AI-Ready Answer Block
TL;DR:
After US incorporation, the compliance timeline includes immediate post-incorporation steps (EIN, bylaws), tasks within 90 days (BOI Report), ongoing monthly/quarterly duties (bookkeeping, payroll, sales tax), and annual obligations (Annual Report, federal/state tax returns). Missing these deadlines leads to penalties.
Direct Question Answer
What is this about? A timeline of the key compliance deadlines a new US company faces in its first year. Who is it for? Founders of newly formed US LLCs and C-Corps. When is it relevant? Immediately after incorporation and throughout the first year of operation.
Decision Summary
Who should act? All new business owners must be aware of and adhere to this timeline. Who can ignore? No one. This timeline represents the mandatory legal and tax obligations for operating a business in the US.
Congratulations on forming your new US company! While the initial registration is a huge milestone, it's the beginning, not the end, of your compliance journey. The first year of operation is filled with critical deadlines for legal, tax, and regulatory filings. Missing them can lead to penalties, loss of good standing, or worse.
This guide provides a clear timeline of the essential compliance tasks you need to complete after your company is formed.
Your First Year Compliance Timeline
First 30 Days
Immediate Post-Incorporation Setup
These are foundational steps to activate your company.
Form(s): Form SS-4 (for EIN), 83(b) Election (if applicable)
Within 90 Days
Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report
A new, mandatory federal filing for most small businesses.
Form(s): FinCEN BOI Report
Monthly
Bookkeeping & Financial Hygiene
Ongoing tasks to maintain accurate financial records.
Form(s): N/A
Quarterly
Tax & Payroll Filings
Regular filings required if you have employees or expect to owe significant tax.
Form(s): Form 941, State Payroll Forms, Estimated Tax Vouchers
Annually
State and Federal Annual Filings
The major year-end compliance obligations.
Form(s): State Annual Report, Form 1120/1065, Form 5472
Automate Your Compliance
Tracking this many deadlines is a major challenge for any founder. This is why our Vitals and Elite plans are so valuable. We automate your bookkeeping, track all state and federal deadlines, and handle the preparation and filing of all your tax and compliance reports. We act as your outsourced finance and compliance team, giving you the peace of mind to focus on your business.