Went to legalzoom.com and bought the enono-LLC package. The price was 149, but when I got to checkout the total was just under 600!?! Filing fees, fed id #, shipping and taxes add up. Still it was much cheaper than getting a lawyer to do it. At least it’s done.
And I got my hair cut. It’s been so long. I forgot how nice it feels to be pampered.
Next week I have an appointment with the creepy massage therapist. I decided to just do it. I had been fine with him prior to that conversation. Let’s just say he was having an off moment.
Lesson One: Legal Zoom is cool, but, would you really setup your company using them, and only them?
I have a friend who used a pre-made rental agreement procured from an on-line service (not LZ), who spent several thousand dollars on attorney’s fees to evict tennants who created a lot of problems not covered by the agreement.
I’m certain LZ is very reputable, but, in my opinion, you can’t beat a human touch for something as crucial as setting up the legal foundation of your company.
On the flip side, good lawyers are almost impossible to find (the vast majority are incompetent).
I’m sure you’ll be a-okay with LZ, but, as you grow the business – (e.g. have your first $250k year), have an attorney validate that what you have in place is complete and correct.
Make sure to find a good accountant, too. Financial software is wonderful (I use it all the time), but, there’s a lot that an accountant can help with, which software cannot.
I truly wish you the best. The economy is improving, and if you decide to find another full-time job, and grow your company on the side, several big tech companies in your geo are hiring…
As I went through the LLC questionnaire– it was pretty straightforward. I had figured if I was flying by the seat of my pants, clueless to what they were asking, I’d just get a lawyer but because it was clear and pretty easy I figured I was safe going the legalzoom route.
Right now it’s good enough for me. Like you said, when I get some money coming in, I can get a lawyer to double check it.