LLC FORMATION — DIY BUSINESS GUIDE
MRS. GWEN
DIY BUSINESS TOOLS™
Build Your Business the Right Way — From Day One
Welcome to the Mrs. Gwen LLC Formation DIY Guide. 💎
This resource is designed to walk you through the basic steps I have personally documented and used when setting up businesses. You'll work through each section at your own pace, follow the instructions, use the official resources provided, and most importantly — learn how to navigate the process for yourself.
Inside This Guide:
- ✓ Choosing the Right Business Name
- ✓ Forming Your LLC
- ✓ Understanding Registered Agents
- ✓ Filing With Your State
- ✓ Organizing Your Business Documents
- ✓ Preparing for Your EIN
- ✓ Business Setup Checklist
- ✓ Notes, Tips & Assignments
Important: This is a DIY resource, not one-on-one coaching, legal advice, tax advice, or professional business-formation services. Instructions are provided to help guide you, but you are responsible for completing your own filings and verifying current requirements with the appropriate government agency.
💎 Welcome to the LLC Formation Guide
Congratulations! 🎉
You’ve just taken one of the most important steps toward building your business.
Whether you’re starting your very first business or finally making your business official, this guide is designed to help you work through the process one step at a time.
This isn’t something to simply read and forget. This is a DIY guide — you’ll need to take action.
As you work through the guide, you’ll read instructions, take notes, complete important tasks, make phone calls when necessary, and check off milestones as you build your business foundation.
📖 How to Use This Guide
- ✓ Read each section carefully.
- ✓ Complete each task before moving to the next step.
- ✓ Take notes as you go.
- ✓ Save important confirmation numbers, documents, emails, usernames and passwords in a secure place.
- ✓ Check off each completed task.
- ✓ Bookmark important government websites you may need again.
- ✓ Keep this guide available for future reference.
💎 A Note From Mrs. Gwen
Many of these tasks can be started from a phone, but I strongly encourage you to become comfortable working from a computer whenever possible.
You may also see recommendations for tools such as Canva, Google Drive, Dropbox and other business resourcesthroughout my DIY Business Tools.
You don't have to know how to use everything today. Part of building a business is learning how to research, navigate websites, ask questions and find the information you need.
Remember: this is DIY. I’m providing you with the information, notes, resources and direction to help you get started, but you’ll be responsible for completing the actual steps for your own business.
🎯 Your Goal
By the time you complete the LLC Formation Guide, you should have:
☐ Your LLC formed
☐ Your important business documents organized
☐ Your business information recorded
☐ A better understanding of your business setup
☐ A solid foundation for your next business steps
💕 One More Thing...
Don't rush. Build it right the first time.
🗺️ Your LLC Formation Roadmap
We’re going to take this one step at a time. Take your time, follow the instructions, and complete each step before moving forward.
You’ll work through:
Before You Begin → Choose Your Business Name → Check Name Availability → Understand Your Registered Agent → File Your LLC → What to Do After Filing → Organize Your Documents → Final Checklist & Next Steps
💎 A Tip From Mrs. Gwen:
Take your time and follow the steps. The stronger your foundation, the stronger your business can be.
Every successful business started with one decision — to begin. You’ve got this! ❤️
⚠️ Important Information — Please Read Before You Begin
Your business is important, and starting it properly can help create a stronger foundation for the future.
Before beginning the LLC formation process, take a few minutes to read the information below.
⚖️ Important Disclaimer
This DIY guide is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice.
Business laws, filing requirements, fees, forms, and procedures can vary by state and may change over time.
For questions specific to your business or personal circumstances, consult the appropriate government agency or a qualified attorney, CPA, tax professional, or other licensed professional.
Always verify current requirements with official government sources before submitting or paying for a filing.
🛡️ Understanding an LLC
LLC stands for Limited Liability Company.
An LLC is a legal business structure that can provide liability protection to its owners when properly formed and maintained. However, forming an LLC does not guarantee protection from every type of personal or business liability.
LLCs are generally formed at the state level, and the exact filing process depends on the state where you are forming your business.
Don't worry — we'll work through the basic process step by step.
⏰ How Long Does It Take?
There is no single approval time for an LLC.
Processing times vary by state and may also depend on:
- ✓ How you submit your filing
- ✓ Current processing volume
- ✓ Whether expedited processing is available
- ✓ Whether your application contains errors or requires additional information
Some states process filings relatively quickly, while others can take considerably longer.
Do not make business plans based on a specific approval date until your LLC has actually been approved.
✅ Once Your LLC Is Approved
Once your state approves your formation documents, save everything you receive.
Your approval is an important milestone, but you're not finished yet.
We'll continue with other important business setup steps and organize your documents so you know exactly where to find them later.
💎 A Note From Mrs. Gwen
My goal is to make this process feel more organized and less overwhelming by sharing the notes, steps, and resources I've gathered along the way.
I don't do LLC formations every day, and I don't provide one-on-one LLC coaching. That's why I've organized the information here for you to follow at your own pace.
There may be times when you'll need to research, make a phone call, ask questions, or verify information for yourself. That's part of the DIY process — and it's also part of learning your business.
Small steps today can help build a stronger business tomorrow. ❤️
✔️ Before Continuing
Make sure you understand:
☐ This guide is for general educational and informational purposes.
☐ LLC laws, fees, processing times, and filing requirements vary by state.
☐ I am responsible for verifying information that applies to my own business and state.
☐ I should seek professional legal, tax, or financial advice when necessary.
☐ I understand this is a DIY guide, and I am responsible for completing my own filings.
☐ I'm ready to begin!
Next Step → Let's get prepared before we start your LLC. 💎
💕 Business Mindset: You Don't Have to Have It All Figured Out
Don't let uncertainty stop you from getting started.
One of the biggest things that can hold someone back from starting a business is believing they need to know exactly what that business will look like years from now.
You don't.
Your first idea may grow, change, or lead you in a completely different direction. That's one reason I encourage you to think carefully about your legal business name before filing your LLC.
💡 Your LLC Name Doesn't Have to Describe Everything You Do
A business can evolve.
You may:
- ✓ Add new products or services
- ✓ Start another brand
- ✓ Change your business focus
- ✓ Discover new skills and opportunities
- ✓ Use an assumed name/DBA where appropriate
- ✓ Eventually operate more than one business activity
That's why I personally prefer a legal business name that gives you room to grow, rather than one that unnecessarily limits you to a single product or idea.
We'll talk much more about this when we choose your business name.
💎 My Personal Story
When I decided I wanted to become a business owner, I had one thing figured out:
I wanted to own a business.
What I didn't know was exactly where that journey would eventually take me.
Instead of choosing a legal name tied to only one particular product or service, I formed:
JONES SPOT LLC
That gave me flexibility as my business interests changed and expanded.
Looking back, choosing a broader legal business name worked well for my particular business journey.
And that's an important distinction: I'm sharing what worked for me — not telling you that the same structure is automatically right for everyone.
🏛️ Why Your LLC Can Become Part of Your Business Foundation
Depending on how your business is structured, your LLC information may eventually be used when setting up things such as:
🏦 Business banking
📄 EIN and tax records
💳 Business credit accounts
🛍️ Vendor or supplier accounts
🧾 State or local registrations and permits
📁 Business records and contracts
The requirements for each of these are different, so we'll handle them individually as you build.
🧠 Think Like a Business Owner
Before choosing your LLC name, think beyond what you're selling today.
Ask yourself:
❤️ What do I enjoy doing?
💡 What problems do I enjoy solving?
⭐ What skills do I already have?
📚 What am I willing to learn?
📈 Could my business interests change or grow over the next few years?
You don't need all the answers right now.
The purpose is simply to get yourself thinking beyond your first idea.
💰 Money-Saving Thought
Depending on your state and business structure, you may be able to operate additional brands or assumed names/DBAs under an existing LLC rather than forming a completely separate LLC for every business idea.
But don't assume that one LLC is always the best choice. Multiple activities under one LLC can have legal, liability, tax, licensing, insurance, and accounting considerations.
Before combining substantially different businesses under one LLC, consider speaking with a qualified attorney, CPA, tax professional, or other appropriate professional about your particular situation.
💕 Mrs. Gwen's Tip
Don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself to have your entire future planned today.
Your ideas may evolve.
Your skills may grow.
Your interests may change.
Give yourself room to grow.
You don't have to know all the answers today. You simply have to be willing to begin. ❤️
✍🏽 Your First Assignment
Before moving forward, write down:
☐ Three business names you're considering
☐ What your business will do right now
☐ Other products, services, or businesses you may want to explore later
☐ Whether your proposed legal name would still make sense if your business changed
Don't file anything yet. We're going to check those names before you make a decision.
💎 STEP 1: CHOOSING YOUR BUSINESS NAME
Your business name is more than just a name. It can become part of your brand, appear on important business documents, and represent your company for years to come.
Before filing anything, take some time to choose a name that makes sense today but also gives you room to grow tomorrow.
💡 Why Your Business Name Matters
A good business name should:
✓ Represent your business and brand
✓ Be easy for customers to remember
✓ Be easy to spell and pronounce
✓ Look professional on business documents
✓ Give you room to grow
✓ Be available for registration in your state
Your legal LLC name and the name customers see on your products, website, or storefront do not necessarily have to be identical. Depending on your state and circumstances, businesses may use an assumed name, DBA, or other registered business name.
We'll keep this in mind as you choose yours.
🏠 BEFORE YOU FILE: THINK ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS ADDRESS
This is something I want you to think about before you start filling out your LLC application.
The address you provide when forming your LLC may become part of a public government record, depending on your state and the type of address requested.
⚠️ Before Using Your Home Address
Don't automatically enter your home address simply because it's convenient.
First, find out:
✓ Which addresses your state requires
✓ Which addresses become public
✓ Whether your state allows an alternative address for the particular field
✓ Whether your registered agent's address can or must be used for certain purposes
✓ Whether a commercial or virtual business address meets your state's requirements
Do not purchase an address service until you know your state's rules.
Privacy is much easier to think about before you file than after your information has already appeared in public records.
⭐ Tips for Choosing the Right Name
As you brainstorm, ask yourself:
✓ Is it simple enough to spell?
✓ Is it easy to pronounce?
✓ Is it memorable?
✓ Does it give me room to expand?
✓ Could I still use this legal name if my business changes?
✓ Is the matching website domain available?
✓ Are similar names already being used online?
✓ Could the name create trademark or branding problems?
❌ Try to Avoid
✗ Names that are unnecessarily difficult to spell
✗ Extremely long names
✗ Names so specific that they may limit future growth
✗ Copying or closely imitating another company's branding
✗ Choosing a name solely because it's trendy
✗ Filing before checking your state's business-name database
🌐 Check the Online Name Too
Before you become attached to a business name, do a little online research.
Check:
✓ Domain-name availability
✓ Google search results
✓ Major social-media platforms you expect to use
✓ Similar businesses using the same or a very similar name
You don't necessarily need every social-media username to match perfectly. We're simply looking for potential problems before you invest money into your branding.
And remember: domain availability does not mean the business name is legally available, and state LLC-name availability does not automatically mean you have trademark rights to the name.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Don't Add “LLC” Yet Just Because You Want It
I would change this part from the Canva page.
Don't teach members that they should always add “LLC” to the name themselves or that failing to type it means the business will simply be registered without it. State naming requirements vary.
When we get to your state's official filing system, follow the exact naming instructions provided there.
For now, concentrate on the actual name you want.
✍🏽 STEP 1 ASSIGNMENT
Before moving forward, write down your top three choices:
Choice #1: __________________________
Choice #2: __________________________
Choice #3: __________________________
Now ask yourself:
☐ Does this name give me room to grow?
☐ Is it easy to spell and remember?
☐ Have I searched it online?
☐ Have I checked possible domain names?
☐ Am I comfortable having this as my legal business name?
🛑 DO NOT FILE YOUR LLC YET.
Having a favorite name is not enough.
Our next step is checking whether the name is actually available with your state.
💕 Mrs. Gwen's Tip
Think long-term before filing.
A little extra planning today can save you time, money, and frustration later.
One name. Strong foundation. Room to grow. 💎
💎 STEP 2: PREPARE BEFORE YOU FILE YOUR LLC
Before you begin your LLC application, let's make sure you have the information you'll need.
Do not rush into the filing application yet. Getting these decisions made first will make the actual filing process much easier.
1️⃣ Have Your Business Name Choices Ready
You should already have several possible business names from Step 1.
Keep at least 3–4 choices available until you confirm that your preferred name is available in your state.
Your choices:
1st Choice: __________________________
2nd Choice: __________________________
3rd Choice: __________________________
4th Choice: __________________________
Final Name Selected: __________________________
⚠️ Don't mark a final name until you have checked its availability with your state.
2️⃣ Understand Your Registered Agent
Every LLC must have a Registered Agent.
A Registered Agent is the person or company designated to receive certain official documents on behalf of your LLC, including legal notices and government correspondence.
Your state's requirements determine who may serve as your Registered Agent and what address requirements apply.
If You're Forming a Texas LLC
Texas requires your LLC to maintain:
✓ A Registered Agent
✓ A Registered Office with a physical Texas street address
✓ The Registered Agent's consent to serve in that role
Your Registered Agent may be an eligible individual Texas resident or an organization authorized to serve as a registered agent in Texas.
Important: Your LLC itself cannot serve as its own Registered Agent.
Before filing, decide:
☐ I plan to serve as my own Registered Agent, if eligible
☐ I will appoint another eligible person
☐ I will hire a Registered Agent service
Registered Agent: __________________________
Registered Office Address: __________________________
🏠 THINK BEFORE USING YOUR HOME ADDRESS
This deserves its own reminder because privacy matters.
Information submitted in business filings may become part of the public record.
Before using your home address, determine exactly which address the filing is requesting and whether your state permits another qualifying address.
Depending on your situation and state requirements, alternatives may include a qualifying commercial address, office address, registered-agent address for applicable fields, or another permissible business mailing address.
💎 Mrs. Gwen's Tip
Figure out your address strategy before you start filing.
It's much easier to make this decision beforehand than to discover later that an address you wanted private has become part of a public record.
3️⃣ GET READY TO USE YOUR STATE'S OFFICIAL FILING SYSTEM
Here's one change I strongly recommend from the original workbook:
We should NOT make the entire course Texas-only.
Instead, we'll teach everyone how to locate the official business filing agency for their own state.
Then we can add a special section:
⭐ Texas Members
Texas LLCs are filed through the Texas Secretary of State. The state provides online services through SOSDirect.
We will give you the official filing resource when it's time to begin.
Don't file yet—we're still preparing.
💰 BEFORE PAYING ANY FILING FEE
Filing fees and payment-processing fees can change.
$300 + 2.7% = $308.10
Always verify the current filing fee directly with your state's official filing agency immediately before submitting payment.
✅ STEP 2 CHECKPOINT
Before moving on, you should be able to check these off:
☐ I have several possible LLC names
☐ I understand what a Registered Agent does
☐ I have considered what address I will use
☐ I know which state I'm forming my LLC in
☐ I know I should use my state's official government filing website
☐ I'm ready to check my business-name availability
🛑 DON'T FILE YET!
We're going to do this in order.
NEXT: Step 3 — Check Your LLC Name Availability
💎 STEP 3: CHECK YOUR LLC NAME AVAILABILITY
Before filing your LLC, you need to make sure the business name you want is available.
Don't assume a name is available simply because you don't see another business using it online. Your state's business filing agency determines whether a name is available for registration.
Before You Check
Have 3–4 possible business names ready.
That way, if your first choice is unavailable, you already have alternatives and don't have to start over.
⭐ TEXAS: CHECKING YOUR LLC NAME
If you're forming your LLC in Texas, you can request a preliminary name availability check through the Texas Secretary of State.
Send your email request to:
📧 COPY & PASTE EMAIL TEMPLATE
Hello,
I would like to form an LLC. Would you please check whether the following names are available to use in setting up my entity?
My desired LLC name:
[ENTER BUSINESS NAME]If that name is unavailable, would you please check the following names:
[ALTERNATIVE NAME #1]
[ALTERNATIVE NAME #2]
[ALTERNATIVE NAME #3]Thank you,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS]
[YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Important: Response times can vary, so don't wait until the day you're ready to file to begin checking your name.
🌎 NOT IN TEXAS?
If you're forming an LLC in another state, do not use the Texas instructions above.
Locate your state's official Secretary of State or other state business-filing agency and use its official business-name search or name-availability process.
⚠️ Watch Out for Look-Alike Websites
When searching online, you may see companies offering to “register your LLC” or “check your business name.”
Some are legitimate businesses—but they are not necessarily your state government and may charge additional service fees.
For this course, I recommend beginning with your state's official government website.
💻 DON'T STOP AT THE LLC NAME
Before you become attached to a business name, check whether you can also build your brand around it.
Check:
☐ LLC/business name availability
☐ Domain name availability
☐ Instagram username
☐ Facebook username/page name
☐ TikTok username
☐ YouTube username/handle
☐ Other social platforms you expect to use
☐ Trademark conflicts
💎 Mrs. Gwen's Success Tip
Don't become attached to a business name too quickly.
A great name should give you room to grow. Ideally, you want a name that is professional, memorable, easy to spell, and available across the places where you'll build your business.
Your legal LLC name and public-facing brand name also don't necessarily have to be identical. We'll talk more about that as we build your business structure.
✅ STEP 3 CHECKPOINT
Before continuing:
☐ I have checked my preferred LLC name
☐ I have backup names ready
☐ I checked the domain name
☐ I checked important social-media usernames
☐ I considered possible trademark conflicts
☐ I have selected the name I want to move forward with
🛑 WAIT BEFORE FILING
Once you've confirmed the name you want, you're getting close—but don't jump ahead.
There are still a few important decisions to make before submitting your LLC application.
NEXT → Step 4: Getting Ready to File Your LLC
✨ NOW CHOOSE YOUR BUSINESS NAME
Once you've checked availability, it's time to narrow down your choices.
1️⃣ Record Your Available Choices
Keep all of your available options until you've made your final decision.
Available Name #1: ______________________
Available Name #2: ______________________
Available Name #3: ______________________
Available Name #4: ______________________
⭐ My Final Business Name
________________________________________
Ask yourself:
☐ Is it easy to spell and pronounce?
☐ Is it memorable?
☐ Does it sound professional?
☐ Does it give my business room to grow?
☐ Can I see myself using this name years from now?
💎 Mrs. Gwen's Business Rule: Sleep On It
Before making your final decision, walk away from the name for a day.
Come back tomorrow and read it again.
If you still love it, you may have found your name. ❤️
🌐 CHECK YOUR ONLINE BRAND
Before purchasing anything, check whether your business name—or a close version of it—is available online.
Desired Domain: ______________________
☐ Available
☐ Not Available
Then check the usernames/handles you would like to use on:
☐ Instagram
☐ Facebook
☐ TikTok
☐ YouTube
☐ Pinterest
☐ LinkedIn
💡 Mrs. Gwen's Tip
Try to use the same or similar username across your major platforms whenever possible.
Consistent branding makes your business easier for customers to recognize and find.
🛑 BEFORE YOU START BUYING THINGS...
Don't rush out and order branded materials while you're still deciding on your name.
WAIT before purchasing:
Business cards • Signs • T-shirts • Product labels • Marketing materials • Branded packaging
And I would actually change one item from your Canva version: don't necessarily wait to purchase the domain once you've made a serious choice and confirmed the name is viable. Good domains can disappear. Once you're confident in the name, securing an inexpensive domain can be worthwhile even before every other branding decision is complete.
💎 Mrs. Gwen's Tip
Business cards can be reprinted.
A sign can be replaced.
But changing your entire brand after you've started building customers, websites, social accounts, and business history is much more work.
Take your time now.
Today's decision becomes tomorrow's brand. Choose a name you'll still be proud of years from now.
✅ STEP 3 COMPLETE
Before moving forward:
☐ My business name is available
☐ I selected my final name
☐ I checked my desired domain
☐ I checked my important social-media handles
☐ I considered possible trademark conflicts
☐ I am comfortable moving forward with this name
My Final LLC Name: __________________________
Date Completed: __________________
🎉 Ready?
NEXT → Step 4: Prepare to File Your LLC
💎 STEP 4: CREATE YOUR TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE ACCOUNT
Before you can file your Texas LLC online, you need access to the Texas Secretary of State's online business filing system.
Important: Texas Is Updating Its Online Systems
Always begin from the official Texas Secretary of State website
✅ What to Do
- If you already have an account click here: SOSDirect or the SOS Portal.
- If not, you will have to submit a request to get an account. This usually happens within a few minutes. Visit this website to get started: https://direct.sos.state.tx.us/acct/acct-subscribe.asp
- Enter your business name or your name (one or the other, not both -RECOMMEND USING NAME)
- Enter Address, Phone, Email & Create Password.
- Save your username, password, confirmation emails, and any account information.
- Use an email address you regularly monitor
💎 STEP-BY-STEP: FILE YOUR TEXAS LLC
💳 Once you are logged in:
Select Credit Card
1. 💳 Enter your credit card number and complete all required fields. Then press CONTINUE.
2. 👤 Enter your name, phone number, and email address only. Then press the blue CONTINUE button at the top.
3. ✅ You will see a screen displaying your name, letting you know that you are logged in with a session code.
4. 🖥️ From the top menu, click BUSINESS ORGANIZATION.
5. 📂 You will be taken to another page with several blue links. Scroll down to the WEB FILINGS section. Click the drop-down menu and select DOMESTIC LIMITED LIABILITY (LLC). Then click the blue FILE DOCUMENTbutton next to it.
6. 📄 Under Filing Type, select CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION, then press CONTINUE.
7. ✍🏽 Select 1. Limited Liability Company. On the same line that shows Enterprise LLC Sample, type your business name. Then press CONTINUE.
8. 🏢 Enter your business address, then press CONTINUE.
9. ⚠️ REMINDER: Do not use your home address.
10. 🛑 If you are in business by yourself, continue following these instructions. If you are in business with someone else, STOP HERE. These instructions are for a ONE-MEMBER LLC ONLY.
11. 📑 ARTICLE 3:
12. ☑️ Select the 2nd option:
“The limited liability company will not have managers.”
13. 👤 Click Add Manager/Member, located underneath Edit and Delete. Add your name and business address as a member, then press CONTINUE.
14. ⏭️ Leave the next page that says CERTIFICATE OF F... blank. Press CONTINUE.
15. 📝 Organizer Section: Enter your name and home address. Your home address is okay to use here. Then press CONTINUE.
16. ✍🏽 Type your name where it says SIGNATURE OF ORGANIZER. Enter today's date or the date you want this document to become effective—any date between now and 90 days from now. Then press CONTINUE.
17. 🛑 DO NOT file for your EIN yet.
18. ⏳ Wait until your LLC is approved.
19. 📧 Your certified documents will be emailed to you.
20. 🖨️ Print as many copies as you want. I recommend printing at least 5 copies. Once the link expires, you will have to pay for additional certified copies. Print using a laser printer only. You will need the certified copies to open your business bank account, etc.
🎉 THAT'S IT!
YOU JUST FILED YOUR LLC! 💕🥳
📧 KEEP YOUR EYE ON YOUR EMAIL!
Your approved documents will be there soon!
Keep your documents together and somewhere safe—you'll need them as you continue setting up your business.
COMING UP NEXT ➡️
EIN + Sales Tax ID 💼
We'll tackle those next, after your LLC has been approved.
☎️ If You Get Stuck
The Texas Secretary of State lists business-filing assistance at 512-463-5555 during its posted business hours.
— Mrs. Gwen
Built on Trust. Driven by Purpose.