So, I finally did the thing—I officially registered Inkwell Imprints as an LLC in Washington, D.C. It’s something I’d been putting off for a while because, let’s be honest, legal stuff can be super intimidating. But it was surprisingly doable, and I wanted to break down the process in case it helps anyone else thinking of making their business official.
Why I Filed for an LLC
I’ve had a website, a business email, and even a PayPal set up for my brand for a while now, but something about filing for an LLC made it feel real. Inkwell Imprints is my publishing venture—a space for my stories, reviews, and creative projects—and I wanted to protect it legally and set it up for future growth. Plus, having an LLC just makes things cleaner when it comes to taxes, bank accounts, and working with clients.
Where I Filed
Since I’m based in the D.C. area, I used the CorpOnline portal at dc.gov to get it done. The system is a little clunky, but manageable. You’ll see a lot of options when you log in (like trade names, biennial reports, etc.), but for starting fresh, you want “Register Organization” and then pick “Form a New Domestic Organization.”
LLC Name + Suffix
I went with Inkwell Imprints LLC. When choosing a suffix, I picked “LLC” because it’s the most common and simple. There were other options like “Limited Liability Company” or “PLLC,” but unless you’re a licensed professional (like a lawyer or doctor), “LLC” is the way to go.
Business Description
They ask you for a description, so I kept it short and clear:
“Inkwell Imprints is a publishing company focused on book development, creative content, and digital storytelling.”
You can be more specific if your business has multiple arms, but this worked fine for me.
Registered Agent Drama (Almost)
One part that tripped me up? The registered agent. You need to list someone with a physical address in D.C. who can accept legal documents on your behalf. I didn’t want to pay for a commercial service, so I asked my boyfriend (bless him) if I could list him—he said yes. It’s important to note that being a registered agent doesn’t make someone part of your business; it just means they’re the point of contact for official mail.
The Cost
I didn’t expedite anything because I wasn’t in a rush. The standard filing cost was $99, which felt super reasonable for the peace of mind and legal protection it gives me. If you’re in a rush, you can pay $50 or $100 more for faster service (1 to 3 days), but I’m not about that stress life.
What’s Next
Now that I’ve filed, I’m just waiting for approval (which takes around 5 business days if you file online). Next up on my to-do list:
- Get my EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS
- Open a business bank account
- Update my branding to include “LLC”
- Maybe celebrate with a cupcake or something because hey, this is a big deal!
Final Thoughts
Filing your LLC can seem overwhelming at first, but once you break it down, it’s really just a few steps. If you’re a creative, especially a writer or artist like me, this is your sign to take that leap. You deserve to treat your work like the business it is.
Have questions or thinking of starting your own LLC? Drop a comment—I’d love to chat.
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