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After your company is formed

What to do once the state approves your filing.

Compliance · 2 min read · Updated November 11, 2026

In this guide
  1. What you receive
  2. Next steps
  3. Keep records
  4. Keep the company separate
  5. When to call a professional

When the state approves your filing, the company legally exists. A few things still need attention before you start operating.

What you receive

You receive the state's confirmation of formation, along with documents we prepare from your information. Your dashboard lists them as they become available.

Next steps

  1. Get an EIN, if you have not already. Most banks and payment providers will ask for it.
  2. Sign your internal documents. An LLC should sign its operating agreement. A corporation should adopt bylaws and record its first decisions.
  3. Open a bank account in the company's name, and keep company money separate from personal money.
  4. Check licenses and registrations. Depending on what you do and where, you may need local licenses, a sales tax registration or a registration in other states.
  5. Learn your deadlines. Annual reports and tax filings come back every year. See our article on yearly obligations.

Keep records

Keep copies of your formation documents, agreements, tax filings and bank statements in one place. Your dashboard stores what we prepared, and you should keep your own copies of everything else.

Keep the company separate

Use the company's name on contracts, use its bank account for its income and expenses, and record major decisions in writing. Treating the company as separate from you supports its legal separateness.

When to call a professional

If you plan to hire employees, raise money, sign large contracts or sell in many states, a licensed attorney or accountant can set you up correctly.

This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

General information, not legal or tax advice. If your case needs it, a licensed attorney or accountant can advise you. Read the disclaimer

Related questions

What people usually ask after reading this.

What does it cost each year?

It depends on the state. asks for an with a $60 minimum; charges an $400 a year and a corporation from $225; charges $138.75 for an and $150 for a corporation; an in pays no annual fee. After the first year you also renew the , and your quote shows these costs before you pay.

What is a registered agent and why do I need one?

It is a person or company with a physical address in the state that receives your company's official mail. Every state requires one. We order the first year as part of the formation and warn you before the next one expires.

What is the annual report and who files it?

It is a document many states require to keep a company active, sometimes with a fee or a tax. Fae notes each date and reminds you 60, 30 and 7 days before. If you want, we prepare and file the report, and the state fee is charged at cost.

What is Form 5472?

It is an information return the IRS usually asks of US companies with foreign owners, and it is filed even if the company had no income. Not filing it can lead to penalties. We do not file tax returns, so Fae reminds you it exists and recommends reviewing it every year with an accountant who works with foreign-owned companies.

How are my company's taxes paid?

That depends on your case and your country, and FairEntity does not give legal or tax advice. Fae gives you general information about the obligations that exist and, if your situation needs it, can refer you to a licensed professional.

Keep reading

See all guides

Still have a question about your case?

This guide is general. Fae can apply it to your company, your country and your state.