Business · For one-person businesses
Set up a business of one, the right way
LLC or not, bank accounts, paying yourself, bookkeeping and getting paid. Plain-English answers with real costs, no upsells.
Business guides
- 1LLC vs. sole proprietorshipWhich one a one-person business actually needs, what an LLC costs in your state, and what it does (and doesn’t) protect.5 min
- 2How to form an LLC yourselfFile it on your state’s website for the state fee alone, step by step, with no formation service.5 min
- 3The best bank account for a business of oneWhy you need one even as a sole proprietor, and what to look for: no fees, sub-accounts, easy transfers.3 min
- 4How to pay yourself from your businessOwner’s draws, salary and distributions: what each one means for a sole proprietor, LLC and S-corp.3 min
- 5Simple bookkeeping for a one-person businessThe 15-minute monthly routine that keeps tax season painless.3 min
- 6Invoicing and getting paid on timeWhat to put on an invoice, payment terms that work, and what to do when a client pays late.3 min
General education, not legal or tax advice. State fees and rules change; check your state's website before filing.