Key Benefits▾
- •Know exactly which business structure fits your situation
- •Avoid filing mistakes that delay or block approval
- •Follow a clear step-by-step setup path from idea to registration
- •Understand when and how to apply for EIN or ITIN
- •Get a complete checklist so nothing is missed
What you get
- •Decision gate: 3 questions that pick the right business structure for your situation
- •Ordered 5-step setup path: structure → name → tax ID → registration → banking
- •Branching EIN vs. ITIN preparation checklists (only the one you need)
- •Form W-7 preparation module for ITIN applicants
- •Common-mistakes list so you avoid the traps that force a redo later
- •Downloadable startup checklist, prep checklists, and compliance calendar (.txt)
- •A live 'Your Completed Setup Plan' summary you can save and reference
Start here · Decision gate
Before You Do Anything Else
Most people pick the wrong business structure or start in the wrong order. Answer 3 questions and we'll point you to the right starting structure before you spend a dollar.
1. Are you already earning income from this business?
2. Are you operating alone or with others?
3. Do you expect meaningful legal or financial risk?
Recommendation
Answer all 3 questions above to see your recommended starting structure.
Setup Path
A strict, ordered execution flow. Finish each step, then move to the next.
Business Structure
Use the recommendation from the Decision Gate above. Don't overthink this — a structure is a starting point, not a permanent decision.
Complete the Decision Gate to lock in your structure.
Once locked in, move directly to Step 2.
Name + Business Identity
What matters when choosing a name: clear, easy to spell, easy to say out loud, and not already in use in your industry or state.
How to check availability:
- Search your state's business name database.
- Search the USPTO trademark database for conflicts.
- Check that the matching domain name is available.
- Search the name on Google and major social platforms.
Common mistake
Picking a name that's already trademarked in your industry, or that's nearly identical to another registered business in your state. Both can force a rebrand later.
EIN / ITIN Decision Layer
Pick the path that matches your situation. Only the matching checklist will appear.
Pick a path above to reveal the matching checklist.
Business Registration
Complete in this exact sequence:
- File formation documents with your state (Articles of Organization for an LLC, etc.).
- Confirm legal entity approval — wait for the official certificate or filing receipt.
- Store official documents safely — keep digital copies in a single labeled folder.
Do not skip ahead to banking until you have approved formation documents in hand.
Banking Setup
What banks require:
- Approved formation documents from your state
- Your EIN confirmation letter (or ITIN, if applicable)
- Government-issued ID
- Operating Agreement (for LLCs / multi-member entities)
- Initial deposit (varies by bank)
Mistakes to avoid
- Mixing personal and business funds in one account.
- Using a personal debit card for recurring business charges.
- Choosing a bank with no online business tools — you'll fight it every month.
Where Most People Get Stuck
- •Choosing the wrong structure too early — locking in an LLC before knowing if you'll actually earn income.
- •Applying for an EIN at the wrong stage — before the entity is formed, or under the wrong responsible party.
- •Mixing personal and business finances from day one — making bookkeeping and taxes painful later.
- •Skipping compliance requirements — annual reports, local licenses, sales tax registration.
Your output
Your Completed Setup Plan
- Business structure
- — pending decision gate
- Tax ID path
- — pending Step 3
- Next 3 actions
- Answer the 3 questions in 'Before You Do Anything Else' to get your structure recommendation.
- Choose your tax ID path in Step 3 (EIN or ITIN).
- Open a dedicated business bank account using your formation documents and tax ID.
Downloadable Setup Pack
These files come with purchase. Each one is ready to fill in and save alongside the system above.
Startup Checklist
Master checklistThe full ordered list of every step from idea to opened bank account.
Available after purchaseEIN Preparation Checklist
QuestionnaireEverything you need before applying for an EIN with the IRS.
Available after purchaseITIN Preparation Checklist
QuestionnaireWhat to gather before applying for an ITIN with Form W-7.
Available after purchaseCompliance Calendar
TemplateA simple yearly calendar of items most small businesses must track.
Available after purchaseFilled Setup Plan Example
Filled exampleA completed setup plan for a sample LLC so you know exactly what yours should look like.
Available after purchaseFull access includes
- •5 downloadable files: checklists, templates, questionnaires, and a filled example
- •Startup Checklist — master ordered list from idea to open bank account
- •EIN + ITIN Preparation Questionnaires — pre-built, just fill in your details
- •Compliance Calendar — yearly deadlines template, pre-structured
- •Filled Setup Plan Example — completed sample so you know what yours should look like
After purchase you'll land on a page where every file is ready to download immediately — no email required.
Get full access
Ready to start your business setup?
Purchase the Business Starter System to unlock all 5 downloadable files and the complete guided workflow.
Unlock full system →Early access pricing is live now.
This is the lowest price Ledgely Pro will ever be.