Neutral · Primary-source cited · No ads

Clear, sourced answers for US small business

How to start, run, and close a business in any US state — in plain language, with every fact linked to the government source it came from. We are a neutral reference, not a law firm, and we sell nothing.

Every number cited to a .gov source All 50 states Fact-checked against primary sources

The business lifecycle, end to end

01 · Start

Form & register

Create the entity and get your tax IDs.

How to form an LLC What is an LLC? How to get an EIN What is an ITIN? Registered agent Business licenses
02 · Protect

Secure your brand

Clear the name and register the mark.

Trademark guides Trademark a name Ownership & IDs Legal glossary
03 · Run

Tax & comply

Handle federal and state taxes and elections.

Business tax guides S-corp vs LLC Self-employment tax EIN, explained
04 · Close

Dissolve cleanly

Wind down without leaving liabilities open.

How to dissolve an LLC If you don't dissolve Final tax filings

Most-read guides

All formation guides →

Browse by topic

Guides by state

National overview →

Formation, filing fees, registered agents, annual reports, taxes, and dissolution — each verified against that state's Secretary of State and Department of Revenue.

Why you can trust these guides

Primary sources only

Every fee, form number, and deadline links to the issuing agency — IRS, USPTO, or a state Secretary of State. How we verify →

Published editorial standard

Each guide is written and fact-checked to a public standard, with no sales or affiliate incentives. Editorial policy →

Corrections in the open

When a law or fee changes, we date the update and log the change. Corrections log →

LegalGlass provides general information for educational purposes and is not a law firm or a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney or tax professional. Laws, fees, and deadlines change — verify current requirements with the relevant government agency before acting. See about LegalGlass.