Other errors take longer to appear. Missing an annual filing deadline happens easily when there is no automatic reminder or calendar entry, especially when the deadline arrives a full year after formation when no one was thinking about it.

Tax and federal rules also trip up DIY founders. According to the Internal Revenue Service, you must form your entity with the state before applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN is $0 (free) directly from the IRS, so you should never pay a third party for an EIN. Under the federal rule effective August 14, 2026, entities created in the United States are exempt from federal Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting with FinCEN. New York's Transparency Act likewise applies only to LLCs formed under the law of a foreign country.

If you consider a filing service rather than doing everything yourself, providers like ZenBusiness offer structured plans. As of 2026, ZenBusiness charges $0 plus state fees for Starter, $199/yr for Pro, and $299/yr for Premium. Registered agent service is a separate $199/yr service on every tier, including Premium, discounted to $99 for the first year when you form with them.

Start Here: Route by Situation

If you are deciding whether to DIY your filing, explore these guides based on your specific situation:

  • Can Filing an LLC Wrong Cost You Money Later?
  • What Are the Most Common Errors When Registering an LLC on Your Own?
  • What Could Go Wrong if You Form Your LLC Yourself Instead of Hiring Someone?
  • What Compliance Deadlines Do People Miss When They DIY an LLC?

State-Specific Guides

State fees, publication rules, and filing procedures vary by location. Select your state below to review specific local risks:

  • Are There Risks to Registering Your California LLC Yourself?
  • Are There Risks to Registering Your Florida LLC on Your Own?
  • What Mistakes Do People Make Filing a Georgia LLC Themselves?
  • Is the NY LLC Newspaper Publication Rule Hard to Do without Help?
  • Are There Risks to Registering Your Texas LLC Yourself?

Choosing Your Path

Deciding whether to handle your formation alone comes down to balancing your time against the risk of administrative delays. While self-filing saves on upfront service costs, rejected filings and forgotten annual deadlines cost extra time and money. Reviewing your state's specific guidelines before submitting paperwork helps ensure your entity starts on solid ground.

This site earns a commission on some links. That never changes which option this page recommends.

Sources:

Internal Revenue Service, “Get an employer identification number”

Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, “Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting”

This article provides general information, not legal advice. Requirements vary by state and change over time.