How to File an LLC in 2020 - DIY vs Incfile Review

To file your single member LLC, should you use IncFile or LegalZoom or just do it yourself (DIY)?
Book a call with me: Small Business Coaching (LLC Setup, Banking and Credit, Marketing): calendly.com/emilybinder/small-business-coaching

Find out how to incorporate your business in your home state without paying a service to file for you. I have two businesses since 2016 and I share all the mistakes to avoid and answer just about every question that will arise as you go through the process.

File your LLC on your home state’s Secretary of State .gov or .us website (not a .com).

Timestamps:
2:21 Step 1: Name search
3:04 File in your home state or a foreign state (Delaware)?
3:20 How to find your state LLC filing website
3:40 Taxable entity search (is your business name available?)
3:55 Naming your business (LLC name and DBA)
4:56 Punctuation for LLC (LLC, L.L.C., or Llc and including commas or not)
5:41 Step 2: Articles of Organization / Articles of Formation (use .gov website's template)
6:10 Can you use your home address as the business address?
6:20 Registered Agent address - hiring a service, cost, do you need it?
7:00 Address to use in email marketing for CAN-SPAM footer (please don't use your home address especially for women!)
8:18 Step 3: Operating Agreement

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All links updated 9-13-2025:

PROMO LINKS - Business banking
Mercury Bank (free business checking): Get $25 when you spend $1000 on debit in first 90 days: mercury.com/r/wealthvoice
Chase Bank: No bonus for checking account sign-up as of 9/2025, but great business credit card bonuses below:

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RESOURCES:
How to use your LLC to deduct business expenses: emilybinder.com/tips-and-advice/how-to-file-an-…
🗒️ Operating Agreement:
Word template: eforms.com/download/2016/03/single-member-llc-o…
Free template: eforms.com/operating-agreements/single-member/
LLC vs. S Corp: investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/0112…

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Review blog: Shure SM7B vs MV7: beetlemoment.com/gear
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DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you. This helps support my self-funded production and hosting costs, thank you!