As business owners or stakeholders, how are you looking at the next presidency term for your business? Bullish or bearish if Trump wins?

Just had my first $25k month with my business, but I can’t tell anyone!

Well, just under… $24,653. As I’m writing this on 10/24, still got a few hours of work to push me over the $25k mark. I started this business 1 year ago as a side hustle to make a little extra money, and now it’s slowly turning into a full-time gig.

My problem is, I don’t have anyone to share this with...

I don’t want to come across as bragging to my friends or family, especially since they aren’t entrepreneurs or business owners. I worry they’ll take it the wrong way. Has anyone else experienced this? Any advice? I know it’s a great “problem” to have, and I’m really proud of myself, but it’s tough not having anyone to share this with.

I was just wondering... companies like Google, Apple, Amazon and the like have so many employees. In the thousands I guess?

How are they able to keep their secrets?

Q is pretty self explanatory.

I’m in the process of starting a small online business, and I’m looking into forming an LLC in Alabama. I’ve done some research, but I’m still confused about the total cost. It seems like there are multiple fees, and I want to make sure I’m budgeting correctly.

So far, I’ve found that the state filing fee for the Certificate of Formation is $200, and there’s also a $100 fee for reserving the LLC name. But then I read something about a business privilege tax that you have to pay every year, and I’m not sure how much that’s going to be. On top of that, I’ll likely need a registered agent, which seems to be an extra cost if I don’t want to use my home address.

Has anyone here gone through this process in Alabama? What other costs should I be aware of? I don’t want to get hit with any surprise fees later on. Also, any tips on whether it’s better to handle this on my own or hire a service to help?

Need sum advice from any1 who’s dealt with registering a foreign LLC in CA. I recently formed an LLC in Delaware because I read that it’s gr8 for startups, but now that I’m actually trying to operate my business in California (where I live), I’ve realized I need to register as a “foreign LLC” here too.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed with the process and what it all entails. From what I understand, I need to file paperwork with the California Secretary of State and pay a $20 filing fee for the Statement of Information and there’s the $800 annual franchise tax that California charges for LLCs, even if it’s a foreign LLC.

Does anyone have experience registering a foreign LLC in California? Are there any steps or tips I should be aware of to make the process smoother? And is the $800 franchise tax unavoidable, or is there any way around it for a small business like mine?

I know how to integrate machine learning with user experience workflow, but I’m unsure how to choose a career path.

I’m a UI/UX designer with over 30 client projects so far (last 2 years), and I’m currently in my engineering final year (AI and machine learning)

I don’t want to be just an engineer or just a designer—

I want to bring real value and keep learning as much as possible. Any advice on how to navigate a career that combines both fields effectively?

I’m in the process of starting a small business and considering forming an LLC in Delaware, but I’m a bit lost on the steps. From what I’ve heard, Delaware is a good state for incorporating, especially for tech startups, but I’m not sure how to navigate the process or if it’s even the best option for me.

A little background: I’m planning to launch a small e-commerce business, selling some handmade products online. I live in California, but I keep reading that a lot of people form their LLCs in Delaware because of the business-friendly laws and tax benefits. But does that even make sense for me if I don’t live there?

I’ve come across terms like “Registered Agent” and “Franchise Tax,” and it seems like there are a bunch of fees involved. I want to make sure I’m not missing any steps or overlooking hidden costs. Plus, I’ve heard about services like ZenBusiness and LegalZoom, but I’m wondering if I can handle it myself or if I should use one of these services.

Does anyone have experience with forming a Delaware LLC while living out of state? What’s the process like, and is it worth it compared to just forming an LLC in California? Any tips or insights would be super helpful! Thanks in advance

I have a SaaS company that I’d like to incorporate as a Delaware C corp. Initially, we considered using Stripe Atlas, but our situation is a bit unique.

All four founders/employees are American expats. From a tax perspective, I believe it’s best to incorporate as a US corporation (which is preferable for VCs), and then establish an Israeli subsidiary to pay our salaries and avoid double taxation.

I’m looking for affordable legal services to guide us through the incorporation process, especially given the international aspect of our setup.

I make pottery and want to start selling at a local farmer's market, but they’re asking me to obtain a Business Registration Certificate and a EIN before I can set up a booth. Can someone explain what these are and how I can get them? I’ve tried looking online, but I’m still unsure.

For context, I expect to make just a few hundred dollars a week, and I live in New Mexico. Does that affect anything?

Hey everyone! I've searched both other subreddits too and here but couldn’t quite find anything that closely relates to my situation.

The short version: If I’m just starting out on Etsy and living in CA state, is it absolutely necessary to get a business license and/or seller’s permit?

Here’s the longer explanation:

I design crystal pendants as a hobby and have been giving them to friends and family. I even wear them myself at my day job and have gotten tons of compliments from people, including strangers, telling me I should sell them. So, I started exploring Etsy.

I thought I could simply open a shop and sell them, like on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, but my mom (who owns a small business but doesn’t make sales) told me I’d need to get a business license and register with the state.

I don’t plan to make this a full-time job. I’d be thrilled to make an extra $100 a month. However, my mom mentioned that in CA state, if you earn more than $400 annually, it’s considered a business, not a hobby, according to state law.

I’m feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. This is turning out to be way more complicated than I expected. I’m not even sure how many bracelets I’ll sell, and now I’m looking into forming an LLC before I’ve even started.

Plus, there are taxes, quarterly reports, and everything else that comes with running a business… and all the reasons I didn’t want to be an entrepreneur in the first place.

Is all of this really necessary when I’m just starting and unsure about my sales potential?

I’m in the process of starting a small business and looking into forming an LLC in California, but I’ve been hit with some pretty high fees, and I’m wondering if I’m missing anything or if this is just how it is here.

Here’s what I’ve found so far:

• $70 filing fee for the Articles of Organization (which seems reasonable).
• $800 annual franchise tax (this one stings a bit, but I know it’s a thing).
• Then there’s a $20 biennial fee for the Statement of Information, which I’m guessing is just routine paperwork?

On top of that, I’m hearing that if I make more than a certain amount, I’ll have to pay an additional LLC fee based on income. I’m just getting started, and the business won’t be making a ton of money in the first year, but I still want to plan ahead.

Am I missing any other costs or hidden fees? And if anyone’s done this before, do you have any tips on managing these expenses without breaking the bank?

Also, does anyone know if there are ways to reduce these costs (like exemptions or credits), or is this just the price of doing business in California?

I'm considering making the switch from a sole proprietorship to either an S-Corp or LLC, as I've heard there are tax benefits I might be missing out on. Since I'm not very familiar with the details, I'd like to consult a professional to better understand the process, the necessary paperwork, and the pros and cons of each option.

I’ve come up with the best business name and website, and I want to make sure I secure them.

When I previously consulted an attorney, they quoted me around $1500 to $2000 for filing a trademark, which seems pretty steep. Can anyone clarify what services trademark attorneys provide to justify this cost?

Also, I’ve seen some companies offering trademark services for about $500. Are these legitimate, or is it better to stick with the traditional route?

I’m trying to start a small business and I want to register it. However, I have no idea how to go about where to start or how to do it correctly.

But I gotta make sure I'm doing things right. Anyone with experience with creating an LLC in Texas?

Looking for some guidance on the key things to consider, like how strict are they with LLC names? Any tips for picking a good one? What's the deal with registered agents? Do I need one, and how do I choose a good one?

Any hidden costs or surprises I should be aware of when filing the paperwork?. EIN..? how do I get one for my Texas LLC?

I'm looking for the best options for registered agent services in California. I’m not interested in any unnecessary extras but open to add-ons that provide real value, as long as they’re cost-effective. Any recommendations?

I’m interested in starting my own construction business, but I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the information out there and not sure where to start.

I’m 22 right now and graduating soon with a civil engineering degree. My goal is to have a full-time construction business as my main source of income by the time I’m 25. I don’t want to specialize in one area—I’d like to focus on general construction. How can I gain knowledge in all the essential trades so I can manage employees in specific trades and understand how each job is done?

How much of an upfront investment do I need to get started with a construction company?

If anyone here owns a construction business, I’d really appreciate hearing how you got started.

I’m looking to file a DBA (Doing Business As) for my small business in California and could really use some advice on the process. I’ve done some research, but the steps are still a bit confusing, and I want to make sure I do everything right.

Here’s the situation: I’ve already registered my LLC, but now I want to operate under a different name for a side project. From what I’ve gathered, I need to file a DBA, but I’m not sure where to start. Do I file it with the county clerk or the state? Are there any specific forms or fees I need to be aware of?

Also, how long does the process usually take? I want to make sure I don’t miss any steps and get everything set up as quickly as possible.

If anyone has been through this process recently or knows the ins and outs, I’d love to hear your advice! Anything I should watch out for?

I need to start an LLC in South Carolina. What is the best way to go about this I need to start one, and I just want to get it done quickly and preferably cheaply.

Is someone able to give me the steps to do this? I’ll need a registered agent as well for an address and what not, correct? Where does this part come in?

Is the owner’s name of a California LLC publicly accessible? I'm looking to protect my privacy and keep my name hidden. When I searched the California database, only the resident agent’s name and address appeared. Am I overlooking something?

Also is there any other way to check available business names in CA?

I’m in the process of starting my own Handicrafts business and planning to file an LLC in New Jersey. I’ve been researching the steps, but the costs are starting to add up. A bit too much. Between the filing fees, annual reports, and registered agent services, it feels like there are hidden costs.

My question is: Are there any tips or strategies to reduce costs when filing an LLC in NJ?

I’m just trying to avoid unnecessary expenses but still want to stay compliant with NJ law. I’ve looked into filing on my own vs. using an LLC formation service—are there any big pros/cons cost-wise?

I know I’ll need to pay for a registered agent if I don’t want to use my home address—any affordable services you'd recommend for that? Any tips for managing the recurring costs like the $75 annual report fee?

I’d appreciate any advice from those who’ve been through this process in NJ! Looking to do this right but as affordably as possible. Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone,

I’m in the process of starting my own business and was looking at ZenBusiness to help form my LLC. I’ve heard good things, but I’m having trouble understanding their pricing structure, and I’m not sure if I’m getting the best deal.

They offer several packages, and I noticed the $0 + state filing fee plan, and I'm struggling to understand how this works. How will they just file my LLC for me free of cost??

But then they have additional costs for things like registered agent services, operating agreements, and EIN filings. My concern is that by the time I add everything I need, the price seems to add up pretty fast, and I don’t want to get hit with unexpected fees down the road.

I guess my question is: has anyone used ZenBusiness recently? Are the extra services worth it, or am I better off doing some of it myself? Also, is there anything hidden in the fine print that I should be aware of before I commit?

Any advice or insights from people who’ve gone through this would be super helpful. Thanks!

I'm located in Illinois and planning to set up a single-member LLC for an online digital marketing/affiliate marketing business. Although the business won’t have a physical presence, I’ll technically be operating from Illinois since I’ll be working from home (or while traveling). I recently spoke with a registered agent/company that advised me to form my LLC in Wyoming or Delaware to benefit from certain tax advantages (like no state income tax, lower annual report fees, and no franchise fee).

They didn’t mention that because I’m operating in Illinois, I would still need to register the LLC as a foreign entity in Illinois, which means paying additional fees, including a foreign filing fee, a registered agent fee, and an annual report fee.

I assume I’d also need to pay Illinois state income tax. So, in reality, I’d end up paying double for many things. Is that correct? If so, was the registered agent/company giving me incomplete information, or is there some kind of exception or workaround that I might be missing?

Or is a foreign LLC similar to the FBAR (where you report income earned abroad but don’t pay US taxes because you’ve already paid taxes in another country)? In other words, if I form my LLC in Wyoming and pay the fees and taxes there, would I only be responsible for the Illinois LLC annual report and franchise fees, or would I also need to pay Illinois income tax?

Is the comma necessary to be accurate about my company's name, or is "NAME LLC" essentially the same thing?

I'm asking because when I signed up for PayPal's merchant services a few months ago, I didn't include the comma. Now, to change my business name, they require documentation, which is tough since I’m currently out of the country. I've read that PayPal can cause issues if your business name/address/other details aren’t listed exactly right, so I want to avoid any potential problems.

Let’s settle this: do you personally prefer a comma before LLC (e.g., "XYZ Industries, LLC") or do you leave it out (e.g., "XYZ Industries LLC")?

On one hand, the no-comma version has that sleek, modern, no-frills vibe—clean, minimal, efficient. It says, “I’m here to do business, not fuss over punctuation.”

But doesn’t the comma give it that touch of authority? A refined, official pause. A subtle flex.

I recently opened a Chase business account for my company, but I haven't needed to write any checks yet. However, I know the time will come eventually. I checked their website to order checks and was shocked at how expensive they are—$80 for a pack of 100, plus $20 for shipping!

Is that the standard price for checks, or can I just go to another website and get them printed for much cheaper? It seems like other places are more affordable. I found Deluxe business checks and they seem like a legit option. Anyone here who can share their experience?

I’m in the process of starting my own business and I've decided to go with ZenBusiness to help me form my LLC. The thing is, I’m on a pretty tight budget, and I’ve seen people mention discounts or promo codes for ZenBusiness, but I can’t seem to find any reliable ones.

Has anyone had luck getting a discount with them? Are there specific sites or times of the year when they offer better deals? I don’t want to get stuck paying full price if I can save some money....?

How can I determine the owner of an Michigan LLC or corporation using their business name? Are there any other websites that offer this information for free?

I also need to check whether a business exists with a particular name in Michigan state.

Recently got things going with my company, but I know I'll soon have to have everything proper. Just was wondering what the best formation service would be. I heard NorthWest Registered Agent and Swyft are pretty good, but very mixed opinions for one like ZenBusiness.
I’m seeking recommendations for the best company to assist with the following services:
LLC Formation: Includes EIN and default operating agreement, registered agent services, and a mailing address with a virtual mailbox.

Bookkeeping/Taxes: Ideally, they should offer good bookkeeping software and handle tax filings with a focus on compliance.

Affordability: I'm looking for options that are friendly to startups and entrepreneurs, rather than enterprise-level solutions.
So far, I’ve come across a few companies that meet these criteria and am currently in discussions with Northwest. I’m based in Florida, in case that’s relevant.

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I need to order checks and was curious where people usually prefer to get them. My bank is asking for about $25, so I’m looking for other options. Any recommendations?