Useful pointers

The links you'll keep coming back to.

Government registrations, state filing offices, and reference sites every US business eventually needs. Bookmark the ones you use and skip the search next time.

Government

The federal filings you do once and never want to redo. Go direct, skip the middlemen.

SAM.gov

Register your business to bid on and receive federal government contracts.

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IRS — Apply for an EIN

Get your Employer Identification Number free, directly from the IRS.

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USPTO Trademark Search

Search existing US trademarks before naming a product, brand, or company.

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Anonymous-LLC states

The four states that allow an LLC owner to stay off public records. Each requires a Registered Agent — a person or service who receives legal notices on behalf of the LLC.

Delaware Division of Corporations

Anonymous LLC permitted. Registered Agent required. The classic formation state — strong business case law and court system.

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Nevada Secretary of State

Anonymous LLC permitted. Registered Agent required. No state income tax; strong privacy and asset-protection statutes.

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Wyoming Secretary of State

Anonymous LLC permitted. Registered Agent required. Cheapest annual maintenance of the four; pioneer of the LLC structure.

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New Mexico Secretary of State

Anonymous LLC permitted. Registered Agent required. No annual report or franchise tax — lowest ongoing cost.

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Standards & docs

Authoritative small-business references worth bookmarking.

IRS — Small Business

Federal tax information, forms, deadlines, and self-employment guidance.

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SBA.gov

Small Business Administration guides, loan programs, and local resource centers.

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