What are the steps to form a company from start to finish?

Forming a company with doola generally follows four steps, from initial filing through to getting paid. 1. Form your company. All you need is your company name, a personal address (this can be anywhere in the world), and an email address, no documents are required at this stage. We run a state-level name availability check before filing, and if there's a conflict, we'll guide you toward compliant alternatives so you avoid rejection delays. Timing depends on your state. 2. Get your EIN. Once your company is formed, we apply for your Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS on your behalf. You don't need a US Social Security Number (SSN) for this. Timing depends on the IRS and on whether you have an SSN. You can follow each step, with an estimated completion date, in the progress tracker on the main page of your doola dashboard. 3. Apply for your US bank account. Once you have your EIN (required to open an account), you can apply for a US bank account through our partner portal. A passport is required for this step. Timing depends on the bank's review. 4. Connect your payment processor. Once your bank account is set up, we help you connect it to a payment processor so you can start accepting payments. Timing can vary depending on your situation and government processing speeds.