Answers before you begin.
Understand the workflow, fees, access, and responsibilities behind your Ascend order.
Is the government filing fee included?
No. Ascend’s service fee and the government fee are separate line items. The government amount depends on the state and entity and is confirmed before payment.
When does Ascend begin work?
Your order is created first. Paid work begins after the agreement, required intake, and authorized payment-ready review are complete.
Can I save my questionnaire?
Yes. The guided intake is designed to be saved section by section so you can return before submitting it for review.
Where are my documents?
Documents, agreements, receipts, certificates, and any revision requests are stored on the order in your client workspace.
How will I receive updates?
The order message thread is the authoritative record. Client-visible updates can also be delivered by email.
Does Ascend provide legal or tax advice?
No. Ascend provides administrative business filing support and is not a law firm, accounting firm, or tax adviser.
Can a registered agent see all my records?
No. A registered agent is limited to assigned orders and documents or messages specifically marked for registered-agent access.
What if a state fee changes?
Ascend stores the source and verification date. An administrator must republish a changed fee before it is collected on a new checkout.
Entity formation and compliance
General information reviewed October 11, 2026. Requirements depend on your circumstances and may change.
What is a business entity, and why register one?
Your structure affects liability, taxes, fundraising, and paperwork. Registration requirements depend on the structure and location; forming an entity does not guarantee protection from every personal liability.
How is an LLC taxed?
An LLC is formed under state law. Federal tax treatment depends on ownership and elections: a single-member LLC is generally disregarded for income tax, while a multi-member domestic LLC generally defaults to partnership treatment. Corporate treatment may be elected. Employment and excise tax rules can differ.
What is a DBA?
A DBA is a name used to do business. Registration may be required locally, but a DBA does not itself provide legal protection or create a separate entity.
Does registering my business name protect my trademark?
Entity names, trademarks, DBAs, and domain names are separate registrations. Check the relevant requirements for each; state name registration is not a substitute for trademark protection.
What does a registered agent do?
A registered agent receives official and legal documents for the business and must be located in the state of registration. Check that state's eligibility requirements before appointing one.
What is foreign qualification?
A business active beyond its formation state may need registration in additional states. Requirements, filing fees, taxes, and reporting obligations vary; confirm them with each state office.
Does every LLC need an EIN?
Not every single-member LLC needs a separate EIN for federal tax purposes. Employees, excise taxes, ownership, and tax elections affect the requirement. Check the IRS rules for your circumstances.
Does a U.S.-formed company have to file a BOI report?
FinCEN's current guidance exempts U.S. companies from BOI reporting. Certain foreign companies registered in the United States may still have obligations. Check FinCEN's current guidance before relying on older filing checklists.