Why you may need to register in a second state
If your company operates from a US state other than the one it's formed in, you'll usually need to register there too and pay that state's fees. Formation doesn't include it.
Forming in one state and operating from another usually means registering your company in the second state too, and paying the fees that state charges.
When it applies
You told us two things before checkout: where the company will actually operate from, and which state to form in. If they are different US states, the US State step shows a heads-up: "You'll operate from" one state "but form in" another, so "you'll also need to register your company" there "and pay the fees" it charges.
The warning doesn't stop you. You can continue with your choice. You also confirm this on the Review step, where an extra line says the other state has its own cost.
When it doesn't apply
If you chose Outside the US / not sure as your operating location, you won't see this warning.
What Formation covers
Formation covers filing your company in one state. It doesn't include:
- registering in other states,
- business licenses and permits,
- tax filings.
What to do
- Decide where your company really works from: its office, staff and regular work.
- If that's a different state from your formation state, plan to register there.
- For help with your situation, book a call with our team, or ask a lawyer or CPA.