What we have learned, written down.
Practical articles for entrepreneurs, founders, CFOs, and accountants. Written by our compliance team and outside contributors who know the rules.
BOI Reporting: What Every US Business Owner Needs to Know in 2026
The Beneficial Ownership Information report is the most significant new compliance requirement for US businesses in a decade. Here is who has to file, what information is needed, what happens if you miss the deadline, and how we handle it for free.
Read the articleLLC vs Corporation: Which Should You Choose?
The trade-offs between liability protection, taxation, and ownership flexibility, plus the right answer for the most common founder situations.
When to Elect S-Corp Status (and When Not To)
The S-Corp election saves money for many freelancers and consultants, but it also creates new obligations. Here is the math and the trade-off.
The 50-State Business Compliance Calendar for 2026
Every annual report, franchise tax, and state-specific filing deadline that applies to US businesses, with dates and links to each state agency.
Forming in Delaware: When It Is Worth It (and When It Is Not)
Delaware is the default for venture-backed startups, but for most operating businesses, your home state is better. Here is the actual decision rule.
How to Hire Your First Employee in Any State
From the offer letter to payroll setup, the I-9 and W-4 forms, state withholding registration, and workers' compensation. A checklist that works in all 50 states.
Sales Tax Nexus: When You Need to Register in Another State
Every state has its own economic-nexus threshold. Cross it and you owe sales tax. Here is how to track, register, and remit without a tax-software stack.
The First 100 Days: What to Do After You Form a Company
Day 1 to Day 100, the actual list of things that need to happen: EIN, bank account, contracts, insurance, accounting, hiring, marketing. With dates.
The 7 Documents Every US Business Should Keep on File
From the formation papers to the operating agreement, the EIN letter, the BOI confirmation, your bylaws, and the cap table. What to keep, where, and for how long.
A monthly digest, written by the team.
State and federal rule changes that affect operating US businesses, plus quick reads on common questions. One email per month, no marketing.
The File.Business Promise
If we miss a filing deadline on a service you pay us to manage, we pay the state penalty. If you change your mind in the first 60 days, we refund our service fee in full. Your data stays yours, always.
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When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.