Free Checklist · SoloOS

New Business Starter Checklist

Everything you need to do to get your business legally set up — in the right order. Check things off as you go. Save your info as you get it.

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Choose Your Business Name & Structure

Before you can register anything, you need a name and a plan.

Choose your business name

Make sure it's not already taken in your state. Search your state's Secretary of State business name database.

Business Name

Choose your business structure

For most solopreneurs: LLC is the sweet spot. It protects your personal assets and has simple taxes. Sole prop is easier but offers no protection.

Structure

Choose your state of formation

Usually the state where you live and work. Delaware and Wyoming are popular for tax reasons — worth researching if you plan to scale.

Form Your LLC (or Register Your Business)

File the paperwork with your state. Usually $50–$200.

File Articles of Organization with your state

Go to your state's Secretary of State website and file online. Most states process in 1–5 business days. Fee is typically $50–$200.

Date Filed

Filing Fee Paid

Receive your LLC approval / Certificate of Formation

Save this document somewhere safe. You'll need it to open a business bank account and for various applications.

Approval Date

State LLC / Entity Number

Create your Operating Agreement

Not required in all states but highly recommended. Even for single-member LLCs — it establishes that your business is separate from you personally.

Set up a Registered Agent

Required for LLCs. You can be your own registered agent (use your home address) or use a service like Northwest ($39/yr) for more privacy.

Registered Agent Name / Service

Get Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Your business's Social Security number. Free from the IRS — takes 5 minutes online.

Apply for your EIN at IRS.gov

Go to IRS.gov → "Apply for an EIN online." It's free, instant, and you get the number immediately. Only apply on the official IRS site — other sites charge unnecessary fees.

Your EIN

Date Obtained

Save your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575)

Download and save the CP 575 letter immediately — the IRS only issues it once. You'll need it for bank accounts, loans, and payroll.

Open a Business Bank Account

Keeping business money separate from personal money is non-negotiable. This protects your LLC status.

Open a business checking account

You'll need: EIN, LLC formation documents, ID, and an opening deposit. Good options for small businesses: Relay, Mercury (free, online-first), or your local bank/credit union.

Bank Name

Account Opened Date

Get a business debit or credit card

All business expenses go on this card. Makes bookkeeping and tax prep dramatically simpler — no sorting through personal statements.

Set up a business savings account (optional but recommended)

Set aside 25–30% of every deposit for taxes. Putting it in a separate account means it's not accidentally spent.

Set Up Your Digital Presence

The basics that make you look like a real business.

Secure a business domain name

Even if you're not building a website yet, register your domain before someone else does. Namecheap or Google Domains are straightforward and affordable.

Domain Name

Create a business email address

hello@yourbusiness.com looks more professional than gmail. Google Workspace starts at $6/mo — worth it. Or set up free email forwarding through your domain registrar.

Business Email

Set up a basic bookkeeping system

You need to track income and expenses from day one. It doesn't have to be complicated — a well-organized spreadsheet or a dedicated PDF tracker works fine when you're starting out.

Optional (But Worth Knowing About)

You don't need these on day one. Add them when they become relevant.

Get a DUNS Number (if you'll work with larger companies or apply for grants)

Free through Dun & Bradstreet. Required for some federal contracts, grants, and working with certain large corporations. Most solo businesses don't need this immediately.

DUNS Number

Digital products have varying tax rules by state. Check your state's requirements — many states have a threshold before you're required to collect.

Get basic business insurance

General liability insurance protects you if a client claims your work caused them harm. Hiscox and Next Insurance are popular, affordable options for solopreneurs.

A SoloOS Module

Now that you're set up — stay on top of your numbers.

The CEO Dashboard is a 25-page fillable PDF that tracks income, expenses, cash flow, taxes, and goals in one place. Built for the person wearing every hat.

Get the CEO Dashboard — $37

New Business Starter Checklist

Now that you're set up — stay on top of your numbers.

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