Complete LLC Compliance Checklist

Your comprehensive roadmap to LLC compliance. From formation to ongoing obligations, track every requirement to keep your business in good standing.

✓ Formation Tasks
✓ Annual Requirements
✓ Tax Compliance

2025 Update: BOI Reporting Changes

As of March 26, 2025, domestic U.S. entities (including LLCs) are exempt from federal beneficial ownership reporting to FinCEN. Only foreign-owned entities need to comply with BOI reporting requirements.

Part 1: Formation & Initial Setup

One-time tasks to properly establish your LLC

File Articles of Organization

Submit formation documents with your state's Secretary of State

Timeline: Day 1 Required

Obtain EIN from IRS

Apply for Employer Identification Number (even if no employees)

Timeline: Within 30 days Free at IRS.gov Required

Draft Operating Agreement

Create internal governance document (required in some states)

Timeline: Within 90 days Highly Recommended

Appoint Registered Agent

Designate agent for legal documents in formation state

Timeline: At formation Required in all states

Open Business Bank Account

Separate business and personal finances (bring EIN and Articles)

Timeline: After EIN Critical for liability protection

Obtain Business Licenses

Get required local, state, and industry-specific licenses

Timeline: Before operations Varies by location/industry

File Initial Report (if required)

Some states require an initial report within 30-90 days

Timeline: Check state requirement State-specific

Consider S-Corp Election

File Form 2553 if electing S-Corp tax treatment

Deadline: 75 days from formation Optional - consult CPA

Part 2: Annual & Recurring Compliance

Ongoing obligations to maintain good standing

File Annual/Biennial Report

Submit state report with updated business information

Frequency: Annual or Biennial Required in most states View all state deadlines →

Pay Franchise Tax

Annual tax for privilege of doing business (select states)

Frequency: Annual CA, DE, TX, TN, others

Maintain Registered Agent

Keep registered agent service active and current

Frequency: Continuous Required always

Renew Business Licenses

Update local and state business licenses

Frequency: Annual Check local requirements

Hold Annual Meeting (if required)

Document major decisions and maintain meeting minutes

Frequency: Annual Check Operating Agreement

Part 3: Tax Compliance (2025 Deadlines)

Federal and state tax obligations

Pay Quarterly Estimated Taxes

Form 1040-ES payments for pass-through entities

Q1: Apr 15 Q2: Jun 16 Q3: Sep 15 Q4: Jan 15, 2026

File Annual Tax Return

Form 1065 (Partnership) or Schedule C (Single-member)

Deadline: March 15 (1065) April 15 (Schedule C) Required

File State Income Tax Return

State-specific LLC tax returns

Deadline: Varies by state Check state requirements

Issue 1099 Forms

For contractors paid $600+ during tax year

To recipients: Jan 31 To IRS: Feb 28 If applicable

File Payroll Tax Returns

Form 941 quarterly, Form 940 annually (if employees)

941: Quarterly 940: Jan 31 If you have employees

Collect and Remit Sales Tax

If selling taxable goods/services

Frequency: Monthly/Quarterly State-specific rules

Part 4: Record-Keeping & Documentation

Essential records to maintain

Maintain Financial Records

Bank statements, receipts, invoices, expense documentation

Retention: 3-7 years IRS requirement

Keep Tax Return Copies

Federal and state tax returns with supporting documents

Retention: 7 years minimum IRS audit protection

Store Corporate Documents

Articles, Operating Agreement, amendments, resolutions

Retention: Permanent Keep secure copies

Document Meeting Minutes

Record major decisions and member/manager meetings

Retention: Permanent Good governance practice

Organize Contracts & Agreements

Customer, vendor, lease, and employment agreements

Retention: 7 years after expiration Legal protection

Pro Tips for Staying Compliant

Create a Compliance Calendar

Map out all deadlines for the year:

  • • Quarterly tax payments
  • • Annual report deadlines
  • • License renewals
  • • Industry-specific requirements
Use our compliance calendar →

Set Reminders Early

Don't wait until the last minute:

  • • 60-day advance for annual reports
  • • 30-day advance for tax payments
  • • 90-day advance for license renewals
  • • Weekly bookkeeping schedule

Work with Professionals

Know when to get help:

  • • CPA for tax strategy
  • • Attorney for legal structure
  • • Registered agent for compliance
  • • Bookkeeper for financials

Keep Everything Organized

Maintain good records:

  • • Digital document storage
  • • Separate business accounts
  • • Receipt tracking system
  • • Compliance filing copies

Make Compliance Simple

The best LLC formation services include compliance tools, registered agent services, and automated reminders to help you stay on track.

Compare Services with Compliance Features

Important Disclaimer: This checklist is provided for educational purposes only as of October 14, 2025. Tax laws, compliance requirements, and deadlines change frequently and vary by state, industry, and business structure. This is not legal or tax advice. Always consult with qualified professionals (attorney, CPA, or tax advisor) for guidance specific to your situation.

Sources: Information compiled from IRS.gov, SBA.gov, state Secretary of State offices, and FinCEN. The BOI reporting exemption for domestic entities is based on the March 26, 2025 federal court ruling. Always verify current requirements with official government sources.