We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
SkillForge Academy

How to Start a Business in the U.S.: LLC, Taxes & More" is an essential, step-by-step guide designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to launch a business in the U.S. This course covers everything from selecting the right business structure—LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp—to understanding U.S. business taxes, registering your business, and complying with state and federal legal requirements.

Throughout this course, you will gain crucial knowledge on:

Read more

How to Start a Business in the U.S.: LLC, Taxes & More" is an essential, step-by-step guide designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to launch a business in the U.S. This course covers everything from selecting the right business structure—LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp—to understanding U.S. business taxes, registering your business, and complying with state and federal legal requirements.

Throughout this course, you will gain crucial knowledge on:

  • Choosing between LLC, S-Corp, and C-Corp and understanding the tax implications.

  • Navigating complex business tax filings for LLCs and corporations, including sales tax, self-employment tax, and more.

  • Registering your business, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and ensuring proper licensing and permits.

  • Structuring your business bank accounts and managing payroll to maintain compliance and financial health.

  • Scaling your business, hiring employees, marketing strategies, and managing growth for long-term success.

With quizzes, downloadable resources, and real-world examples, this course prepares you for real-world application, ensuring you're ready for certification or practical business ownership. By the end of this course, you'll confidently launch and manage your U.S.-based business with a thorough understanding of the legal, financial, and structural essentials.

Key Skills You’ll Gain:

  • Mastery of U.S. business structure and tax strategies

  • Practical knowledge of business registration and EIN acquisition

  • Understanding of business laws, permits, and compliance

  • Ability to scale your business and maintain good standing

Take this course to ensure your business is legally sound and well-positioned for growth in the U.S. market.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Business structure selection: understand the differences between llcs, s-corps, and c-corps, and learn how to choose the right structure for your business.
  • U.s. business taxes: master the fundamentals of federal and state taxes, including sales tax, self-employment tax, and tax filing requirements for llcs and corp
  • Business registration & ein acquisition: learn how to register your business, acquire an employer identification number (ein), and comply with state-law
  • Navigating legal requirements: gain a clear understanding of u.s. business laws, licenses, permits, and zoning regulations, ensuring your business is compliant
  • Payroll management: learn how to manage business payroll, tax responsibilities, and how to pay yourself as a business owner.
  • Scaling your business: understand strategies for scaling your business, hiring employees vs. independent contractors, and expanding into new markets.
  • Ongoing compliance: master the annual filing process, maintaining good standing with the state, and managing growth challenges for long-term success.

Syllabus

Introduction to Starting a Business in the U.S.

○ Overview of business types: LLC, Corporation, and others

○ Why understanding business formation is essential

○ Legal benefits of starting a business in the U.S.

Read more

○ Federal and state laws regarding business setup

○ Overview of business licenses and permits

○ Legal responsibilities when starting a business in the U.S.


This quiz tests your knowledge on the essential concepts of business formation in the U.S. It covers key topics like business structure, legal requirements, and registration.

Choosing the Right Business Structure

○ Understanding the differences between LLC, S-Corp, and C-Corp

○ Tax implications for each business structure

○ Pros and cons for entrepreneurs

○ Detailed process for forming an LLC

○ How to file your Articles of Organization

○ Understanding state-specific requirements

○ When and why to select an S-Corp or C-Corp

○ Tax advantages and drawbacks of each business structure

This quiz is designed to help you determine the best business structure for your needs. It covers key considerations for choosing between LLC, S-Corp, and C-Corp.

Navigating Business Taxes in the U.S.

○ Federal vs state taxes for businesses

○ Overview of sales tax, self-employment tax, and more

○ Filing deadlines and key tax forms

○ How LLCs are taxed (pass-through vs. corporate tax)

○ How S-Corps and C-Corps handle taxes

○ Tax filing processes for different structures

○ How to structure payments for yourself as a business owner

○ Key payroll taxes and responsibilities

○ Distributions and salary considerations

This quiz tests your knowledge on U.S. business taxes, filing requirements, and important deadlines. It covers various tax-related topics relevant to LLCs and Corporations.

Registering Your Business and Getting Organized

○ How to register your business name with the state

○ The importance of an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

○ Applying for an EIN from the IRS

○ Why a separate business account is essential

○ Choosing the right bank and account type

○ How to maintain financial separation

○ Identifying required local, state, and federal permits

○ Zoning laws and business operations

○ What to do if you’re expanding to new areas

This quiz tests your understanding of the steps involved in business registration, obtaining necessary permits, and staying compliant with regulations.

Ongoing Business Compliance & Growth

○ Requirements for keeping your business compliant

○ How to file annual reports and renewals

○ Staying up-to-date with local, state, and federal regulations

○ When to hire employees vs independent contractors

○ Marketing strategies for growing your business

○ Expanding to new states or internationally

○ Strategies for scaling your operations

○ How to handle growing pains and new challenges

○ Building a strong company culture

This quiz assesses your understanding of business growth, compliance, and strategies for scaling your business while maintaining legal and operational standards.

Save this course

Save How to Start a Business in the U.S.: LLC, Taxes & More to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Start a Business in the U.S.: LLC, Taxes & More with these activities:
Review Basic Accounting Principles
Reinforce fundamental accounting concepts to better understand business taxes and financial management covered in the course.
Browse courses on Accounting Principles
Show steps
  • Review the basic accounting equation (Assets = Liabilities + Equity).
  • Practice creating simple balance sheets and income statements.
  • Familiarize yourself with common accounting terms.
Read 'Nolo's Quick LLC'
Gain a deeper understanding of LLC formation and management by reading a comprehensive guide.
View Nolo's Quick LLC on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Nolo's Quick LLC'.
  • Read the sections relevant to LLC formation and management.
  • Take notes on key legal and tax considerations.
Develop a Business Plan Outline
Apply course knowledge by creating a business plan outline, covering key areas like business structure, market analysis, and financial projections.
Show steps
  • Define your business idea and target market.
  • Outline your business structure (LLC, S-Corp, etc.).
  • Develop a basic financial projection.
  • Outline your marketing strategy.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Checklist for Business Registration
Solidify your understanding of the business registration process by creating a checklist of essential steps and requirements.
Show steps
  • List all the steps required to register a business in your state.
  • Include information on obtaining an EIN.
  • Add details on necessary permits and licenses.
Read 'Tax Guide for Small Business'
Deepen your understanding of U.S. business taxes by reviewing the IRS's official guide for small businesses.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Download the 'Tax Guide for Small Business' from the IRS website.
  • Review the sections relevant to your business structure.
  • Take notes on key tax obligations and filing requirements.
Follow a Tutorial on Setting Up Business Bank Accounts
Learn practical steps for setting up business bank accounts by following a guided tutorial.
Show steps
  • Find a reputable online tutorial on setting up business bank accounts.
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step, setting up a mock account.
  • Note any questions or concerns for further research.
Create a Presentation on Business Compliance
Reinforce your knowledge of ongoing business compliance by creating a presentation summarizing key requirements and best practices.
Show steps
  • Research ongoing compliance requirements for your chosen business structure.
  • Create a presentation outlining key compliance tasks and deadlines.
  • Include information on annual filings and renewals.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Start a Business in the U.S.: LLC, Taxes & More will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Small Business Owner
As a small business owner, effectively managing all aspects of your business is crucial. This course is designed to provide a step-by-step understanding of starting and running a small business in the U.S. It covers important topics like selecting the right business structure—LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp—and understanding the tax implications of each. Small business owners may find the detailed guidance on business registration, obtaining an Employer Identification Number, and ensuring compliance with state and federal legal requirements to be useful. This course helps small business owners scale their business, hire employees, and manage growth for long-term success, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the U.S. business landscape.
Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur identifies a need and creates a business to fulfill it. This course provides a practical guide to starting a business in the U.S., covering essential aspects such as choosing the right business structure whether it be an LLC, S Corporation, or C Corporation, and understanding U.S. business taxes. Entrepreneurs will benefit from learning how to register their business, obtain an Employer Identification Number, and ensure compliance with legal requirements. The course may help with structuring business bank accounts, managing payroll, and implementing effective marketing strategies, which helps to ensure a business is legally sound and well-positioned for growth in the U.S. market.
Startup Founder
A startup founder needs a comprehensive understanding of the legal and financial aspects of starting a business. This course is specifically designed to help startup founders navigate the complexities of launching a business in the U.S. The course may be useful for startup founders seeking clarity on selecting the right business structure—LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp. Startup founders can benefit from the course's coverage of U.S. business taxes, registration processes, and compliance. This course helps equip startup founders with the knowledge and resources they need to launch and manage their businesses successfully.
Compliance Officer
Compliance officers ensure that a company adheres to legal standards and internal policies. The course helps compliance officers gain a thorough understanding of U.S. business laws, licenses, permits, and zoning regulations. Compliance officers are able to ensure that their businesses are operating legally and ethically. The detailed knowledge of business registration, tax requirements, and ongoing compliance covered in this course helps compliance officers improve their company's compliance efforts and avoid potential legal pitfalls.
Business Consultant
Business consultants advise organizations on how to improve their performance and efficiency. This course helps consultants gain a strong understanding of the foundational elements of starting a business in the U.S., including selecting the appropriate business structure—LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp. Business consultants benefit from the course's coverage of U.S. business taxes, business registration processes, and compliance with legal requirements. A business consultant will be well-equipped to advise clients on structuring their businesses, managing their finances, and ensuring they are legally compliant by taking this course.
Tax Preparer
Tax preparers assist individuals and businesses with filing their taxes. The course helps tax preparers improve their understanding of U.S. business taxes and filing requirements for different business structures, such as LLCs, S-Corps, and C-Corps. Tax preparers who are well-versed in the nuances of business taxation may attract more clients and offer more valuable services. This course may be useful as it helps tax preparers navigate the complexities of business tax filings and stay up-to-date with changing regulations in the U.S.
Accountant
Accountants prepare and examine financial records. This course will be helpful for accountants who work with small businesses and startups, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of U.S. business taxes, including sales tax, self-employment tax, and filing requirements for LLCs and corporations. Accountants can leverage this knowledge to better assist their clients in managing their finances and ensuring tax compliance. The accountant can gain insights into how different business structures (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp) impact tax liabilities. This insight can help accountants in their career.
Financial Controller
A financial controller manages a company's financial reporting. The course helps financial controllers gain an enhanced understanding of business taxes and financial structures relevant to small businesses in the U.S. Financial controllers will find the detailed information on structuring business bank accounts and managing payroll to be useful. The knowledge gained in this course may help financial controllers improve their company's financial health and compliance. The financial controller will be better equipped to manage the financial aspects of a growing business by learning about LLCs, S-Corps, and C-Corps.
Operations Manager
An operations manager ensures a business runs smoothly and efficiently. This course may be useful for operations managers who need a better understanding of the legal and structural aspects of starting a business in the U.S. Understanding how to select between an LLC, S-Corp, and C-Corp, and how to handle U.S. business taxes helps operations managers make informed decisions. Operations managers can leverage this knowledge to improve their company's compliance, financial management, and overall operational efficiency. This course helps operations managers ensure their business operates legally and efficiently.
Business Development Manager
Business development managers focus on expanding a company's market presence and profitability. This course may be useful for business development managers seeking to understand the fundamentals of starting and structuring a business in the U.S. It covers crucial aspects such as selecting the right business structure—LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp—and understanding U.S. business taxes. Business development managers can benefit from the course's insights into business registration, compliance, and scaling strategies. The insights from this course may help business development managers identify new opportunities and navigate the complexities of expanding their business operations.
Business Manager
Business managers oversee the daily operations of a business. This coursemay be useful for business managers seeking to enhance their understanding of the legal and financial aspects of starting and running a business in the U.S. Business managers can use the knowledge gained from this course to improve their company's compliance efforts and financial management. They may also find value in selecting the right business structure and strategize for scaling their business.
Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers oversee employee benefits, compensation, and compliance. The course helps human resources managers gain a better understanding of payroll management, tax responsibilities, and compliance issues related to hiring employees versus independent contractors. Human resources managers can leverage this knowledge to ensure their company complies with labor laws and manages payroll effectively. With a solid understanding of business structure, tax strategies, and ongoing compliance, human resources managers may perform their job more effectively.
Business Analyst
Business analysts identify business needs and determine solutions to business problems. This course may be useful for business analysts who need to understand the legal and structural aspects of starting a business in the U.S. Business analysts can improve their ability to analyze business structures, tax implications, and compliance requirements by taking this course. A business analyst may find the material useful in better understanding how choosing between an LLC, S-Corp, and C-Corp can impact business operations. This course helps business analysts ensure their business operates legally and efficiently.
Financial Advisor
Financial advisors guide clients on financial planning and investment strategies. The course helps financial advisors gain insights into the specifics of business structures and tax implications for businesses in the U.S. Financial advisors become better equipped to advise their clients on the tax implications of choosing between LLC, S-Corp, and C-Corp structures. With knowledge of U.S. business taxes, registration, and compliance, the financial advisor can offer more comprehensive advice to business-owning clients. This course may be useful for financial advisors to enhance their expertise and provide better support to their business clients.
Management Analyst
Management analysts propose ways to improve an organization's efficiency. This course may be useful for management analysts who need to assess the legal and structural aspects of businesses. By understanding how different business structures (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp) impact operations and compliance, management analysts can offer more informed recommendations. Understanding U.S. business taxes, registration and compliance helps management analysts develop strategies for improving business performance.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to Start a Business in the U.S.: LLC, Taxes & More.
Provides a comprehensive overview of forming and managing an LLC. It offers practical advice on legal and tax considerations, making it a valuable resource for understanding the intricacies of LLCs. It serves as a useful reference tool for navigating the complexities of business formation. This book adds more depth to the LLC-related topics covered in the course.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser