Start an LLC. Limit your liability.

You don’t need an LLC to be a legitimate business. However, if you want limited liability, then you need the LL in LLC, and that takes more than an LLC registration.

What is an LLC?

An LLC is a simple and flexible type of business that protects the owners from their business’s liabilities. Liabilities include a lawsuit, a tax problem, or a debt. How do you create an LLC that protects you?

3 Things you need for a strong LLC

1

LLC Registration

2

Operating Agreement

3

Observe Corporate Formalities

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Understanding the 3 steps to a strong LLC

1. Registering your LLC

Our attorney Matthew Nuzum said, “A monkey could do it.” Anyone can register an LLC. So what is an LLC registration? When you file (or “register”) your business as an LLC with the state, the government recognizes your business. That makes it easier for you if you end up in court or if you want to apply for government run assistance, etc. Registration is only $50 with the state of Iowa. In addition, you can find Iowa LLC formation instructions listed in Act 489.201 on the Secretary of State Website. Now the state and the world know that your business exists! If you don’t want to worry about registering your own LLC, Surge Business Law offers this service as a part of both our advanced Launch 360 Plan and our flat fee basic options under “New Business Formation” on our pricing page. We register LLCs for businesses all the time, and we would love to help you get your Iowa LLC registered too.

2. Write your Operating Agreement

The operating agreement is a legal document that controls how your LLC will be managed. Since the government views your business as its own entity – like a person – you need to treat it as it’s own entity. This contract between the owner/s and the business explains the how you will interact. This contract should be customized to give you the most protection. When you work with Surge, we’ll help you understand how to form a strong operating agreement that covers the details.

3. Observe Corporate Formalities

Although it sounds like an intimidating legal phrase, it’s boils down to treating your business like it’s own entity. Corporate Formalities are rules that you follow to keep your business strong. Here are some examples of Corporate Formalities: You have a business bank account separate from your personal bank account. You sign contracts the right way, otherwise you as you might be personally liable. We also want the businesses to deal with their own liabilities with the appropriate insurance. Businesses should be covered under business insurance and not under the owner’s personal insurance policy. (Note: We help refer people to the appropriate insurance companies.) Also, you avoid committing fraud, which unfortunately, can can be done unintentionally. It doesn’t have to be hard. We give you clear and simple steps to ensure you observe corporate formalities

Start an Iowa LLC with Surge

Who is this for?

This is for you if:

  • You’re starting any LLC.
  • You want unlimited Q&A.
  • You want long-term coaching for your new business’s success.
  • You want to ensure your business runs smoothly.
  • You want additional discounts for Surge products and services.

What’s the benefit?

Our Launch 360 Plan gives you any type of LLC setup option including the basic, advanced, or series LLC packages.

Benefits:

You get all of the perks included in our flat-fee packages AND our Momentum Membership:

  1. LLC Formation:
    • LLC registration with the state
    • A standard document that gives you a lot of information
    • Setup with the IRS for a EIN tax ID
    • Attention – we take the time to understand your business risk
    • FinCen account setup for the BOI report
  2. Our additional advice and attention – we take the time to understand your business idea and its risks
  3. Unlimited email support
  4. Monthly check-in meetings. These include Q&A time and coaching with an attorney. Meeting topics include:
    • Month 1: Legal risk
    • Month 2: Marketing (5 star reviews, not spending money on things that don’t work)
    • Month 3: Sales and pricing
    • Month 4: Employees and Contracts
    • Month 5: Using metrics to track the health of your business
  5. All benefits of the Momentum Membership
    • #1 Don’t fear. When you run into a problem, you have a legal department on your side.
    • #2 Plan with a personal client success manager (CSM). Your client success manager gives you, ways to leverage your business niche for greater success and keep your business compliant with the law, tips on what you can do to avoid and decrease risk, insights into how to handle problems unique to your business, relayed or direct communication with a lawyer on the Surge team
    • #3 Ask us all the questions. You get personalized answers to your business questions. How it works: Email us a question, even a little one. Your client success manager (CSM) will give you an answer you can trust. It’s that easy!
    • #4 Additional support to boost your success. We give you registered agent services, and we follow your Facebook business page to give your SEO a little boost. (Most businesses qualify for following.)
  6. Payments are over 5 months, easier than a lump sum.
  7. Membership discounts on additional products and services.

Clear and Simple Pricing

$360/mo for 5 months

Contact us for a complimentary, no-cost meeting.

Who is this for?

This is for you if:

  • You’re starting a single-member LLC.
  • You are okay with less legal advice and services. We offer those in the 5 mon. Launch 360 Plan.
  • You’re starting a relatively low-risk business.
  • You already know what you’re doing or need very little help.
  • You are not planning to start multiple businesses under one LLC. That is called a series LLC. For example, a series LLC is for landlords who own more than one property. It separates the assets and liabilities of each subsequent “child” LLC under the “parent” LLC.

Examples include: consulting, local lawn mowing, salon, small shop, or businesses not meant to expand.

What’s the benefit?

Our basic LLC formation service gives you:

  1. A standard document guide packed with startup info
  2. LLC registration with the state
  3. Customized Operating Agreement formation
  4. Help to observe corporate formalities
  5. Setup with the IRS for an EIN tax ID

Clear and Simple Pricing

Member pricing: $350 + filing fees

Non-member pricing: $650 (single owner) + filing fees

Members are part of our Momentum or other advanced memberships.

Contact us for a complimentary, no-cost meeting.

Who is this for?

This is for you if:

  • You’re starting a multi-owner LLC or a partnership.
  • You already know what you’re doing or need very little help.
  • You are okay with legal advice and services initially, but not long-term. We offer 5 months of startup advice and services in the Launch 360 Plan.
  • You’re starting a medium to high-risk business.

Examples include: real estate investors (landlords), licensed professionals like therapists, counselors, medical professionals, accountants, series LLC or holding companies, and corporations.

What’s the benefit?

Our advanced LLC formation service gives you:

  1. Our additional advice and attention – we take the time to understand your business and its risks
  2. LLC registration with the state
  3. Customized Operating Agreement formation
  4. Help to observe corporate formalities
  5. Setup with the IRS for an EIN tax ID
  6. A FinCen account for the BOI report

Clear and Simple Pricing

Member pricing: $550 + filing fees

Non-member pricing: $950 + filing fees

Members are part of our Momentum or other advanced memberships.

Contact us for a complimentary, no-cost meeting.

Who is this for?

This is for you if:

  • You’re planning to start multiple businesses under one LLC, i.e. a series LLC. For example, a series LLC is advised for landlords who own more than one property. It separates the assets and liabilities of each property into “child” LLCs under the main or “parent” LLC.
  • You are okay with legal advice and services initially, but not long-term. We offer 5 months of startup advice and services in the Launch 360 Plan.
  • You already know what you’re doing or need very little help.
  • This is for you if you’re starting a medium to high-risk business.

Examples include: real estate investors (landlords), licensed professionals like therapists, counselors, medical professionals, accountants, series LLC or holding companies, and corporations.

What’s the benefit?

Our advanced LLC formation service gives you:

  1. Our additional advice and attention – we take the time to understand your business and its risks
  2. LLC registration with the state
  3. Customized Operating Agreement formation
  4. Help to observe corporate formalities
  5. Setup with the IRS for an EIN tax ID
  6. A FinCen account for the BOI report

Clear and Simple Pricing

Member pricing: $550 + filing fees

Non-member pricing: $950 + filing fees

Members are part of our Momentum or other advanced memberships.

Contact us for a complimentary, no-cost meeting.

Don’t take our word for it. Hear what others have to say!

Iowa Business Lawyer
4.9
Based on 42 reviews
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Rob FisherRob Fisher
18:22 05 May 24
Van NguyenVan Nguyen
22:50 29 Apr 24
I had never had any experience as a business owner before. There were many worries and concerns when making the decision to buy a business. I came to Surge Business Law Firm just because I read good reviews from others and hoped this law firm could really help me/us. After our initial consultation, my partners and I decided to choose Surge Business Law Firm to help us set up our business and guide us through the purchasing process. Matt and Jacqueline did tremendous work to help us overcome the obstacles we faced. They were very proactive on checking for any harm to our business and finding ways to protect our business. Matt and Jacqueline had guided us through every small step to resolve all legal issues from the beginning process until closing. If you are new to setting up your business or need a legal assistant for your business, I would recommend Surge Business Law Firm to you. Like us, you can feel secure when choosing Surge Business Law Firm. They are also very friendly, responsive and fun to work with 🙂
Minh Hoàng PhạmMinh Hoàng Phạm
21:46 29 Feb 24
Mattew is one of the best that I have met . He took care of my LLX set up very easy.
Stephanie JohnsonStephanie Johnson
01:02 24 Feb 24
As a lawyer myself, I never thought I’d say this, but even lawyers need a good lawyer. Especially when it comes to the wild world of tech startups. That’s where Matt Nuzum comes in.I was drowning in legal complexities and bad code, trying to salvage my legal tech startup. Developers had taken advantage, I’d lost money, and my dream seemed lost. But then I found Matt.He’s not just a lawyer; he’s a tech-savvy lawyer. He understood my situation, spoke my language (both legal and tech!), and offered clear, actionable advice. He didn’t just tell me what I couldn’t do; he helped me find a way forward.His guidance was invaluable. Matt wasn’t just professional, he was genuinely invested in my success. He took the time to understand my goals, my challenges, and my anxieties. He made me feel heard and supported, which is priceless in the chaotic world of startups.So, if you’re a lawyer, entrepreneur, or anyone navigating the intersection of technology and business, do yourself a favor and call Matt Nuzum. You won’t regret it!
Christy SchlothauerChristy Schlothauer
13:52 22 Feb 24
Brett RobertsBrett Roberts
22:52 20 Feb 24
Highly recommend Matt and the rest of the team. Consice, prompt and professional all the way. You won’t be disappointed contacting them.
Joshua WilkeJoshua Wilke
20:48 18 Jan 24
I am new to realestate investing and had never talked to a lawyer before. Matt was very approchable and extremely helpful with a resent eviction we had to do. He was very generous with his time and knowledge. I would highly recommmend Matt.
Andrea StewartAndrea Stewart
14:47 13 Jan 24
Aaron PieperAaron Pieper
03:13 13 Jan 24
Responsive, servant-hearted attorney!
Isaiah WrightIsaiah Wright
00:04 13 Jan 24
Michael KlenkMichael Klenk
19:05 13 Dec 23
Matt set up LLCs for our rental properties – from the initial planning meeting full of our questions to getting the final docs, it couldn’t have been easier. Good communication, fair pieces, expert help. He’s now our go-to for everything legal for our rental jbusiness. Thanks Matt!
Dean StephensonDean Stephenson
15:09 11 Oct 23
Matt listens well and communicates well. He gets on your level and breaks things down to help you understand. He truly wants to help your business succeed.
Elena GurevichElena Gurevich
15:50 18 Mar 23
Matthew is extremely knowledgeable and professional. I had the pleasure of working with him on some business questions and he took the time to explain everything in detail making sure I understood everything before we moved forward. I would highly recommend Matthew to anyone looking for a great attorney.
Crystal UnderwoodCrystal Underwood
23:53 30 Jan 23
I’m not even under contract (yet) and Matt has been absolutely AMAZING! He has taken the time to take phone calls, offer guidance, and follows up at just the right times. I can’t say enough fantastic things about Matt and his service. We are beyond thankful and feel at ease knowing Matt is caring for us and our small business.
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Can’t afford a full payment?

We making it easy. If you can’t afford a full payment, we offer the Launch 360 Plan. In addition to $360/mo for 5 months, it gives you advice and resources for a strong start.

SEe Launch 360 Pricing

“Why would I pay Surge When I could do it Myself? I can file my own LLC.”

Great question! You can file your own LLC with the state, but you won’t get the other parts that make up a strong LLC, like an operating agreement customization and corporate formality assistance. All of our LLC formation packages include:

  1. A standard document guide packed with startup info
  2. LLC registration with the state
  3. Customized Operating Agreement formation
  4. Help to observe corporate formalities
  5. Setup with the IRS for an EIN tax ID
  6. Legal and business advice

You can trust our advice and services because…

We’re experienced. And more than that, we’re experienced in a business you want to start. We’ve started and served them before. Second, we’re credible because we’re a law firm. Matthew Nuzum, our owner, is not only a lawyer, he has owned multiple businesses, and he’s from a family of business owners. Matthew has also studied why businesses fail so that he can help you avoid these common problems.

Benefits of using our service

  • You get our focus on small business risks – We know your business risks intimately and can help you prepare for them before a problem happens.
  • You get clear and simple pricing – This is powerful! You know upfront what you will be spending and have the option of payments with the Launch 360 Plan.
  • You get our specialization in starting new businesses – We only do one thing – serve small and growing businesses. Since you have our undivided attention, you will have peace of mind knowing that the advice and services we offer are reliable. We’ll help you surge your business’s success faster!

Frequently
Asked
Questions

Do you have another question? Contact us! We want to help you protect your business started.

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a legal structure that protects your personal assets from business debts or lawsuits. It’s a flexible and straightforward way to limit liability and gain tax benefits.

The cost of starting an LLC depends on your state and any additional services you need. Our packages range in cost from $350 + filling fees to $360/mo for 5 months. Each of our LLC formation packages includes all legal paperwork and consultation to ensure your LLC is set up correctly.

A single-member LLC has one owner, while a multi-member LLC has two or more owners. Both offer liability protection, but a multi-member LLC requires agreements between owners to manage the business.

If you already know what you’re doing or need very little help, you may want to choose between one of our fat-fee packages. A solo owner with simple needs, may need only a basic LLC. If you have partners or higher risk, an advanced LLC with more planning is better.

If you are new to starting a business or want to learn from experts to make sure your startup succeeds faster, our Launch 360 Plan gives you 5 months of support, advice, and unlimited Q&A in addition all the benefits of the advanced and basic LLC formation packages.

You can form an LLC yourself, but a lawyer can help avoid costly mistakes and provide legal guidance, especially if your business is more complex or involves partners.

An LLC protects your personal assets and offers flexibility in taxes. It’s a smart, simple way to start your business with legal protection.

You’ll need to file Articles of Organization, create an operating agreement, and meet state-specific requirements. We take care of all this for you.

Yes, you can change your LLC to a corporation as your business grows. We can help you decide if and when this change makes sense.

Yes, an LLC separates your personal assets from business liabilities, protecting your personal savings, home, and other assets from business-related risks.

Schedule a meeting to Learn more


Resources

Downloadable

FREE Business Starting Guide

Our business plan helps you get clear on where to start with financials first so that you manage risks, enjoy your job, and keep the doors open for years to come.

Our Team helps you

Start a Strong LLC today!

If you want to start a business that protects your personal assets, is prepared for risks, and positions you for long-term success, schedule a free meeting with an expert on the Surge team today.