Make it official
Form your label's company and draft its rulebook.
Choose an LLC or C corporation, go straight to your state's filing office (or use a formation service), then generate the internal documents your bank and partners will ask for.
1. Choose your entity
Not sure? Take the 3-question quiz. Most independent labels form as an LLC; a corporation mainly makes sense with outside investors.
2. Choose your state
3. File it yourself or use a service
Check the name
Search your state's business-name database, your domain, and trademarks before you commit.
Pick a registered agent
Someone with a physical address in your state who receives legal mail. You can be your own agent or hire a service.
File the Articles of Organization
File with your state's filing office (link below), online if possible. Keep the stamped copy.
Sign the operating agreement
Your internal rulebook: who owns what, who decides, how money is split, what happens if someone leaves. It is not filed with the state, but banks ask for it.
Draft it below ↓Get the LLC's EIN
Free from IRS.gov, after the state approves your filing. Use your skill: get-ein.
Open the business bank account
Bring the state approval, EIN letter, and operating agreement. Put all label money through it.
Calendar the annual items
Annual or biennial report and fees, registered agent renewal, and any beneficial-ownership reporting that applies to you (check FinCEN).
4. Draft your operating agreement
Answer the questions and get a starter document to copy or download. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere or saved.
- Choose your state in step 2.
- Enter the LLC's legal name.
- Add at least one member.
Educational starter material, not legal or tax advice. State rules differ and change. Have an attorney review your documents before you sign, especially if you have partners, investors, or other artists in the company.