How to Register an LLC for Forestry

Introduction

If you’re looking to start a forestry business in California, you’ll need to register your limited liability company (LLC) with the state. This is done through the Secretary of State Business Entities Section and can be completed online or by mail.

Choose a business name and complete an Application

To determine whether your desired company name is available, check with the state where you intend to do business. You can do this online or in person, but be aware that some states charge for this service. If you cannot find a suitable name, don’t worry; it’s very likely that you’ll be able to change it later on after you’ve established your company.

Choose a Registered Agent

A registered agent is a person who receives legal and administrative documents on behalf of your LLC. This can include summonses, tax forms, and more. Registered agents are usually not paid but they do need to be available during normal business hours so that they can receive mail at their home addresses.

The registered agent must be a resident of the state where your LLC is registered and have a physical address where they can receive mail (either at their place of residence or place of business). For example, if registration was completed in North Carolina but no one lives there except for out-of-state employees who only work there occasionally then those employees cannot serve as registered agents because none live there full-time (or even part-time).

File and pay the filing fee

Once you’ve decided on a name, it’s time to file. You’ll need to submit a short document called an Application for Registration of Corporate Name with the Secretary of State. The fee is $100 and can be paid online or by mail.

The application involves some basic information about your business, including its purpose (such as “manufacturing” or “wholesaling”), whether it has an official office address in California if its shares are traded on stock exchanges and whether there are any existing corporations that have similar names.

Once you’ve submitted the application and paid your fee, you’re good to go!

Set up an official LLC Address

Some states require you to obtain a physical address for your LLC. While you can use the address of your attorney or accountant, it’s best to have an official business address for your own paperwork and for receiving mail from other companies with which you do business. You can either set up a post office box or virtual office space, which will give you an address in any city or town that’s convenient while also allowing you to keep all of your financial information private.

Draft an LLC Operating Agreement

An LLC operating agreement is a document that governs the internal operations of your business. It should include provisions such as:

• The number of members and their rights and responsibilities
• How much money each member must contribute to the company (no contribution is required if you’re a single member)
• How profits and losses are shared among members
• What happens if a partner leaves the company or dies

Obtain any needed permits and licenses

When you begin setting up an LLC, there are a few permits and licenses you may need. For example, if your business is going to sell products or services in one or more states, it’s likely that those states will require a sales tax license. In addition to the local business license required by your state, some counties also require additional permits or licenses to operate in forestry. This can include obtaining a business permit from the county where your property is located. Check with your county clerk’s office for information on any additional requirements that apply in that area of the country. You may also need a tax ID number; depending on how much income your forestry company generates each year and how much liability insurance coverage you choose, this requirement may be minimal (e.g., filing for an employer identification number) or extensive (e.g., applying for an EIN).

Conclusion

Before you can file your LLC application, you need to choose a name and complete an application. You can also pay the filing fee at this time. After we receive your application, we’ll review it to make sure it meets all requirements and if so, create a certificate of formation. If there are any problems with the application, we will contact you so that they can be resolved before reaching the final approval status.