Is Your LLC Actually Protecting You?
LLC Binder Checklist
Forming an LLC is step one. Maintaining it is what actually gives you the tax savings and legal protection. Check off what you have — what's missing is costing you.
Core Formation Documents
- Articles of Organization (filed with state)
- Operating Agreement (signed by all members)
- EIN / Federal Tax ID Number
- Tax Classification Election (S-Corp, C-Corp, disregarded entity, or partnership)
- Banking Resolution (who is authorized to sign)
- Officer Designation Documents (President, Secretary, Treasurer)
Annual Compliance (Every Year)
- Annual Meeting Minutes (required to maintain LLC legal status)
- State Annual Report filed and current
- Registered Agent on file with the state
- Business license current (if applicable)
- All ownership changes documented
- Any amendments filed with state
Resolutions — The Key to Unlocking Deductions
Every deduction your LLC takes needs a formal resolution on file. No resolution = no deduction. These are the most commonly missing documents in an LLC binder.
Health InsuranceAuthorizes premiums paid through the business
Home OfficeDocuments the portion of your home used for business
Vehicle UseAuthorizes and documents business vehicle expense
Travel & MealsAuthorizes business travel and meal expense policy
Retirement PlanAuthorizes SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA, or 401(k) contributions
Education / TrainingAuthorizes continuing education as business expense
Warning Signs You're Out of Compliance
- You've never held a formal annual meeting
- You don't have written resolutions for your deductions
- Your annual report hasn't been filed with the state
- You can't locate your Operating Agreement
- You have an S-Corp but no documentation of the vote
- You formed your LLC but never built a binder
What a Complete Binder Gives You
- Full deduction authority — every legal write-off documented
- Inside + outside asset protection — personal assets shielded
- Audit-ready — you have documentation for every decision
- Retroactive protection — Randy can rebuild it for past years
- Business legitimacy — proves your LLC is actively maintained
- Peace of mind — you know exactly where you stand