How to Start an LLC in New York: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

Over 313,481 new business applications were filed in New York in 2023, a clear sign of how the state is bustling with entrepreneurial energy.

That’s thousands of new LLCs launched every year, making New York one of the most competitive, and opportunity-rich places to launch a business.

But it’s not just about volume.

New York attracts everyone: media startups in Manhattan, fintech innovators in Brooklyn, fashion brands in SoHo, AI ventures in Hudson Yards, and logistics players across upstate.

That’s why even remote founders and global e-commerce sellers are choosing to form New York LLCs in 2025, for credibility, market access, and a strong operational presence.

Here’s what you need to know about how to start an LLC in New York without any the legal headaches:

• Choose a compliant name that works across social and trademark platforms

• Navigate the rarely‑seen LLC publication requirement

• Form your business, get an EIN, and open a U.S. bank account, whatever your location

• Set up for ongoing compliance, filing biennial statements and preparing for the 2026 Transparency Act

And through every step, we’ll show you how doola handles the complex parts for you, from filing to publishing, even if you’re outside the U.S.

Your goal should be simple: legally form a New York LLC that’s clean, compliant, and ready to scale when time comes. 

Ready? Let’s get started.

Start an LLC in New York: Key Considerations

Before getting into paperwork, you need to assess whether forming in New York is the right call for your business, especially when states like Delaware and Wyoming are always in the top priority for startup founders.

​​So, before you register, let’s walk through some critical founder-level questions. These questions are real factors that impact your cost, credibility, compliance, and customer reach.

1. Where Are You (and Your Customers) Based?

✔️ If you’re physically in New York

Registering your LLC in NY is not a requirement. It’s a non-negotiable step.

Otherwise, you’ll end up forming in one state and “foreign registering” in New York, doubling your paperwork and tax obligations.

Example: You’re a freelance consultant in Queens working with NYC startups. Skip Delaware. Form directly in NY, it saves time, avoids duplicate filings, and keeps you compliant.

✔️ If you’re remote or overseas

Now it’s a question of presence vs. perception. Do you actually serve NY clients or just want the brand credibility?

Example: A founder in Germany selling AI tools globally may not need a New York LLC. But if they’re pitching to U.S. VCs and targeting NY-based fintech firms, having a local entity helps build trust.

💡 doola’s Tip: You can start in NY or form in another founder-friendly state (like Wyoming), then register as a foreign LLC in NY later only if needed.

2. How Important Is Cost in Your Decision?

New York isn’t cheap. Between the publication rule and higher local filing fees, you’ll spend more upfront than in states like Delaware or Wyoming.

Here’s a quick cost comparison:

How to decide: If you’re bootstrapping and don’t have New York clients yet, you might form in Wyoming and operate remotely with fewer burdens. But if your brand is tied to NYC, especially in media, finance, or fashion, it’s often worth the premium.

3. Are You Okay With New York’s Compliance Rules?

Some founders don’t mind a little extra paperwork. Others just want it handled. Here’s what’s unique about NY:

• You must publish your LLC formation in two newspapers (yes, actual print!) for 6 weeks.

• You must create an Operating Agreement, even as a solo founder.

• You must file a Biennial Statement (instead of annual) to stay in good standing.

And if you fail to do any of these, you might risk losing access to your bank account, face penalties, or even get suspended.

How doola helps: We automate your publications (in cheaper counties like Albany), draft your Operating Agreement, so you stay 100% compliant without any hassle.

4. Do You Need the “New York Advantage”?

A New York LLC isn’t just a legal structure.

For many founders, it’s a credibility boost.

It shows investors, customers, and partners that you’re playing in the big leagues. If you’re in:

• Fintech: NYC-based investors expect a local presence.

• E-commerce: A .nyc fulfillment center or PO Box adds conversion power.

• Media/PR: Your LLC’s public listing matters for B2B trust.

On the other hand, if you’re a solo developer running an indie SaaS from Malaysia, New York might be overkill for now. Don’t get discouraged!

5. Are You Thinking Long-Term?

Your choice of LLC formation location significantly impacts future business decisions, including hiring, fundraising, and banking.

• Hiring: If you plan to hire employees based in New York, you will eventually need to register your business in the state regardless of where you initially formed your LLC.

• Banking: New York LLCs are widely accepted by prominent business banks such as Mercury, Brex, and Chase, simplifying your financial setup.

• Fundraising: For startups seeking investments from angel investors or venture capitalists located in New York City, local incorporation can help streamline the fundraising process and reduce potential complications.

So… Should You Register Your LLC in NY? 

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you decide:

New York LLC: How to Start an LLC in New York Step by Step Guide

In this section, we give you all the details on starting an LLC in the state of New York.

Alternatively, we also share recommendations and insights on the benefits of hiring a service like doola to handle it for you.

Step 1: Choose a Name for Your New York LLC

Before you do anything else, your business needs a name, and in New York, naming your LLC isn’t just about creativity. It’s a compliance decision that has legal consequences.

Choose wisely, and you save time, money, and potential rejection during filing.

NY Naming Rules (Don’t Skip This)

To legally start an LLC in New York, your name must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be distinguishable from existing names registered in New York (no duplicates or close variants).

• Include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”

• Avoid restricted terms like “bank,” “attorney,” “university,” unless you have special permissions or licenses.

• Do not mislead the public (e.g., you can’t say “Inc.” or “Corporation” if you’re forming an LLC).

doola’s  POV: A surprising number of LLC rejections in NY happen because of minor name rule violations, like using “Corp.” at the end or picking something too similar to an existing name. This delays everything. Be cautious. 

How to Check If Your Business Name is Available

Here’s a quick walkthrough:

Source

• Go to NY’s Corporation & Business Entity Search

• Search your desired name. Avoid common words like “Solutions” or “Group” to reduce noise.

• Use quotation marks for exact match results.

• If your name is too close to another LLC, modify it, and add a unique word or shift the structure.

📌 Pro Tip: You’ll also want to check if your domain name and social handles are available too. Use tools like Namecheckr or GoDaddy. Ideally, your name is clean, searchable, and not too long.

Should You Reserve the Name?

NY offers a name reservation for $20, which holds the name for 60 days.

Use it if:

• You’re not ready to file immediately but want to secure the name.

• You need time to prep documents, get legal reviews, or wait for your co-founder’s sign-off.

• You’re forming via an incorporation agency (like doola) and want them to take over from there.

Success rates for name reservations are high, as long as you follow the distinguishability and rule checks above.

Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent in New York

One of the most overlooked, but crucial, requirements when starting an LLC in New York is designating a registered agent.

What’s a Registered Agent? Why Does It Matter?

Your registered agent is the official point of contact between your business and the state. They’re responsible for receiving legal notices, tax forms, compliance reminders, and, most importantly, service of process (aka: legal summons).

And in New York, choosing the right agent can directly impact your privacy, your compliance, and how quickly you respond to important deadlines.

Who Can Be a Registered Agent in New York?

New York has slightly unique rules compared to other states:

The New York Department of State (DOS) itself will serve as the default registered agent for every LLC formed in the state.

But here’s the catch: The DOS will only receive documents on your behalf. You must still provide a valid mailing address where these documents are forwarded to you.

Limitations of Using the New York Department of State

Let’s talk about what happens when you only use the NY DOS as your registered agent:

• All service of process is mailed to Albany.

• If you’re not physically there, or checking your mail diligently, you might miss deadlines.

• The DOS doesn’t send alerts or emails. It’s snail mail only.

• Your business address may be listed in public records, affecting your privacy.

This can be a disaster for remote founders, digital nomads, or international entrepreneurs who can’t reliably check a U.S. mailbox every week.

When Should You Use a Professional Registered Agent?

Here’s how to decide if a third-party registered agent is worth the investment:

✅ You’re a non-U.S. resident and don’t have a physical address in New York.

✅ You work remotely or travel often, and want legal notices sent to a secure, monitored address.

✅ You care about privacy. Using your home or coworking address could make your information public.

✅ You want automated reminders about compliance deadlines, biennial filings, tax forms, legal notices.

In these scenarios, hiring a professional registered agent is very important.

Why Founders Use doola’s Registered Agent Service

doola provides registered agent service in all 50 states, including New York.

Here’s why thousands of founders choose it:

• Privacy protected: Your personal address stays private and off public records.

• Compliance alerts: You get email reminders and notifications well in advance.

• Peace of mind: Whether you’re in Brooklyn or Bangalore, you won’t miss anything important.

• Bonus for International Founders: If you’re abroad, doola’s agent also enables you to publish in Albany (saving on publication costs. More on this in Step 4).

The cost for registered agent services in New York can range from $40 to almost $600 per year.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization (DOS-1336)

The Articles of Organization is the core legal document you need to submit to the New York Department of State (DOS) to form your LLC. It provides the state with basic details about your business and acts as its legal record.

Once filed and approved, you’ll receive an official filing receipt, you’ll need this to open a bank account, publish your notice (Step 4), and prove your LLC exists.

What You’ll Need to Fill Out in the Articles of Organization

Here’s a breakdown of each required field in Form DOS-1336:

• LLC Name: Must match exactly what you chose and follow NY naming rules (must include “LLC” and be distinguishable).

• County: Choose the NY county where your business is based. This affects your publication costs.

• Registered Agent Name/Info: List the name and address of your Registered Agent (or default to NY Dept. of State + forwarding address).

• Service of Process Address: This is where the DOS will send legal mail. Must be a valid U.S. mailing address.

• LLC Organizer Info: The person or business forming the LLC. Can be you or doola.

• Optional Delayed Effective Date: If you want your LLC to start later, you can select a future date (up to 60 days). Optional, but helpful for tax planning.

How to File: Online vs. Mail

You’ve got two ways to file with the NY Department of State:

✔️ Online (Recommended): Instant confirmation, faster processing (1–7 business days), easy payment. But no option for handwritten signatures. File Online with NY DOS

✔️ Mail: Paper trail, better for traditional record-keeping. But the process is slower (2–4 weeks), and also has a risk of document rejection.

Filing Fees: $200 filing fee for the Articles of Organization. Payable via credit/debit card (online) or check/money order (mail).

Step 4: Meet New York’s LLC Publication Requirement

Unlike almost every other state, New York has a 100+ year-old rule that requires newly formed LLCs to publish a notice in two newspapers for six weeks straight. 

One must be a daily newspaper, the other a weekly. And not just any paper, they must be designated by the County Clerk in the county where your LLC is formed. This must be done within 120 days of formation.

After publication, you should file a Certificate of Publication and pay a $50 filing fee to finalize your compliance.

We know, this requirement sounds quite archaic and dated, but non-compliance in this regard can block things like:

• Opening a business bank account

• Getting financing

• Losing good standing (i.e., legal headaches)

Your 5-Step Gameplan to Handle New York’s Publication Requirement

Step 1: Choose Your County Wisely

When forming an LLC in New York, the county you choose for your Articles of Organization significantly impacts the cost of publication.

This is because New York requires LLCs to publish notice of their formation in two newspapers (one daily and one weekly) in the county where their Articles of Organization are filed.

• Manhattan (New York County): The cost of this publication can be very high, ranging from $1,500 to $2,000. This is due to the higher advertising rates in newspapers based in a major metropolitan area like Manhattan.

• Albany County: In contrast, filing in Albany County can drastically reduce this cost, bringing it under $300. Newspapers in Albany County typically have much lower publication rates.

💡 doola’s Tip:

To take advantage of these lower costs, even if your business operations are in a more expensive county like Manhattan, you can use a registered agent or virtual office service (like doola) that provides an Albany address.

This allows you to legally file your LLC in Albany County, thereby cutting down on the mandatory publication expenses.

Step 2: Get Newspaper Designations from the County Clerk

You can’t pick the newspapers yourself. The County Clerk will assign:

• One daily newspaper

• One weekly newspaper

These publications must both be in the county where your business is based.

Step 3: Prepare and Publish the Notice

Each newspaper has its own format, but generally you’ll need to publish:

• Your LLC name

• The date of formation

• Your business address or RA’s address

• A statement that your LLC is organized under NY law

• The purpose of your LLC (can be general: “any lawful purpose”)

You’ll need to run this ad once a week for six consecutive weeks in each paper. Many newspapers still require physical mailing, checks, or even faxes.

💡 doola can handle this entire process for you, drafting the notice, coordinating with the clerks, publishing, and filing the final paperwork.

Step 4: Get the Affidavits of Publication

Once the ad runs for six weeks, each newspaper will send you an affidavit confirming the notice was published.

These are your proof documents. Don’t lose them. You’ll need them for the next step.

Step 5: File Your Certificate of Publication with NY Dept. of State

To finalize your LLC formation, submit the two affidavits, a Certificate of Publication form, and a $50 fee to the New York State Department of State, Division of Corporations, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231. 

This must be completed within 120 days of forming your LLC.

What Happens if You Skip This Step?

⚠️ You won’t be able to maintain good standing with the state.

⚠️ Some banks may refuse to open an account.

⚠️ You might be blocked from signing legal contracts.

Technically, your LLC can be suspended.

Did You Know? The LLC publication requirement dates back to the early 1900s, when public notices in papers were how people learned about new businesses.

Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement

An Operating Agreement is an internal document that outlines the rules of the road for your LLC.

It defines the relationships between members, how money moves, how decisions are made, and what happens if things go sideways during disputes or exits.

New York requires every LLC to adopt a written Operating Agreement within 90 days of formation, even if you’re the only member.

And, you don’t have to file it with the state, but you must keep a copy on record in case of audits, legal disputes, or due diligence (like when opening a bank account or raising funds).

What Should You Include? (Checklist for Founders)

Here’s what most well-drafted Operating Agreements cover:

How doola Makes This Easy – You get a legally sound Operating Agreement template, customized to your LLC. – You don’t need to draft from scratch. – For multi-member LLCs, you can even invite others to review and co-sign online. Sign up today!

Step 6: Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Think of your EIN (Employer Identification Number) as your business’s official government ID. It’s issued by the IRS and is mandatory for most operational tasks, whether you’re launching an e-commerce brand, a consulting service, or a one-person Delaware C-Corp.

Without an EIN, you can’t:

• Open a U.S. business bank account

• Hire employees or contractors

• File federal taxes

• Apply for licenses

• Get Stripe, PayPal, or Shopify working

Who Needs an EIN?

Everyone. Even if you’re the only member of your LLC. Even if you’re not hiring yet.

And especially if you’re a non-U.S. resident launching remotely.

If You’re a U.S. Founder (You Have an SSN or ITIN)

You’re in luck. The process takes just 10 minutes and is completely free.

EIN Online Application (Instant)

• Go to the IRS EIN Assistant.

• Click “Apply Online Now”

• Choose: “Limited Liability Company (LLC)” State: New York

• Fill in business name, address, members, and SSN

• Submit and download your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575)

💡 Pro Tip: The online EIN system only works during U.S. business hours (Mon–Fri, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET). It also times out fast, so have all your details ready before starting.

If You’re a Non-U.S. Founder (No SSN or ITIN)

Here’s where most international founders wear themselves out.

You can’t use the IRS online portal unless you have an SSN or ITIN. So you must apply manually using Form SS-4 via fax or international mail.

Step-by-Step Guide to EIN Application (No SSN or ITIN)

Step 1: Download IRS Form SS-4.

Step 2: Fill out the form by hand or digitally.

Step 3: Double-check for common rejection errors (listed below).

Step 4: Sign the form with a wet signature (typed signatures are not accepted).

Step 5: Fax the completed SS-4 to the correct number: If you’re outside the U.S.: +1-304-707-9471. If you’re in the U.S.: 855-641-6935.

Step 6: Wait approximately 4–6 weeks for your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575) via physical mail (no email delivery).

Common Mistakes That Get Non-U.S. EIN Applications Rejected

Avoid these like the plague:

❌ Writing “N/A” in Line 7b,  instead, write “Foreign”

❌ Using your home country address on the form (IRS may reject if it doesn’t match your NY LLC info)

❌ Forgetting to sign the form

❌ Sending to the wrong fax number

❌ Entering “Sole Proprietor” under Line 9a,  for LLCs, always clarify structure (e.g., Disregarded Entity or Partnership)

❌ Handwriting that’s hard to read or blurry scans

Caution: If rejected, you won’t be notified instantly. Weeks can pass before a rejection is even mailed back. That’s why professional services like doola remove the risk entirely.

How doola Helps With EIN Applications for Non-U.S. Founders

Whether you’re setting up a U.S. LLC from abroad or simply need an EIN for an existing business, doola’s expert team handles your entire EIN application process, so you never have to touch an IRS form or fax machine.

Here’s how we get your EIN: Step 1: You fill a simple online form with basic info (business name, address, owner details, etc.) Step 2: Our team completes the EIN application on your behalf and files it directly with the IRS. Step 3: You receive your confirmed EIN and IRS CP 575 letter without any delay.

Step 7: Comply with New York’s Ongoing LLC Requirements

To keep your New York LLC compliant and in good standing with the state, you have to take care of a few recurring requirements, like filing your biennial statement, managing taxes, and staying on top of any changes in law (like the upcoming Transparency Act).

Biennial Statement Filing ($9 Every 2 Years): This Biennial Statement is a simple form that every New York LLC must file every two years with the Department of State. It’s not a financial report. It’s purely administrative, but mandatory.

When filing your Biennial Statement with the New York Department of State, you’ll be asked to confirm or update:

• LLC Name (as registered)

• DOS ID Number (your company’s ID from the state)

• Business Address

• Registered Agent Information

• Service of Process Address (where legal docs are delivered)

• Confirmation that the business is still active

Where and How to File:

File Online: New York Business Express. Keep in mind, there’s no reminder from the state, you’re expected to remember. Set a recurring calendar reminder or sync doola’s compliance calendar to your Google/iCal. This is the kind of task that’s easy to forget.

What Happens If You Don’t File a Biennial Statement? 🚩 Loss of good standing status 🚩 Rejection when opening bank accounts or applying for loans 🚩 Inability to file or renew business licenses 🚩 Fines and interest for late tax payments Worst-case: administrative dissolution of your LLC

State Tax Compliance (Varies by Business Type and Activity)

Here’s where things get a bit more nuanced.

New York doesn’t impose a franchise tax like Delaware, but depending on your LLC’s income, sales activity, and location, you may have to file:

• State Filing Fee (Based on gross income. Ranges from $25 to $4,500 annually)

• Sales Tax (If you sell taxable goods/services to NY customers) 

• Withholding Tax (Must register for NY Withholding and remit payroll tax)

• NYC Unincorporated Business Tax (UBT) (4% of net income, with some exemptions)

• Federal Taxes (Depending on your structure: 1040 Schedule C, 1065, or 1120S)

Example: If you’re a solo founder running a Shopify store from India, selling into New York, you might need to collect NY sales tax and file a state return even if you’re not physically present.

And, if you’re in NYC offering consulting services as a single-member LLC, you might owe Unincorporated Business Tax depending on how your LLC is structured.

💡 Not sure what applies to your business? Our doola team will help you. Sign up now!

NY LLC Transparency Act (Coming Jan 1, 2026) Starting January 1, 2026, every LLC formed or registered in New York, whether you’re a local business or a global founder with a New York entity, will need to disclose ownership details to the state. This is part of New York’s effort to increase transparency and curb illegal activities like money laundering or shell-company fraud. What You’ll Be Required to Do Under the new NY LLC Transparency Act, you’ll need to file a Beneficial Ownership Disclosure with the New York Department of State. A “beneficial owner” is: – Anyone who owns or controls 25% or more of the LLC, or – Anyone who exercises substantial control over the business (even if they don’t own it). What Information Must Be Reported? You’ll need to submit: 📌 Full legal name 📌 Date of birth 📌 Business or residential address 📌 Unique identifying number (like from a passport or driver’s license) Penalties for Non-Compliance Failing to file can lead to your LLC being labeled as “delinquent” in state records. This could impact your ability to open bank accounts, raise funding, or do business legally. NY DOS may also publish lists of non-compliant LLCs. Even though the NY Transparency Act goes live in 2026, start preparing your ownership documentation now, especially if you have international members, nominee structures, or complex holding setups. These will need clean records to stay compliant.

Step 8: Open a Business Bank Account & Secure Local Business Licenses

Once your LLC is formed and your EIN is in hand, it’s time to set up your financial infrastructure and stay legally compliant with local regulations. 

Here’s are a few documents you need to have in place:

💡 Digital banks like Mercury are popular among remote founders and international owners because they allow fully remote onboarding.

Secure Local Business Licenses in New York

While New York State doesn’t issue a universal business license, NYC and most counties require local business permits depending on the business type.

The NYC Business Wizard is like a virtual assistant for NYC-based entrepreneurs. This website guides you through the maze of permits, licenses, and local rules, based on your specific business activity and location.

Here’s a breakdown of the licenses typically needed when you form an LLC in New York, but remember, the exact list will depend on your business type, industry, and location (especially if you’re in NYC).

• Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number)

• Certificate of Assumed Name (DBA)

• Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

• General Retail License

• Food Vendor License, Food Protection Certificate, DOHMH Permit

• Contractor License

• Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (Use the Zoning Resolution tool to check)

• Business Registration with NYC DOF (for taxes)

How Much Does an LLC Cost in New York?

Starting an LLC in New York involves several costs. The main ones are state filing fees and the expense of hiring a registered agent. It’s a good idea to compare different filing companies to find one that suits your budget and needs.

Here’s a detailed list of the initial costs for setting up an LLC in New York:

Did You Know? New York LLC Articles of Organization Cost The foundational step in forming an LLC in New York involves submitting the Articles of Organization to the New York State Department, which incurs a standard charge of $200.  For those requiring quicker processing, New York provides expedited services for an additional fee: 💰 24-hour expedited service: An extra $25 💰 Same-day expedited service: An extra $752 These expedited choices, when combined with the regular filing fee, address different levels of urgency in establishing your LLC, enabling you to select the option that best fits your immediate requirements and financial limitations.

Ongoing Maintenance Costs of a New York LLC

Here’s a clear breakdown of what it takes to maintain your LLCs year after year.

• Biennial Statement Filing:  $9 every two years

• Registered Agent Service (if using third party): $100–$300/year

• Bookkeeping & Compliance (via doola or similar):  ~$600–$1,200/year (depending on volume and service provider)

• State & Local Taxes: Cost is variable. Income-based minimum fees apply for certain tax structures

• CPA or Tax Filing Services: $200–$800/year (basic to advanced services)

• Business Licenses/Renewals: Varies by industry and locality (typically $25–$500/year)

• Annual Registered Office (if using a virtual office):  $120–$250/year

DIY vs. doola for Forming a New York LLC In 2025

Here’s a detailed table for you to compare between DIY formation and doola.

Factor	DIY Filing	With doola
Cost Transparency	You only pay state fees. Looks cheaper at first glance, but surprise costs stack up: publishing in expensive counties, missing forms, late penalties	All-inclusive pricing. You know upfront what you’re paying for. Includes publishing in Albany (cheaper), registered agent, EIN, Operating Agreement, and compliance alerts.
Compliance Confidence	You’re on your own to interpret NY’s unique rules (like the 2-newspaper publication rule). Miss something, and you’re not in good standing.	doola tracks every NY-specific compliance deadline: publication, biennial reports, NYC tax registrations. No guesswork.
Speed of Formation	You can do it all… eventually. But you’ll spend hours reading Division of Corporations pages, filling PDFs, and making phone calls.	Formation can be done in a day. doola pre-fills forms, files online, tracks approval, and moves you straight into banking and EIN setup.
Support	No support. You’re left Googling, asking Reddit, or waiting on hold with NYS agencies	Real humans. Expert and personalized answers. You get access to startup specialists who answer your questions via chat, email, or call.
Registered Agent Setup	You can list yourself, but it means your personal address becomes public. And if you miss a legal notice, you risk lawsuits or non-compliance.	doola provides a registered agent with document scanning, deadline reminders, and a NY address (great for remote or overseas founders).
Post-Formation Add-Ons	You’ll need to create your own Operating Agreement, track tax filings, and remember to file biennial reports.	All included or available in bundles: Operating Agreement, IRS-compliant EIN, tax reminders, bank setup help.
Peace of Mind	You may save a few hundred dollars… but you’ll lose hours of time and sleep worrying about compliance.	You run the business. doola handles the paperwork. You stay compliant without mental overhead.

Our Take: Why Founders Eventually Regret Going Fully DIY

You might save $200–$300 upfront, but most founders end up spending more later:

• On correcting errors

• On expensive legal help when something gets missed

• On penalties for late filings or non-publication

• Or worst of all, getting rejected by banks or partners due to an incomplete setup

Ready to Start Your New York LLC the Smart Way? Use doola!

Forming a New York LLC isn’t hard because of the paperwork, it’s hard because of the process:

• The NY publication rule alone can cost $1,000+ if you don’t publish in Albany

• Filing errors in your Articles of Organization can bring rejection delays upto 2–4 weeks

• If you have no U.S. Social Security Number, then you’ll need to fax Form SS-4 to the IRS and wait 6 weeks for your EIN

• Miss the Biennial Statement deadline, you could lose your good standing

But doola is here to handle everything for you. We’re built specifically for global and U.S.-based founders who don’t have time to decode legalese or manage compliance deadlines.

Ready to jump in? Sign up now!

FAQs

Can non-U.S. persons open a NY LLC or bank account?

Yes, non-U.S. residents can form a NY LLC. You don’t need a U.S. address or SSN.

Opening a bank account is possible through fintechs like Mercury, though some banks may require additional documentation.

What happens if I miss the publication or biennial deadlines?

Missing the publication requirement can jeopardize your ability to sue in NY courts.

Skipping the biennial statement may cause your LLC to lose good standing, making it harder to operate legally or renew licenses.

How long does NY LLC formation really take?

Online filings are usually processed within 1–7 business days. Mail filings may take 2–4 weeks.

Publication takes an additional 6+ weeks depending on the county and newspaper schedules.

Can I serve as my own registered agent?

Yes, if you have a physical NY address. But this means your address goes public and you’re responsible for receiving legal mail, no reminders, no protection.

What’s the penalty for non-compliance?

You risk late fees, loss of good standing, blocked access to business banking or legal recourse, and possible dissolution by the state.

How do I dissolve a NY LLC?

You must file the Articles of Dissolution (Form DOS-1366) and pay a $60 fee.

You also need to clear all taxes and compliance requirements before closing.