California Business Formation Assistant

Business Formation Assistant

Register Your Business Online in 3 Steps

Register your business in your state using our online Business Formation Assistant. Complete our 3-step assistant and we will prepare and file the paperwork necessary to form your business in the state of your choosing. Once approved, receive your business certificate electronically along with any other essential formation services selected. Fast, Easy & Secure!

Get Started By Selecting a Business Type:

 

Business Formation (FAQ):

Business types that are formed using this online assistant:

  •  A Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  •  A Sole Proprietor using a DBA
  •  A Corporation
  •  An S-Corporation
  •  A Partnership
  •  A Professional Association
  •  A Limited Liability Partnership
  •  A Non-Profit Organization

Personal liability protection, also called "the corporate veil". An LLC protects owners from being personally accountable for business liabilities or debts. A sole proprietorship (DBA), also called a Trade name, Fictitious name, or assumed name, does not.

LLCs, Corporations and Nonprofit Organizations can offer personal liability protection, referred to as the "corporate veil". DBA names and Partnerships do not.

Both LLCs and Corporations offer personal liability protection, referred to as the "corporate veil". However, the LLC is considered a less formal business structure and can be easier to maintain as they have less record keeping requirements. A corporation can issue shares of stock and go public, an LLC cannot.

There is no need to hire an attorney to form your business. You can use a streamlined service like NFS US for a fraction of the cost of an attorney, saving you a great deal of time, effort and money. We bundle multiple business products together into one easy-to-use assistant, and insure your documents are submitted correctly and without error. Although we cannot offer legal advice, we can provide helpful information about the most common startup questions and help simplify the initial formation process.

How to Apply:

 

Step 1. Complete our Business Formation Assistant

Our easy to use Business Formation Assistant simplifies the business formation process, and can be completed in under 10 minutes.

 

Step 2. We prepare and file your formation paperwork

Our experts will prepare and file the paperwork required to officially form your business, and insure all filing requirements have been met.

 

Step 3. Receive your paperwork electronically

You're in business! After approval, receive your business certificate electronically, bundled with any additional services selected.

Here are a few reasons why you should choose our value-added filing service:

Just like you, NFS US is a small locally-owned business. With over a decade of experience in business formation, our goal is to help start your business with the confidence that its done accurately. We bundle multiple services together and provide you with dedicated customer support making your business startup fast, easy and free from costly errors. Guaranteed!

 

 
We perform a state-wide business name availability check and ensure your desired company name is available.
 
We prepare the documents necessary to file your business with the Secretary of State, or register your Doing Business As (DBA) name with the state or county office.
 
We design your business logo and submit the trademark paperwork to the state to protect it. (additional fee required)
 
We appoint a registered agent for your business if you wish to keep your personal information private or don't have a local address. (additional fee required)
 
We ensure timely delivery of your documents to the Secretary of States office or County office (if applicable).
 
We monitor the status of your application after submission to the State or County office and notify you promptly of any status changes.
 
We work with local approved newspapers and oversee the DBA publication process (when required) after your DBA registration has been approved by the County.
 
We perform a domain name availability check and help register your business domain.
 
We offer clerically reviewed customizable operating agreements and subcontractor agreements you can tailor to your business needs.
 
We help prevent errors commonly made during the application process to insure your documents are filed with the proper state agencies quickly.
 
We assist you in updating your information on record with the State or County office and notify you promptly of any filing deadlines.
 
We ensure that you receive a copy of your certified formation articles or certified DBA name registration documents.
 
We provide helpful information on how to request a copy of your certified Articles should the original copies be lost or misplaced.
 
We provide outstanding customer support via email, and telephone support during call-center hours; Monday - Friday 9 AM - 7 PM EST.

Step 1. Business Information

Name of your business
Name your business exactly as you want it to appear
Briefly describe the services your business will offer
Enter the business information
Enter the officer/director information
Enter the members/managers information
Enter the partnership information
Name of the business owner (Registrant)
Name the registered agent
Enter the business's physical address
Enter your contact information

Step 2. Additional Services

Apply for a Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number
A Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number is the equivalent of a social security number for a business. You can apply for a new EIN Number now, and receive it electronically to print and start using immediately. (Additional $99 USD)
An EIN Number is required when:
  •  Operating an LLC, Corporation, Partnership or DBA
  •  Opening a business bank account
  •  Applying for business licenses
  •  Hiring employees
  •  Forming a Nonprofit Organization
  •  Filing federal income taxes

Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number Application (2024)

Name the responsible party
Enter the business information
Checkmark all that apply:
Add a Doing Business As (DBA) Name
Filing an additional Doing Business As (DBA) Name allows you to conduct business and accept payments using a variation or abbreviation of your primary business name. (Additional $99 USD)
You will need an additional DBA when:
  •  Doing busines using more than one business name
  •  Accepting payments under more than one name
  •  Protecting variations of your primary business name

Doing Business As (DBA) Name Application

Enter the DBA exactly as you want it to appear
Services offered if different from primary company
DBA Newspaper Publication
The DBA to be registered must be advertised at least once in a newspaper in the county where the principal place of business is located. (Additional $99 USD)
DBA newspaper publication process:
  •  DBA published in an approved newspaper
  •  Receive proof of publication electronically
  •  Proof of publication affidavit sent to the state

DBA Publication Confirmation

Your DBA will be published using an approved newspaper in the county where your business is located. You will receive proof of publication documents electronically. A proof of publication affidavit will also be sent to the state and/or county (when required).
Obtain an LLC Operating Agreement
An Operating Agreement, defines how an LLC will operate, the members ownership percentage and how profits and losses are distributed.  (Additional $99 USD)
You will need an Operating Agreement when:
  •  Operating a single or multi-member LLC
  •  Defining the ownership of the business
  •  Securing personal asset liability protection

LLC Operating Agreement Information

Select a processing option
   
Your application will be processed within one (1) business day.
Your application will be processed the same day it is received.
Your application will be processed within 60 minutes.

Step 3. Payment Information

Your almost in business! You will receive your DBA information and registration number electronically via email which you can start using immediately, after your application has been processed and approved successfully by the County Clerks Office. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee.

Your almost in business! You will receive your state-issued business certificate along with any other additional documents selected via email. Your application will not be processed until payment has been received. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee.

Business Formation Fee Summary
Options Product/Service Fee
  Register New    $149
   New Tax ID (EIN) Filing  $99
   Additional DBA Registration  $99
   DBA Newspaper Publication $99
   LLC Operating Agreement  $99
   Standard (same day) Processing  $50
   60 Minute Processing $100
  Total   $[[TOTAL]]

The amount specified above is the total amount due and includes payment of the initial state filing fee. By submitting this form, you authorize NFS US to charge your card for the total one-time fee specified above, and agree to our refund policy.
 

Enter your payment information

 

Billing Address