Wondering how long does it take to get an LLC started?

If you’re an individual starting a business by yourself for the first time or someone who needs help to set up an LLC, you’re in the right place. We have got all of the answers you need about the time it takes to get your LLC registered.

However, you need to understand that registering an LLC with the state and getting other LLC formation paperwork done can sometimes take longer than desired. There can be unexpected delays due to incomplete or inaccurate application submission issues, and remember, you are dealing with the state government.

In this article, I’ll tell you what a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is, how to form an LLC, and how much time it takes to do so.

Read on to find out how long it can take to get an LLC registered and authorized for business operations.

What is an LLC and Why Should You Form One?

First things first, what is a Limited Liability Company (LLC)?

An LLC is an independent legal entity created under state law to allow individuals to run a business in the state.

A limited liability company (LLC) can consist of one or more members (owners). These members can include individuals, corporations, other LLCs, or foreign entities. But banks and insurance companies can’t be the members of an LLC.

You can choose either of the two possible organizational structures for your LLC, which include:

• Member-managed LLC: Where all LLC members actively participate in decision-making
• Manager-managed LLC: Where an appointed manager makes all decisions for the limited liability company
  

Forming a limited liability company is one of the most popular and prevalent forms of doing business in America. That’s because choosing LLCs as your business structure allows you to separate yourself from the company and protect your personal assets from being used to pay off company debts.

Another reason why entrepreneurs choose to form an LLC is the taxation options it offers. You can decide if you want your LLC to be taxed as a Sole Proprietor, Partnership, Corporation, or S-Corporation.

Whether you’re in a retail or service-based business such as cleaning, landscaping, beauty, freelance, consulting, or selling goods online, forming an LLC is a great choice.

But how long does it take to legally form an LLC in your state and start running your business?

How Long Does It Take to Get an LLC Approved?

While each state has its own specific set of rules and requirements for setting up an LLC and processing the paperwork, GovDocFiling packages allow you to file the documents online within minutes.

However, it takes time for the state to process your LLC formation application and authorize you to conduct business. Usually, it takes 3-4 weeks for data processing (LLC processing times may vary due to COVID-19).

How long it takes to get your LLC application approved may vary based on many factors.

How Long Does the State Take to Process Your LLC Formation Application?

The time it takes to form your LLC often varies according to the state processing time and other state laws.

In some states, the process of filing for an LLC formation is quite fast. They may approve your limited liability company immediately after receiving the Articles of Organization. This can reduce the turnaround time to up to three business days, and often less than a week.

Other states, such as Arizona, can take between 4-6 weeks to process your documents.

However, as mentioned earlier, the standard data processing time remains 3-4 weeks.

When Are You Applying for LLC Formation?

There are some times of the year when it can take longer than expected to form an LLC due to a heavy state filing volume in the state.

Usually, the beginning and the end of the year are considered peak times for state filings. Getting your application approved can take more time if you file your documents during these times of the year.

When Will You Pay the State Filing Fee for Your LLC?

You need to pay a filing fee to the state to set up your business. The Articles of Organization for your LLC will not get processed until you make the full state filing fee.

Our LLC filing service fee is $345 in addition to the specific state’s filing fee. The service includes more than expedited processing of your application.

It also includes a Federal Tax ID, 5 essential legal documents including an LLC Operating Agreement, and a Business Start Up Guide ebook with additional discounted services. Learn more about our pricing and fees.

Are You Using Expedited Processing to Form an LLC?

Many times, entrepreneurs request expedited or rush processing of their application for an additional fee. How much the additional fee is, depends on the state laws.

Using expedited processing can reduce the time it takes to get your LLC approved as your application will be reviewed ahead of others.

The good news is that, unlike other filing services, we do not charge any additional fee for expedited (or rush) processing.

Our LLC formation packages include expedited processing for no additional cost. You can also get the Federal EIN along with the state filing package. Or, you can apply for your Federal EIN only by completing the Tax ID application.

Start your LLC application online with GovDocFiling’s business formation packages.

Is Your Documentation Complete and Accurate?

If your application is not complete and accurate, our team will have to contact you to obtain the correct information, which can delay the processing time. We will reach out to you by email and phone to confirm the accuracy of the information provided for all state filings.

Similarly, if your business name or Registered Agent doesn’t meet the state’s requirements, the Secretary of the State can reject your LLC formation application.

Are You Ready to Discover How Much Time It Will Take for You to Start an LLC?

Setting up an LLC can be time consuming as it involves filing your LLC formation application with the state, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and fulfilling other legal documentation.

The online application only takes 10-15 minutes to complete. The rest of the work is left to us here at GovDocFiling. We will work directly with the state and the IRS on your behalf to save you the time and hassle.

Just submit the LLC application online and wait for the documents to reach you by email and then by regular mail to your business address.

Interested in forming an LLC?

An easier way to process your LLC formation application is to take advantage of our packages. GovDocFiling offers LLC formation packages for various states which also include EIN/Tax ID filing with the IRS and other legal documents.

Do you have other questions related to LLC formation or how long does it take to get an LLC created? Feel free to ask them in the comments below.