When you create a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation, you establish a separate legal entity for your business. This shields you from personal liability regarding the debts and obligations of your business.

• Protect your personal assets
• Save money on taxes
• Build credibility

An EIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes uniquely.

• Open a bank account
• Establish a credit profile
• Hire employees

An operating agreement is an agreement among LLC members that defines how an LLC will be run, provides details about the business conducted by the LLC, and the rights and duties of its members.

• Outline your business details
• Ensure liability protections
• Establish important guidelines

Filing a Doing Business As name (DBA) allows you to operate and receive payments under a name that is different from your legal business name, helping you create an identity for your business that presents it in professional light to customers and vendors.

• Accept payment as your business
• Build credibility
• Separate your lines of business