Countries United StatesCompliance

🇺🇸

Compliance Checklist — United States

Step-by-step regulatory requirements organized by timeline phase

Overall Progress

0 / 15 completed (0%)

State Incorporation / LLC Formation

RegistrationSecretary of State~$300

Obtain EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Apply for a federal EIN from the IRS. Required for tax filing, hiring employees, and opening bank accounts.

TaxIRS

Open Business Bank Account

Open a dedicated business checking account. Requires EIN, Articles of Incorporation, and Operating Agreement.

BankingFDIC-insured Bank

Obtain Business Licenses & Permits

Federal, state, and local licenses depending on industry and location. Check SBA license tool.

PermitsVarious (Federal/State/Local)~$500

TaxState Revenue DepartmentBefore first sale or hire

Varies by state - back taxes, interest, and penalties

LaborState Employment AgencyBefore first payroll

Set Up Workers' Compensation Insurance

Mandatory in most states. Obtain coverage before first employee starts work.

LaborState Insurance Board~$1,500

Fines, stop-work orders, and criminal charges in some states

I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification

Complete Form I-9 for every employee within 3 business days of hire. Verify identity and work authorization.

LaborUSCIS / ICEWithin 3 business days of hire

$252–$2,507 per violation (first offense)

File Beneficial Ownership Information report with FinCEN under the Corporate Transparency Act.

RegistrationFinCENWithin 90 days of formation (new entities)

$500/day civil penalty; criminal penalties up to $10,000

ADA & Workplace Safety (OSHA)

Ensure workplace meets ADA accessibility and OSHA safety standards. Post required workplace notices.

PermitsOSHA / DOJ

OSHA fines up to $15,625 per violation

Federal Tax Returns (Form 1120 / 1065)

Annual federal income tax return. C-Corps file Form 1120; partnerships and LLCs file Form 1065.

ReportingIRSApril 15 (C-Corp) or March 15 (Partnership/S-Corp)

Failure-to-file penalty of 5% per month, up to 25%

Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments

Pay estimated federal income tax quarterly if you expect to owe $500+ for the year.

TaxIRSApr 15, Jun 15, Sep 15, Jan 15

Underpayment penalty based on federal short-term rate

Payroll Tax Filings (Form 941)

File quarterly federal payroll tax return. Report income tax withheld and FICA taxes.

ReportingIRSEnd of month following quarter-end

2–15% of unpaid amount depending on delay

Annual State Report / Franchise Tax

Most states require an annual report and/or franchise tax filing to maintain good standing.

ReportingSecretary of StateVaries by state~$150

Administrative dissolution or revocation

Sales Tax Collection & Remittance

Collect and remit state/local sales tax if selling taxable goods/services. Nexus rules apply.

TaxState Revenue DepartmentMonthly or quarterly (varies by state)

Back taxes, penalties, and interest

Loading Macroeconomic Data

Fetching live data from World Bank...