailbox service); the LLC can't be its own agent. Change online: $10. Operating agreement: not filed; a Wisconsin LLC is member-managed unless a written operating agreement says otherwise. EIN: free from the IRS at IRS.gov. Annual report: $25 online, each year after the formation year, due by the end of the calendar quarter of the anniversary. Missing it makes the LLC delinquent; a year overdue can lead to administrative dissolution after a 60-day notice. No beneficial ownership (BOI) report for U.S. companies (FinCEN). Sources Wisconsin DFI, fees: https://dfi.wi.gov/Pages/BusinessServices/BusinessEntities/Fees.aspx (https://dfi.wi.gov/Pages/BusinessServices/BusinessEntities/Fees.aspx) Form 502, Articles of Organization (PDF): https://dfi.wi.gov/Documents/BusinessServices/BusinessEntities/Forms/CORP502.pdf (https://dfi.wi.gov/Documents/BusinessServices/BusinessEntities/Forms/CORP502.pdf) DFI file online: https://dfi.wi.gov/Pages/BusinessServices/BusinessEntities/FileOnline.aspx (https://dfi.wi.gov/Pages/BusinessServices/BusinessEntities/FileOnline.aspx) DFI FAQ: https://dfi.wi.gov/Pages/BusinessServices/BusinessEntities/FAQ.aspx (https://dfi.wi.gov/Pages/BusinessServices/BusinessEntities/FAQ.aspx) Wis. Stat. § 183.0115 (registered agent): https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/183/i/0115 (https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/183/i/0115) IRS, Get an EIN: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number (https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number) FinCEN, BOI: https://www.fincen.gov/boi (https://www.fincen.gov/boi) Company prices from each company's own page and checkout, October 7, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.

2. 

   2 Nov 2026

   How to Start an LLC in West Virginia (2026)

   To start an LLC in West Virginia, you file Articles of Organization, Form LLD-1, with the West Virginia Secretary of State. The fee is $100, plus $1 if you file online. Every step for 2026, including the optional agent, the State Tax Division registration, the $25 annual report due by June 30, and the three best ways to have it filed for you. The 3 best ways to file in West Virginia (2026) Mainstay Filing (our pick): $199/yr + state fee ($300 at checkout with West Virginia's $101 online fee). Includes your Articles of Organization filed, your EIN application, your agent for service of process every year and your annual report filed. Renews at $199/yr. https://www.mainstayfiling.com/west-virginia/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-west-virginia (https://www.mainstayfiling.com/west-virginia/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-west-virginia) WV Registered Agent.org: $199 + state fee ($300 at checkout). Prepares and files your Articles of Organization, with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.wvregisteredagent.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-west-virginia (https://www.wvregisteredagent.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-west-virginia) West Virginia Registered Agent.co: $199 + state fee ($300 at checkout). Forms your West Virginia LLC with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.westvirginiaregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-west-virginia (https://www.westvirginiaregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-west-virginia) Chapters 0:00 The short answer 0:29 Step 1: Choose a name 0:52 Step 2: Decide on an agent 1:29 Step 3: File Form LLD-1 1:58 Step 4: Write an operating agreement 2:14 Step 5: Get a free EIN and register for state tax 2:50 Step 6: File the annual report 3:15 What it costs 3:43 Rush options 4:14 Skipping the agent: the trade-off 4:43 State business registration 5:30 Planning your first annual report 6:00 Your first-year checklist 6:21 The 3 best ways to file in West Virginia 7:42 Three years of service fees 8:06 Recap West Virginia LLC facts (checked October 7, 2026) Filing: Form LLD-1, Articles of Organization, with the West Virginia Secretary of State: $100, plus $1 online through the One Stop Business Portal; paper by mail or in person. Standard processing 5 to 10 business days; next business day $25 extra (2-hour $250, 1-hour $500). Name: must end with "limited liability company," "limited company," "L.L.C.," "LLC," "L.C." or "LC." Reservation: 120 days, $15. Agent for service of process: optional in West Virginia; without one, service goes through the Secretary of State to the principal office. An agent can be an individual resident or a company. Add or change: $15 (Form AAO). Form LLD-1 must list the names and addresses of all members or managers, or it's rejected. It's a public document. Operating agreement: not filed. EIN: free from the IRS at IRS.gov. Business registration certificate from the WV State Tax Division: $30 in most cases. Annual report: January 1 to June 30 each year after the formation year, $25 (online through One Stop); after June 30, $75 including a $50 late fee; continued failure can lead to administrative dissolution. No beneficial ownership (BOI) report for U.S. companies (FinCEN). Sources West Virginia Form LLD-1 (PDF): https://sos.wv.gov/media/282/download?inline= (https://sos.wv.gov/media/282/download?inline=) WV Secretary of State fee schedule (PDF): https://sos.wv.gov/media/335/download?inline= (https://sos.wv.gov/media/335/download?inline=) Register a new WV business: https://sos.wv.gov/register-new-wv-business (https://sos.wv.gov/register-new-wv-business) WV limited liability companies: https://sos.wv.gov/limited-liability-companies (https://sos.wv.gov/limited-liability-companies) WV annual reports: https://sos.wv.gov/business/updates-and-changes/annual-reports (https://sos.wv.gov/business/updates-and-changes/annual-reports) WV expedite service: https://sos.wv.gov/business/general-information/expedite-service (https://sos.wv.gov/business/general-information/expedite-service) WV State Tax Division, business registration: https://tax.wv.gov/Business/BusinessRegistration/Pages/BusinessRegistrationQuestionsAndAnswers.aspx (https://tax.wv.gov/Business/BusinessRegistration/Pages/BusinessRegistrationQuestionsAndAnswers.aspx) IRS, Get an EIN: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number (https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number) FinCEN, BOI: https://www.fincen.gov/boi (https://www.fincen.gov/boi) Company prices from each company's own page and checkout, October 7, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.

3. 

   2 Nov 2026

   How to Start an LLC in Vermont (2026)

   To start an LLC in Vermont, you file Articles of Organization online with the Vermont Secretary of State, and the fee is $155. Every step for 2026, including the $45 annual report, the $250 business entity income tax minimum, and the three best ways to have it filed for you. The 3 best ways to file in Vermont (2026) Mainstay Filing (our pick): $199/yr + state fee ($354 at checkout with Vermont's $155 fee). Includes your Articles of Organization filed, your EIN application, your registered agent every year and your annual report filed. Renews at $199/yr. https://www.mainstayfiling.com/vermont/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-vermont (https://www.mainstayfiling.com/vermont/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-vermont) VT Registered Agent.org: $199 + state fee ($354 at checkout). Prepares and files your Articles of Organization, with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.vtregisteredagent.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-vermont (https://www.vtregisteredagent.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-vermont) Vermont Registered Agent.co: $199 + state fee ($354 at checkout). Forms your Vermont LLC with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.vermontregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-vermont (https://www.vermontregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-vermont) Chapters 0:00 The short answer 0:29 Step 1: Choose a name 1:02 Step 2: Name a registered agent 1:34 Step 3: File the Articles online 1:55 Step 4: Write an operating agreement 2:16 Step 5: Get a free EIN, and know the tax minimum 2:53 Step 6: File the annual report 3:24 What it costs 3:47 Fiscal year and your due date 4:08 The $250 income tax minimum 4:39 Choosing an agent in Vermont 5:01 When an LLC is terminated 5:34 Online or mail, side by side 5:55 Your first-year checklist 6:14 The 3 best ways to file in Vermont 7:38 Three years of service fees 8:01 Recap Vermont LLC facts (checked October 7, 2026) Filing: Articles of Organization with the Vermont Secretary of State through the Online Business Service Center: $155, no extra fee online. Online filing normally takes less than 1 business day; mailed filings 7 to 10 business days. Name: must contain "limited liability company," "limited company," "L.L.C.," "LLC," "L.C." or "LC" and be distinguishable in the records. Reservation: 120 days, $25. Registered agent: a Vermont resident or a business registered and active in Vermont (not the LLC itself), with a street and mailing address in Vermont. Change: $35. Operating agreement: not filed. EIN: free from the IRS at IRS.gov. Vermont business entity income tax (BI-471): generally a $250 minimum; single-member disregarded LLCs don't file BI-471. Annual report: within three months after the fiscal year end on record (March 31 for a calendar year), $45, online. No late fee; unfiled reports end good standing and terminate the LLC; reinstatement $35 plus $45 per missed year. No beneficial ownership (BOI) report for U.S. companies (FinCEN). Sources Vermont Secretary of State, LLC formation: https://sos.vermont.gov/business-services/business-filings/domestic-formation/llc/ (https://sos.vermont.gov/business-services/business-filings/domestic-formation/llc/) Fees and statutes: https://sos.vermont.gov/business-services/fees-statutes/ (https://sos.vermont.gov/business-services/fees-statutes/) Registered office and agent filings: https://sos.vermont.gov/business-services/business-filings/registered-office-agent-filings/ (https://sos.vermont.gov/business-services/business-filings/registered-office-agent-filings/) Annual and biennial reports: https://sos.vermont.gov/business-services/business-filings/annualbiennial-reports/ (https://sos.vermont.gov/business-services/business-filings/annualbiennial-reports/) Reinstatements: https://sos.vermont.gov/business-services/business-filings/reinstatements/ (https://sos.vermont.gov/business-services/business-filings/reinstatements/) Vermont business entity income tax: https://tax.vermont.gov/business/business-entity-income-tax (https://tax.vermont.gov/business/business-entity-income-tax) IRS, Get an EIN: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number (https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number) FinCEN, BOI: https://www.fincen.gov/boi (https://www.fincen.gov/boi) Company prices from each company's own page and checkout, October 7, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.

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