LLC Compliance Checklist: What to File Each Year
LLC Compliance Checklist: What to File and When
Running an LLC means staying on top of filings that keep your business legal and your personal assets protected. Missing deadlines can cost you thousands in penalties or, worse, dissolve your liability shield. Here's what you actually need to file, broken down by what matters most.
Formation and Initial Filings
You start with Articles of Organization, filed with your state's Secretary of State. This document officially creates your LLC and is required before you operate. Some states call it a Certificate of Organization. File this first—nothing else protects you until it's done.
Next, apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS, even if you have no employees. This is free and takes 15 minutes online. You need it to open a business bank account and file taxes.
Annual and Periodic Filings
Most states require an annual report (sometimes called a Statement of Information or Biennial Report). This is filed with the Secretary of State once per year or every two years depending on your state. The fee ranges from $0 to $500+. Miss this and your LLC can be automatically dissolved.
Check your state's specific deadline—many are tied to your formation date or a fixed date like June 30. Mark it on a calendar now. If you miss it, most states allow a grace period of 30–90 days before penalties kick in, but don't count on that.
Tax Filings
Your LLC's tax obligation depends on how you elect to be taxed. By default, single-member LLCs are taxed as sole proprietorships, and multi-member LLCs as partnerships. Both file informational returns with the IRS but do not pay corporate tax at the entity level—instead, profits pass through to owners' personal returns.
If you choose S-Corp or C-Corp taxation (which can save money on self-employment tax or allow reinvestment), you must file Form 2553 or Form 8832 with the IRS and may need a separate corporate tax return each year.
Regardless of structure, file your personal tax return by April 15 and include your LLC income. If you owe estimated taxes, file quarterly payments (April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15).
Ongoing Compliance
Operating Agreement: Not always required by law, but you should have one. It clarifies ownership, profit splits, voting rights, and what happens if an owner leaves. This protects you internally and is often requested by banks or business partners.
Business License: Many cities and counties require a local business license separate from your LLC filing. Cost is usually $50–300. Check your county assessor's or city clerk's website.
Industry-Specific Licenses: If you're in healthcare, alcohol, construction, or other regulated fields, you need specialized licenses. These vary wildly and must be verified for your exact industry and location.
Registered Agent: Most states require you to name a registered agent (can be you) who receives legal documents on your LLC's behalf. Keep this person's address current with the state.
Record-Keeping
The IRS can audit you up to three years back (six if income is underreported by 25%+). Keep all records: receipts, invoices, bank statements, payroll documents, and business mileage logs. Digital copies are acceptable if they're legible.
Get It Done
If tracking all this feels overwhelming, an LLC Compliance Audit can identify exactly what filings you're missing and what's due next. Visit harvst.online/llc-compliance-audit for an AI-driven audit that checks your LLC against your state's requirements and flags deadlines—$39, takes about 10 minutes to run, and gives you a checklist to hand to your accountant or file yourself.