llc, baby!

I created my own company.

All it took was 5 minutes, an Internet connection, and $130. It was that simple.

For that, and one day later, I get to call this thing I do "411net.Communications, LLC" from this point on.

Wheeeeeee!

Some things to think about:

I formed my company in the state of Wisconsin. As pointed out previously, the initial filing fee was $120 online. Off-line, they charge an extra $30. The annual filing fee (now required by the state) is $25.

I considered filing in Maryland, which is where I primarily do business. The initial filing fee is $100 (as well as the out-of-state business filing fee that I do have to pay now, once).

However, the real sticker shock comes in the annual report filing fee: $300!!

So, in just one year's time, I'll be ahead of Maryland fee schedule (as long as Wisconsin doesn't raise its fees) and that makes me happy.

$300 a year to file one piece of paper to prove that I'm still in business is ridiculous. The $275 annual savings is well worth the extra trouble of filing in Wisconsin (where I have to use a "resident agent," but I've got that covered with my dad) and the extra Maryland out-of-state registration fee.

Previous to Jan. 1, 2004, there is/was no annual report fee in either state. However, as part of the fiscal budget bill, Maryland is raising fees and enacting them where they were not previously.

It's amazing how states try to recoup lost revenue. Instead of raising taxes, they raise fees on every little thing. The same is true of auto registration fees. One of the worst offenders of this scam in the "commonwealth" of Massachusetts.

Anyway, enough ranting about state revenues and fees. For now, what's important is that I am offiically a non-self-propietership company.

Posted by jonathan at November 28, 2003 01:54 AM