Are you wondering if you should form an LLC for your blog? What about an S Corp? I’ve been a full-time, monetized blogger since 2017 and both an LLC and an LLC taxed as an S Corp. I’ve learned so much over the years. This guide will share why and how I made my U.S.-based blogging business an LLC – with a book and a travel blog/online magazines – to help you decide what’s best for you.
While I am not a tax professional or lawyer, I am an MLIS-degreed rogue librarian and U.S. Fulbright Scholar who made blogging a career. I also used to co-teach library business seminars with MBA professionals and am friends with lawyers, accountants, and bloggers. And trust me, blogging is not an easy or cushy career, as is stereotyped. I don’t read all day or float around the globe in IG-worthy pools. You wear many hats.
This is my experience and unbiased advice as a *non-tax professional,* merely to get you started/thinking. These are the things I wish I knew early on to save (and make) money. I’ll share LLC resources I love, too. Please do your due diligence and use this guide to seek further professional advice/support. I hire professionals; the investment is worth it. 💜 Christine
Best (& EASY) Tools To Register Your Blog As An LLC & Legal Business Created By A Lawyer Who Blogs:
👩🏻💻 LLC Operating Agreement – This 11-page document legitimizes your business, separating your blog from personal assets like your (personal) bank account, car, and house. It also helps guide and define how you operate your business legally.
💻 Legal Bundle For Required Pages On Your Blog – Every blog requires traditional legal pages such as a Disclaimer, Privacy Policy, and Terms & Conditions like you see on the bottom of my The Uncorked Librarian LLC websites. I would not blog without these written by an actual lawyer, and if you want to monetize your blog, ad networks and affiliate programs require them.
What Is An LLC, In Easy Terms?
LLC stands for “Limited Liability Company,” and it is a type of business structure specific to the United States; other countries use different names for this business structure.
With an LLC, members have limited liability protection and pass-through taxation, which essentially separates your business assets and liabilities from your personal ones. This is unlike a sole proprietorship, where you are the business.
This separation matters the most if someone tries to sue you or your business incurs some type of fine or penalty. Think Copyright lawsuits, libel, defamation, someone gets hurt using a guide… (I also highly recommend having blog insurance. I use biBerk.)
There are many types of LLCs, but the two most common ones for bloggers are: Single-Member LLCs and Multi-Member LLCs. I am a Single-Member LLC. You will need to pick the business entity that is right for you.
Don’t Forget:
LLCs are now legally required to file a BOI Report.
Why Create An LLC For A Blog?
I started treating my blog like a business and brand from day one. I knew I wanted to generate income from blogging – affiliate marketing (read how I use affiliate programs here), ads/advertisers, sponsorships, brand partners, press trips, etc – and needed a separate legal entity to protect my wine and travel funds – and help me sleep better at night. In our heyday, we had 3 to 5 million readers a year (that’s a lot of liability!). Plus, I wanted to increase my credibility.
And, as a general rule of thumb, once you make $400+ a year from blogging, which may be considered a hobby blog until then, in the eyes of the government, you are running a business – whether you want to or not. This means you need protection and to start paying taxes. You want to register your blog as an LLC/business.
I’ve seen people say you can wait until you are making much more, but that feels “dangerous” to me. This is where I’d consult a professional, like a lawyer and an accountant. Mine told me to start an LLC. An LLC is still not 100% protection, but it sure helps.
What About An S Corp?
An S Corp has limited liability protection and allows the corporation to pass its profits, losses, deductions, and credits to shareholders for federal tax purposes. Then, shareholders (you/me) record this on individual income tax returns, paying taxes at personal income tax rates.
Essentially, you have different tax benefits and investment opportunities. If you are making a lot of money, you’d save more with this structure over self-employment.
An S Corp requires more paperwork, more intense accounting, and payroll. While I’ve been given different advice from CPAs and accountants, you’d want to consider this structure if you are making $40,000 to $100,000 a year. I think $60,000 to $100,000 is more reasonable for bloggers. It can be an unstable field, and our income fluctuates a lot. (Trust me, I’m friends with loads of bloggers and know from my own experience.)
How About An LLC Filing As An S Corp? (My Status For Years)
You can also elect to be an LLC filing as an S Corp, which I did for years. This meant I no longer paid self-employment taxes as just an LLC. Instead, I was on payroll (using QuickBooks), and paid taxes via each paycheck as I would for a 9-to-5 office job. Then, at the end of the year, I’d file my personal taxes. The business would also file S Corp taxes. Regardless of structure, I have an accountant do everything; self-employment and small business taxes are HARD.
I chose this structure years into blogging to save tens of thousands of dollars on taxes. My accountant fees ran up to almost $6,000 a year, though, so you have to make sure this is worth it against your business income. If you step back, get sick, go part-time, or hit too many years in the red, you might need to re-evaluate – and that’s OK!
If this option is for you, check with your state for the additional S Corp filing form.
5 Basic Steps For Registering Your Blog As An LLC
Registering your blog as an LLC varies by state. I’d register my LLC in the state where I reside full-time. Read that state’s guidelines. These are general steps to get you started. I have an LLC and also a DBA (Doing Business As) for my websites and business.
1. Choose A Business Name
Pick your business name. You must ensure that the name you want to use is not trademarked. Also, make sure that no one else is operating under your potential business name in that state. You want a unique name and brand that represents the business.
2. File Your Articles Of Organization
Next, register your fictitious name/business name, based on where you live. In Florida, for example, I registered with the State Division of Corporations at Sunbiz.org. In North Carolina, I registered under the NC Secretary of State.
I paid around $125 to register my business. Don’t forget you have to renew – file your annual report – each year before April 15th (mine is about $202.00). If you are late, you face penalty fees. Make sure you have your LLC operating agreement complete, too.
Scam Warning:
Please know that you may receive *spam* messages about extra fees or fake places to send this money via email and your business’s mailing address. Always go directly through your State’s proper channels.
3. Apply For An EIN – If Required
Once your business name is processed, apply for your Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS. This is a unique 9-digit number to identify the business to the IRS and is helpful to avoid using your social security number.
An EIN is important for working with vendors, employees, and clients, applying for licenses and permits, separating your finances, and overall looking professional. I also wanted an EIN to open a business bank account.
See if and why you need an EIN from the IRS here. Even saying the word ‘IRS’ scares me, but the process takes maybe 10 minutes if you are slow like me and terrified of typing your ‘i’ dots wrong.
4. Look For Other Registrations
For my city and county in Florida, I had to apply for a business tax receipt (formerly known as occupational tax). Just head over to your local county tax collector’s website.
The county tax collector’s office should have links for new business owners. I entered through the Revenue Division, but internet searching/asking a professional is your friend. My county, at the time, had home occupation clauses as well.
In North Carolina, I needed this step to register Uncorked Asheville as a DBA with the County Register of Deeds.
5. Pay Your Taxes As A Blogger
Don’t forget that if you are earning income – usually over $400 annually – you must pay taxes. Pay attention to all deadlines and don’t wait until the end of the year to pay everything that you owe. Penalties are for real. Hire an accountant.
Recap: Quick Tips For Forming An LLC For Bloggers
1. Do your research to determine what legal structure makes sense for you (this may change over time, starting as a sole proprietor and moving into an LLC filing as an S Corp).
2. Pick your name, write your LLC operating agreement, and register appropriately on all government levels. Check for additional licensing.
3. Remember to maintain your LLC status, file the correct paperwork, apply for an EIN, and pay taxes.
4. Seek professional advice where needed. This is an investment that will save you money in the long run.
Additional legal documents worth it for bloggers:
👩🏻💻 Affiliate Agreement (especially for small, local agreements)
👩🏻💻 Legal Bundle (this is a must)
👩🏻💻 Sponsored Posts Agreement (protect yourself here!)
👩🏻💻 Freelancer Contract (I use this for contributors)
Before You Go: What To Read Next
Better monetize your blog with these affiliate programs and best practices.
Hi Christine, I’ve put off creating an LLC for too long, and now I’m going to do it. I live in NC and have learned everything about it from the Secretary of State website. My question is how long does it take? I would like for the paperwork to be filed or completed by January 1st so I can start the new year as an LLC.
I’ve also read that if I file in December, I’ll have to file two tax returns, that’s why I’m waiting. So, do you remember how long the entire process took to get your LLC completed?
Thanks for the info and I’ll definitely be buying the LLC operating agreement you recommend to make sure I have a legitimate one.
Hey Susan,
We are in one of the same FB groups together, I think.
Yes; the NC Secretary of State website is pretty helpful and somewhat easy to navigate. It did not take very long at all. I’m pretty sure the process took less than an hour to read about, figure out, and fill out the forms. If I remember correctly (I’m getting fuzzier now), it took under a week for approval (but this was pre-pandemic). Once official, watch out for the scam forms in the mail. Some look alarmingly official. I get a ton telling me I have all these fees or must pay something or other (which is not the case). The only thing I ever need to do every year is go online and fill out the annual report/pay online.
Best of luck. We might hire a CPA this year, and I’m revisiting S Corps status. I’ve been pretty happy as an LLC now for years. Don’t forget to set up a business bank account to maintain the limited liability aspect… I use BlueVine — barely any fees and no limit to what you keep in the account.
Best of luck!
@Christine,
Thanks, and I almost went S-Corp, but decided to start with an LLC. Congratulations on the success of your business.
I’m getting ready to purchase the LLC Operating Agreement, do I have to file it with the state of NC, or do I just keep a copy for myself?
I’ll be purchasing the one you recommended from the Self Guru website, and I’ll be sure to use your link, since you’ve taken the time to answer my questions.
Oh, and thanks for the heads up on the spam emails, I’ll keep it in mind when I get them.
Have a wonderful day 🙂
NC is not one of the states that require you to submit an operating agreement. You would keep it for you.
It’s more spam in the form of physical mail vs emails — at least for me.
Thank you, and best of luck!
I’m curious, I have recently formed an llc for because I’ll be publishing apps that I develop through the app and play store. I have had a blog site for a few years now. I had planned on blogging and running the website under my llc, in order to mitigate any risk’s. I’m not sure however if I need to purchase the blogsite from my business banking account, or if I can just add the business info for the payment’s for domain and hosting? Thank you for your time!
Hey Darrin,
I’ve always been told that everything you purchase — to maintain your limited liability status — should be put on a separate business bank account/credit&debit card/etc. That separation helps unblur the lines of your business vs personal assets if that issue were ever to arise. Does everyone do this? Ehhh. But personally, I choose to. Of course, I say this as a non-professional (I’m not a CPA or lawyer).
Thanks a lot for this wonderful article, I learned a great deal from it!
Thanks! I am so glad that you found it helpful!
Hey there. Thank you so much for the fabulous content. You got a permanent reader. Thank you so much. Keep posting great content.
Hey Julia, Thank you so much! That means a lot! Have a great weekend.
Hi Christine,
I’m new to blogging. Thank you for all the information you provide. I do appreciate your honesty. Just one simple question, how do you create your heading on your pictures for your posts?
Hey Myrna, Thanks! I use Canva for my graphics. There is a free and paid-for version.
Your information in your blog was very informative and one thing for sure, I know I need to keep working hard and moving forward.
Thank you! I am glad that you found it helpful!
This is great and really helpful! Quick question, if you set up a LLC for your blog, how does your freelance work play into that? Thanks!
Hi! So with my LLC, I just lump everything under The Uncorked Librarian LLC. Because single-member LLCs are semi-treated like a sole proprietorship or self-employed, everything, for me, basically works the same: I have to take out my usual taxes (we currently use Turbo Tax for businesses, but if I grow, I think I need an accountant one day). I chose LLC status just to separate my personal assets from the business. Essentially, the business is still me, if that makes sense. **I always have to say this as well: but this is not legal or professional business advice; this is just my personal understanding and how I operate.
Hi Christine,
Appropriately enough (based on your comments about Pinterest), I found your blog while doing a search on Pinstagram. As a brand new blogger, I’m enjoying many of your blogging and book blogging posts. Although I don’t live in Florida, this post definitely has me thinking about liability issues, etc., and how I might potentially proceed in the future. And I loved what you had to say about “Actions to Support the Blogger in Your Life”! Even though I’ve only been blogging for about three weeks, I’ve already been trying to figure out how to nicely suggest to family and friends that they could put their positive comments on my blog rather than in a text or phone call, LOL! And then there’s trying to educate about how my Amazon Affiliates links work, without sounding like I’m asking for money or something … Thanks for putting into words many of the things I’ve been thinking!
Hey Lauren,
Thank you so much for the comment and for stopping by!
It’s so funny because I am somewhat kicking myself about this article. Originally, I had published it as “starting an LLC/business” period last year. The article flew across Pinterest. BUT, then I decided to niche it down a tad for Florida for SEO reasons (and google ranking). Huge mistake. Oops. I lost all the 1000’s of shares for it and most aren’t reading now because I said FL. With that said, I AM SO GLAD you saw this on Pinterest and read it. As you mention, the article is truly for everyone. Minus a few extra steps, the LLC process is pretty universal in the US and so are liability issues. Liability truly freaks me out.
Supporting the blogger in your life is so important–my friends meet up with me all of the time quoting my posts. I LOVE that they read everything, but a part of me thinks: can you please leave a comment or like/share this too?! That does wonders for a blog and marketing. I feel you.
I think the more I blog and share, the more my friends and family understand.
Good luck with your blogging, and never hesitate to message me on any of my channels.
Thanks!! I’m entering the blogging world, so I’m devouring all of the tips and advice I can get my hands on. This is a great nugget to tuck away for when my blog becomes more than a side game. 🙂 Signed up for your email list — can’t wait to see what you come up with for your email goal!
Thank you SO much; I saw you on my email list this AM! Thank you! Thank you! Fair lame warning, as you know: Right now my email list is just a RSS feed (meaning you will get my blog posts as I publish them). Not that having the RSS setting is the worst option… BUT, in the New Year, I might switch to a monthly newsletter with a bit more fun to it.
I never thought about LLCing my blog! This post has me thinking about now especially because of legal issues that might spring up and to keep my personal assets separate, especially my SSN!
I hadn’t seriously thought about LLC status either until offered a paid opportunity fairly early on. I spoke with a few female entrepreneurs–one of whom was a lawyer. She had so many articulate points about protecting myself. It is extremely easy to register as an LLC, and while I always suggest seeking professional and legal advice (some big bloggers go S-Corps), it is definitely a start to not leave your personal assets vulnerable.
Congrats on taking this step, I am so excited for you Christine!!!
This post is super helpful so thank you for putting it together, thanks for sharing your experience and advice!
Thank you so much!! I figured I needed to write it out just so I remembered what I did too ?? Glad it was helpful, and thank you for reading ?? I’m so excited!
Wow! First, I want to say congratulations, and I’m super excited for you! This is amazing. Wishing tons of luck and good fortune.
This post was so enlightening for so many reasons. Not only for the LLC part, but other parts of the blogging world from afflicted to static homepages. What a great post. I learned so much. Thank you for posting your experience.
Thank you!! I always appreciate your support! ??
If you ever need help or suggestions with any part, let me know. I’m definitely not an expert but I have learned a ton.
I just posted my static homepage. It’s not amazing but I’m hoping it at least helps a little with my bounce rate.