What documents do I need to start a business?

Most new businesses need some combination of these documents:

• Formation filing with the state. For a limited liability company, or LLC (a business structure that can separate the owner's personal assets from business debts), this is often called articles of organization (the document filed with the state to create the LLC). For a corporation, this is often called articles of incorporation or a certificate of incorporation.
• Operating agreement for an LLC (the internal document that says who owns the company, how decisions are made, and how profits and losses are handled), or corporate bylaws for a corporation.
• Employer Identification Number, or EIN (the IRS tax ID number for a business), if needed for taxes, hiring, or banking.
• Registered agent information (the person or company listed to receive legal and state notices for the business).
• DBA, or "doing business as" name filing (a filing that lets a business use a public name different from its legal name), if you will use a trade name.
• State or local licenses and permits, if your type of business or location requires them.
• Owner or partner agreements, especially if more than one person is involved.
• Basic customer or vendor contracts, depending on how you operate.

You may not need every item on this list. The right set depends on your state, tax choice, industry, and whether you have co-owners, employees, a storefront, or regulated activity. Official rules usually come from your Secretary of State, your city or county licensing office, IRS.gov, and sometimes a licensed attorney. FoundryCounsel is not a law firm and does not give legal advice, but we can help you get matched for free with a licensed business-law attorney.

A one-person online business often needs fewer documents than a restaurant, contractor, daycare, or company with multiple founders.

Here are common differences:

• Sole proprietor: often no state formation filing, but you may still need a DBA, local license, EIN, or tax registration.
• LLC: usually state formation documents, a registered agent, an operating agreement, and often an EIN. See How to Form an LLC in the US.
• Corporation: usually state formation documents, bylaws, stock records, an EIN, and corporate resolutions. If you are comparing structures, see LLC vs Corporation: Which Is Right.
• Partnership with co-owners: a founder or partnership agreement is important even if the state does not force you to file one. See partnership and founder agreements.
• Hiring workers: you may need payroll tax registrations, workers' compensation setup, and employment documents.
• Leased space: you may need to review a commercial lease before signing. See commercial leases and real estate.
• Regulated business: you may need industry permits or professional licenses before you can legally operate.

Some businesses may also need a BOI report, or Beneficial Ownership Information report (a federal report that may require certain companies to disclose who owns or controls the business). Rules can change, so check official federal guidance and ask a licensed attorney if you are unsure.

Example: two friends want to open a small marketing agency in Texas under the public name "Blue Cedar Studio."

They may need:

1. An LLC filing with the Texas Secretary of State.
2. A registered agent listed in the filing.
3. An operating agreement that explains ownership, voting, pay, and what happens if one owner leaves.
4. An EIN from IRS.gov for taxes and banking.
5. A DBA filing if the LLC legal name is different from "Blue Cedar Studio."
6. Service contracts for clients. This may include an NDA, or non-disclosure agreement (a contract to protect confidential information), and an MSA, or master services agreement (a main contract that sets the general business terms for ongoing work).
7. Any city or county business license required locally.

That same list would look different for a food truck, retail store, or home-based childcare business because permits, health rules, zoning, and lease issues may be different.

Start with a short checklist:

• Choose your business structure.
• Check your Secretary of State website for formation requirements.
• Check IRS.gov to see whether you need an EIN. You can also read What Is an EIN and How to Get One.
• Check city, county, and state licensing rules for your location and industry.
• If you have co-owners, a lease, investors, or custom contracts, talk with a licensed attorney before you sign or file.

If you want help figuring out which documents apply to your business, you can use FoundryCounsel to get matched with a licensed business-law attorney. Matching is free for business owners. When you ask for help, send only contact details and a short description of what you need. Do not send sensitive information like Social Security numbers, tax ID numbers, bank account details, immigration status, or confidential business secrets through a form.