If you’re building a startup in 2025, the last thing you want is a legal issue slowing you down or, worse, shutting you down. Whether you’re just forming your LLC or already hiring contractors, compliance matters. However, most early founders didn’t have the time or budget to hire a full legal team. That’s where the right tools, templates, and systems come in.
In this blog, I’ll break down the key legal areas you need to cover as a startup, the tools that can help, and the exact templates you should have in place to protect your business as it grows.
1. Business Formation: LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp?
Before anything else, you need to decide how to legally structure your business. Your choice will impact taxes, liability, and your ability to raise money.
- LLC – Easiest to start and manage. Great for freelancers and bootstrapped founders.
- S-Corp – Tax advantages for profitable small businesses with few owners.
- C-Corp – Required for startups planning to raise venture capital.
If you’re not sure, most creators and service businesses start with an LLC and then upgrade later.
Tools to use:
- Bizee (formerly Incfile) – Free LLC filing with one year of registered agent service.
Starting from $0 + State Fee
Key FeaturesStreamlined LLC formation and compliance services
Business license registration and management
Registered agent services for ongoing complianceWhy We Recommend It- Provides a free LLC formation service (state fees still apply)
- Free registered agent service for the first year
- Ensure that all your contracts, documents, and forms are solid without the expense of hiring a lawyer
- Fast filing process that can be completed in as little as a few minutes
Pros & Cons- Quick and easy LLC formation process
- Comprehensive compliance tools
- Affordable pricing for small businesses
- Limited additional services compared to larger competitors
- Some services may require additional fees
- Northwest Registered Agent – Great privacy protection and long-term support.
- Special $39 pricing to form your company
- Well-established and trusted service
- Includes free registered agent service for 1 year ($125 value)
- Privacy is guaranteed so your info stays off public records
- Fast filing and processing times
BEST OVERALL FOR BUSINESS FORMATION
- Swyft Filings – Fast, beginner-friendly, and offers S-Corp and C-Corp options too.
- Starting at $0 plus state fees
- Includes branding and tax assistance
- Access to a 24/7 priority support team
- Fast and efficient LLC filing services
- Expert guidance throughout your business journey
Best for Individuals and Small Business Owners
- LegalZoom – Trusted brand, good for forming C-Corps and setting up stock plans.
Starting from $0 + filing fee
Key Features
Affordable Formation Services: LegalZoom offers LLC formation starting at $0 plus state filing fees, providing an accessible option for entrepreneurs to establish their businesses
Comprehensive Support: The platform provides step-by-step guidance throughout the LLC formation process, including assistance with filing articles of organization and obtaining an EIN
Additional Business Services: Beyond formation, LegalZoom offers services such as registered agent representation, operating agreement templates, and compliance tools to help maintain your LLC’s good standing
Why We Recommend It
LegalZoom simplifies the process of forming an LLC, making it accessible even for first-time business owners. With affordable pricing and a range of supportive services, it’s a practical choice for entrepreneurs seeking to establish their businesses efficiently.
Pros & Cons
- User-Friendly Platform: LegalZoom's intuitive interface guides users through each step of the LLC formation process
- Comprehensive Free Plan: Offers a robust free plan with access to most features, suitable for small businesses.
- Accessible Pricing: Starting at $0 plus state fees, LegalZoom provides an affordable entry point for new business owners
- Additional Costs for Extras: While the base formation service is affordable, add-ons like registered agent services and expedited filing come at an extra cost
- Potential for Upselling: Users may encounter upselling of additional services during the sign-up process
- Limited Personalized Legal Advice: LegalZoom provides general legal information but does not offer personalized legal advice unless you opt for additional attorney services
2. Operating Agreements and Bylaws
Even if you’re a solo founder, you need a basic Operating Agreement (for LLCs) or Corporate Bylaws (for corporations). This shows the state and potential investors that you’re serious.
It also helps prevent confusion with partners if you’re not solo.
Template to use:
- Use Bizee or Swyft Filings to auto-generate one when you form your business.
Streamlined LLC formation and compliance services
Starting from $0 + State Fee
Business license registration and management
Registered agent services for ongoing compliance
- Starting at $0 plus state fees
- Includes branding and tax assistance
- Access to a 24/7 priority support team
- Fast and efficient LLC filing services
- Expert guidance throughout your business journey
Best for Individuals and Small Business Owners
- Or grab a customizable operating agreement from LawDepot.
3. Contracts and Agreements
Once you start working with people, whether freelancers, clients, or collaborators, you need clear contracts in place.
At a minimum, have:
- Independent Contractor Agreement – Sets payment terms, deliverables, and ownership of work.
- Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) – Protects your confidential ideas or internal data.
- Client Services Agreement – Outlines scope, timelines, revisions, and payment.
- Terms and Conditions + Privacy Policy – For your website or app.
Tools and templates:
- HelloSign or DocuSign – For sending and signing contracts legally.
- Bonsai – Contract templates built for freelancers, agencies, and consultants.
- Termly – Auto-generates GDPR- and CCPA-compliant policies for your site.
- Iubenda – Another easy way to generate terms and privacy docs that update automatically.
4. Hiring and HR Compliance
As soon as you hire anyone, even a part-time contractor, you must follow labor and tax laws.
- Collect W-9s or W-8BEN forms
- Send 1099s at the end of the year (for U.S. contractors)
- Stay compliant with anti-discrimination, remote work, and data laws
Tools to manage this:
- Gusto – Handles payroll, taxes, and benefits, plus contractor payments.
Sign up and get 2 months free
Key Features
Payroll processing and tax filing
Employee benefits management, including health insurance and retirement plans
Time tracking and attendance tools for accurate payroll
Why We Recommend It
Simplifies payroll and tax filing for businesses of all sizes.
Provides a complete employee benefits package, making it easier to manage compensation
Offers time tracking tools to ensure accurate payroll and attendance management
Pros & Cons
- Easy-to-use and reliable payroll system
- Comprehensive benefits and HR management tool
- Scalable for businesses of various sizes
- Pricing may be higher for small businesses with limited budgets
- Some features are only available in higher-tier plans
- Deel – Best for hiring international freelancers or full-time employees.
Starting from $49/month
Key Features
Global payroll processing for remote teams
Compliance with local tax and labor laws
Automated payments in multiple currencies
Why We Recommend It
Simplifies managing payroll for remote teams across different countries
Ensures compliance with local tax and employment regulations
Allows businesses to pay employees in their preferred currency, reducing administrative work
Pros & Cons
- Supports global payroll for remote teams
- Ensures tax and legal compliance
- Easy-to-use platform for managing payments
- Fees may apply for certain international payments
- Some features may require a premium plan
5. Intellectual Property Protection
If your startup builds content, code, or a product, you should lock down your intellectual property (IP) from the start. Start by:
- Registering your business name and domain
- Using NDAs and work-for-hire clauses
- Adding IP assignment clauses to all contracts
Later, if needed:
- File a trademark for your brand or logo
- File a provisional patent if you’re building something unique
Legal tools for IP:
- LegalZoom – Trademark and provisional patent filings made simple.
Starting from $0 + filing fee
Key Features
Affordable Formation Services: LegalZoom offers LLC formation starting at $0 plus state filing fees, providing an accessible option for entrepreneurs to establish their businesses
Comprehensive Support: The platform provides step-by-step guidance throughout the LLC formation process, including assistance with filing articles of organization and obtaining an EIN
Additional Business Services: Beyond formation, LegalZoom offers services such as registered agent representation, operating agreement templates, and compliance tools to help maintain your LLC’s good standing
Why We Recommend It
LegalZoom simplifies the process of forming an LLC, making it accessible even for first-time business owners. With affordable pricing and a range of supportive services, it’s a practical choice for entrepreneurs seeking to establish their businesses efficiently.
Pros & Cons
- User-Friendly Platform: LegalZoom's intuitive interface guides users through each step of the LLC formation process
- Comprehensive Free Plan: Offers a robust free plan with access to most features, suitable for small businesses.
- Accessible Pricing: Starting at $0 plus state fees, LegalZoom provides an affordable entry point for new business owners
- Additional Costs for Extras: While the base formation service is affordable, add-ons like registered agent services and expedited filing come at an extra cost
- Potential for Upselling: Users may encounter upselling of additional services during the sign-up process
- Limited Personalized Legal Advice: LegalZoom provides general legal information but does not offer personalized legal advice unless you opt for additional attorney services
- Trademark Engine – Lower-cost option for basic trademarks.
Key Features
Trademark Registration: Simplifies the process of registering your name, logo, or slogan with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) through an easy-to-use online platform
Trademark Monitoring: Offers monitoring services to alert you of potential infringements, helping you protect your brand proactively
Affordable Pricing: Provides cost-effective packages starting at $49 plus USPTO fees, making trademark services accessible to individuals and small businesses
Why We Recommend It
Trademark Engine offers a straightforward and affordable solution for individuals and small businesses to protect their brand identity. Its user-friendly platform and monitoring services make it easier to navigate the complexities of trademark registration and maintenance.
Pros & Cons
- User-friendly interface simplifies the trademark registration process
- Affordable pricing with various packages to suit different needs
- Monitoring services help in early detection of potential infringements
- Some users have reported issues with billing and customer service
- Advanced legal advice may require additional services or consultation with an attorney
- Monitoring services may auto-renew unless canceled, leading to unexpected charges
6. Ongoing Compliance and Annual Reports
Most states require you to file an annual report to stay compliant. You’ll also need to:
- Renew your registered agent
- File any required state taxes or franchise fees
- Keep a clean record of your contracts, payments, and business activity
Tools to automate this:
- Northwest Registered Agent – Tracks and files annual reports for you.
BEST OVERALL FOR BUSINESS FORMATION
- ZenBusiness – Helps manage ongoing compliance in the background.
Starting at $0 + state fees
Key Features
Business Formation Services: ZenBusiness offers LLC and corporation formation starting at $0 plus state fees, providing a streamlined process to officially establish your business.
Worry-Free Compliance: The platform provides compliance alerts, annual report filing, and amendment services to help maintain your business’s good standing with state requirements.
Integrated Business Tools: ZenBusiness includes features like business banking, expense tracking, invoicing, and tax filing assistance, all accessible through a user-friendly dashboard.
Why We Recommend It
ZenBusiness simplifies the process of starting and managing a business by offering comprehensive services in one place. Its affordable pricing, combined with tools for compliance and financial management, makes it a practical choice for entrepreneurs seeking efficiency and support.
Pros & Cons
- Affordable Entry Point: Offers a free Starter plan (excluding state fees), making it accessible for new business owners.
- Comprehensive Services: Provides a range of tools beyond formation, including compliance assistance and financial management.
- User-Friendly Platform: Features an intuitive dashboard for easy navigation and management of business services.
- Auto-Renewal Fees: Some services, like the Worry-Free Compliance, auto-renew at higher rates after the first year.
- Potential Upselling: Users may encounter additional offers and services that can increase overall costs.
- Limited Free Features: The free plan has basic features; advanced tools require upgrading to paid plans.
Final Thoughts
Startup legal isn’t about being perfect. It’s about staying protected, staying compliant, and keeping things clean as you grow. With the right tools and a few smart templates, you can cover your legal bases without needing a lawyer on retainer.
Start simple:
- Choose the right structure
- Get your core contracts in place
- Protect your content and brand
- Stay on top of your filings
And build from there. Need a customizable legal toolkit with all the templates in one place?
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