Ask HN: Best Way to Form an LLC Online?

Hey all!

My wife wants to open a (one person) consulting business. From what I've been able to read, it seems like a single member LLC would be the best approach for this.

I know there are a bunch of different websites where you can setup a business nowadays like LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, ZenBusiness etc.

I was wondering if anyone of you folks have any recommendations for doing it? I am hesitant to just jump at one of the first options I am finding on Google, because I'm not sure of their veracity.

I was wondering if anyone also had experience with how complex it might be to wind down a business once you spin it up? mostly cost wise, in case her venture doesn't work out (hoping I don't have to!)

In case its useful, we reside in Oregon.

2 comments

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ricopags 2y ago ↗

My friend runs a bookkeeping service for small to mid-size businesses[0] and they usually recommend going through the state website.

Oregon's site[1] looks pretty straightforward.

If you want stuff wrapped around the LLC beyond its scant structure, another popular option is Stripe Atlas[2] though it is unclear from their landing page whether LLC is still an option (they still have a blog post referencing LLCs[3])

[0]https://www.accountingprose.com

[1]https://secure.sos.state.or.us/cbrmanager/index.action#stay

[2]https://stripe.com/atlas

[3]https://stripe.com/blog/atlas-llc

no_wizard 2y ago ↗

Thank you! I'll be sure to look at these. Stripe Atlas might be nice since we need a payment processor anyway, though if they only do S-Corp and Delaware filing its likely not the best fit for what she's doing here, I appreciate it!