Starting an LLC On Your Own

[Shaun Moore]

I'm curious if anyone (without a legal background) has experience creating an LLC on their own. I see all of the online form "help" but I'm not sure about the validity of it. Any feedback?

I listened to a podcast a while back with an attorney out of Texas, but I can't find it now. If anyone knows that number please let me know.

[Daniel Chang]

Yes. I have created several of my own (LLC and Corps). (I don't mean using legalzoom. I mean getting the forms and mailing it in). As @Ned Carey mentioned, the NOLO books can take you through step by step.  

Overall, the process isn't hard. However it is difficult to assimilate all the information. There are many "gotchas" that if you don't know about may cost you more money. For instance, in California, shortly after you create an LLC, you have to file a Statement of Information and have to pay the $800 Franchise tax fee. If you don't, penalties and fees.

If you forsee yourself creating many LLC/Corps in the future, I do recommend taking the time to figure out the steps and learn it yourself. As an example, it costs $70 to file an LLC in CA. An attorney will usually charge $1500 - $2000. In my opinion, an attorney is most useful in drafting the operating agreement between the members, especially if it is complicated. However, you do not need an operating agreement in place to file the LLC.