Hi,

I'm in the process of filing all the paperwork needed for starting my business but I'm a little confused. I tried calling a few help numbers but I keep getting referred somewhere else so if anyone here can clarify some things for me I would really appreciate it!

I live in San Francisco, CA and I'm trying to start a LLC. From my research, I understand that I have to file a Business Registration Certificate and a Fictitious Business Name with the city. I also have to file a LLC-1 form with the state. Does anyone know if I'm suppose to file with the state or city first? Or does it even matter? And are those 3 the only forms I need to submit?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!

Hi Sandy, I am a big advocate of do-it-yourself whenever possible and rarely outsource much of what I need to do for my own business but in this case I finally gave up on trying to work out the logistics of our LLP paperwork just because I didn't have time to deal with all the ins and outs and wanted to make sure it got done right. We paid a fee to LegalZoom to handle ours for us (30 days later I've got the papers in hand, all set up and complete).

Otherwise, have you checked the Sec'y of State website for your state - they should have specific info for you about you particular area.

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Thanks for the link! I think I should do the same. May I ask what package you choose? The economy one is what I'm thinking of choosing.

We went with economy - and paid for them to set up the EIN number for us, the price varies by state but all in all was pretty reasonable when I took into account all the time I saved.
It took just over 30 days to get the package and then voila! All set

I don't want to steer you away from figuring it out on your own if that's something you're at all inclined to do - I just found that for me this was the best option.

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No, your suggestion helped out. =) Trying to figure it out was driving me bonkers. Do you happen to know anything about the paperwork that needs to be filed with the city? Am I suppose to file them before or after the LLC paperwork is complete?

Have you checked out http://www.sba.gov/? That is where I started. I live in Illinois. I navigated from there to my State link. I sent them (Illinois Entrepreneurship Network) an e-mail expressing my uncertainties and they sent me a packet with step by step instructions, a c.d. rom and several resource guides.
Best wishes.

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Dawn Lawson | At Your Service
http://freelanceadminsupport.com

Sandy, every state has different rules for how to file and I'm not familiar with California. I would suggest checking with your State or City agencies to see if they have any business start-up classes. Most states have free classes that will teach you all you need to know about setting up a business in the State, including, what forms to file, what taxes you have to pay, etc.

Legal Zoom is a good alternative to doing it yourself though.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

Sandy, I don't know much about city registration - is that even necessary for work from home virtual service providers?? Definitely check with your local agencies on that one...(and let us know what you find out )

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Thanks everyone for all the leads that will help me figure this out!

Hi,

I was able to find a checklist for starting a LLC in San Francisco, CA. I just wanted to post a link to it in case someone else needs help. Here's the link http://www.sfbizinfo.org/business_registration.htm#2