How to Start an LLC in Utah
If you’re planning on starting a business in Utah, consider forming a limited liability company. An LLC helps business owners protect their personal assets from liability in case the business comes under debt or gets sued.
On top of it all, you can also get favorable tax treatments for your startup with an LLC. This guide will teach you all the necessary steps to start an LLC in Utah.
Pick a Name for Your Utah LLC
To start an LLC in Utah, you first need to pick a name for it. But there are a few guidelines set by the state that must be followed when naming your business. These include the following:
The name you come up with should be unique and different from any existing businesses in Utah. You can check for the availability of your business name by following this link.
The name should contain the words “limited liability company.” You may also use “limited company.” Additionally, the names can be abbreviated as follows:
LLC
L.L.C
Limited can be shortened to “ltd.”
Company may be reduced to “co.”
Any words that might create a false association with government agencies cannot be used. These words can include bureau, board, FBI, etc.
Obtain Your Federal EIN
Similar to a social security number, businesses need an employer identification number, also known as EIN. This number allows you to pay your state and federal taxes. So, to start an LLC in Utah, you must first apply for an EIN so that both federal and state authorities recognize your business.
The IRS generates this number for all LLCs. Follow this link to obtain your EIN.
Appoint a Registered Agent for Your LLC
Starting an LLC in Utah comes with its fair share of risks. You never know when you might get sued or get into other legal trouble. But when you do, your company needs to have a representative that can receive all important documents and notices on the LLC’s behalf.
This representative is known as a registered agent. As per Utah laws, every LLC must appoint a registered agent before filing their Certificate of Organization.
A registered agent can be any person or company that offers registered agent services. For individuals, the requirement to be an agent is to be 18 years or older with a street address in Utah. You may even appoint yourself or a member of your LLC as the registered agent.
File Your Certificate of Organization
Starting an LLC in Utah requires you to file your Certificate of Organization, after which your LLC gets formally established. The Certificate of Organization is also known as the Articles of Organization in most other states.
The document is filed with the Department of Commerce in Utah. To do so, you will need the following information:
The name of your Utah LLC
The primary address of your business
The name and address of your registered agent
The name addresses of all the members and managers of your LLC
The signatures of the filer
In Utah, filing the Certificate of Organization will cost you $54. Once the Department of Commerce of Utah accepts your filing, your LLC can officially start its business operations.
Get the Necessary Licenses and Permits
Although the state does not require you to get any licenses to start your business, some Utah cities have such requirements. For instance, if you’re in Salt Lake City, all local businesses, including LLCs, must have a general business license to operate.
You can get the licenses from the Business License Office of the city you’re located in. The cost of obtaining a license may vary depending on your chosen line of service.
Follow this link to see if your business requires any special licenses or permits to operate.
Form an Operating Agreement for Your Business
An operating agreement is an internal document that does not need to be filed with the state regulatory authorities. Creating an operating agreement is not a state requirement, but having one can benefit your LLC in the long run.
The document clearly highlights your LLC’s ownership, management structure, and standard operating procedures. Here are some things that you can include in the operating agreement:
In case your LLC has more than one member, the document outlays how the ownership interests can be shared
The roles and responsibilities of all members and managers of your LLC
The standard procedure for when a member wants to withdraw from the LLC
Get Standard Insurance for Your LLC
When you start an LLC in Utah, there are many things to consider, but getting standard insurance plans should be a top priority.
Here are some insurances that might be of help to your business:
Worker’s compensation insurance
Commercial auto insurance
General liability insurance
Professional liability insurance
Set Up a Website
After completing all the steps to start an LLC in Utah, you must focus on other aspects of your business. For starters, you need to find ways for your target audience to contact you conveniently. The best way to do so is by setting up a business website.
Your website is the main hub of information and point of contact for potential leads, so it is important to make it easy to navigate, informative, and SEO-friendly. Moreover, for service-based businesses, the feature of online bookings and appointments should also be an essential part of the webpage.
Fortunately, Trady.com can help you create an ideal website with all the necessary features to enhance user experience.
Start Marketing
Marketing is the key to determining how successful your business can be. If you pitch your business to the correct target audience using effective tactics and strategies, you are highly likely to gain more leads.
With Trady.com as your marketing partner, you can significantly boost customer outreach. Whether you need social ads, email marketing, or local mailing drops, we can handle all your marketing and branding needs to form a strong business presence and make it easier for potential customers to reach your business. Start your 14-day free trial today to test our services.