10 guides

Foundations

EINs, W-8BENs, 83(b) elections, state filings. The paperwork that turns an idea into a real company, written for founders who would rather not read an IRS instruction sheet.

Foundations

Stripe Atlas vs DIY LLC Formation: What the $500 Actually Buys You

Stripe Atlas costs $500 and forms a C-Corp by default. Here's who that trade-off makes sense for and who should form an LLC instead.

Jul 2, 20267 min readBy Oliver Dean
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Foundations

The LLC Operating Agreement Sections Founders Actually Skip (And Why That Costs Them Later)

A founder's walkthrough of the seven operating agreement sections most people skip, why single-member LLCs still need one, and what free templates actually miss.

Jun 29, 20266 min readBy Oliver Dean
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Foundations

Forming an LLC in Texas: Fees, Franchise Tax, and When Texas Beats Delaware

Texas LLC formation costs $300, but the franchise tax and annual filings catch founders off guard. Here's what to know before you file.

Jun 26, 20266 min readBy Oliver Dean
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Foundations

How to Form an LLC in Delaware: When It's Worth It and When It's Not

A founder's guide to Delaware LLC formation: the $300 franchise tax, Court of Chancery, registered agent costs, and a side-by-side comparison with Wyoming and Texas.

Jun 9, 20268 min readBy Oliver Dean
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Foundations

Should You Create an LLC for Your Blog? The Case Is Stronger Than You Think

Discover the real benefits of forming an LLC for your blog, from liability protection to tax savings and brand credibility. Concrete numbers included.

Jun 9, 20267 min readBy Oliver Dean
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Foundations

Why We Built Tierro: The LLC Formation Tool We Wished Existed

Tierro exists because forming a US LLC was slower, pricier, and more confusing than it needed to be. Here is the honest story of why we built it.

Jun 8, 20265 min readBy Oliver Dean
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Foundations

How to Set Up an LLC in New York: A Step-by-Step Guide

A practical guide to forming a New York LLC, covering state fees, the publication requirement, EIN, and how to keep your total costs low.

Jun 8, 20268 min readBy Oliver Dean
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Foundations

Filing an 83(b) election: what it is, who does it, and why

An 83(b) election lets you pay tax now on restricted equity instead of later as it vests. Here is how it works, who should file one, and the 30-day deadline you cannot miss.

May 20, 20265 min readBy Oliver Dean
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Foundations

What is a W-8BEN? A quick guide for non-US founders

The W-8BEN tells US payers that you are a foreign individual and lets you claim a lower tax-treaty withholding rate. Here is what to put on it.

May 3, 20264 min readBy Oliver Dean
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Foundations

What is an EIN and why does your LLC need one?

An EIN is your LLC's federal tax ID. Here's what it does, why your bank will ask for it, and how to get one with or without a US Social Security number.

May 2, 20264 min readBy Oliver Dean
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Other categories

Entity Types

Picking the right legal structure for what you actually want to build.

International Founders

Country-specific guides for forming a US LLC from outside the US.

Banking & Operations

What to do after the LLC is approved.