Placing an Order
Learn how to place an order with Dappr to start your business.
Last updated
Learn how to place an order with Dappr to start your business.
Last updated
When you place an order with Dappr to form a new business, the first step is entering your name. While this may seem simple, it’s actually one of the most important details in the entire business formation process. The name you provide will determine who is legally responsible for the business in state and federal filings, including the Employer Identification Number (EIN) application with the IRS and the formation documents submitted to the state (usually the Secretary of State).
Because of the legal and financial implications of this step, it’s critical that you enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID. Failing to do so may lead to delays, additional verification steps, or even rejection of your application.
The person entering their name at this step is referred to as the legal representative of the business. This person is also known as the responsible party in the IRS SS-4 application for an Employer Identification Number.
The legal representative does not have to be a U.S. resident or citizen.
However, if the business will have at least one U.S. resident as a member or manager, we strongly recommend that this person place the order and act as the legal representative.
While it is possible for a non-resident to act as the legal representative, there are two major reasons why a U.S. resident with an SSN or ITIN is the preferred choice:
1. Opening a Dappr Financial Account Requires a U.S. Home Address
Dappr provides businesses with an integrated money-management account called the Dappr Financial Account, which functions similarly to a traditional bank account. However, because Dappr is not a bank, this account is opened through our banking partner, Fifth Third Bank, N.A.
Fifth Third Bank requires that the business’s legal representative has a U.S. home address (not a PO Box or private mailbox).
If the legal representative does not have a valid U.S. home address, they will not be able to open a Dappr Financial Account.
For non-residents who need a valid U.S. home address, Dappr offers a TruResidence service through a verified partner. This service allows non-residents to lease a residential property in the U.S. to use as their home address. However, there are important considerations:
Strict identity verification is required.
The service is expensive ($300 per month).
The leased address must be used for legitimate purposes.
2. Faster EIN Processing for U.S. Residents with an SSN/ITIN
Every business formed in the U.S. needs an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which is used for tax purposes, hiring employees, and opening business bank accounts.
If the legal representative has a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and is a U.S. resident, the EIN application can be processed quickly.
If the legal representative does not have an SSN or ITIN, or is not a U.S. resident, the EIN application must be manually processed by the IRS, which can take 4 to 12 weeks longer.
For businesses that need to start operations quickly, this delay can be significant. That’s why it’s highly recommended that a U.S. resident with an SSN/ITIN acts as the legal representative.
You must enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.).
There are no formatting restrictions, meaning you can enter hyphens, apostrophes, and other special characters if they appear on your legal documents.
If you accidentally enter the wrong name, you can correct it before ID verification.
However, once ID verification begins, changes can only be made by contacting Dappr’s support team, which may cause delays.
After placing your order, Dappr will require you to verify your identity. This ensures that the person placing the order is who they claim to be and that Dappr remains compliant with U.S. and international regulations.
You will be asked to upload a government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID).
The system will compare the entered name to the name on the ID.
Your name will be checked against regulatory, criminal, and sanctions databases.
Dappr and its partners conduct extensive sanctions and security screenings against various databases, including:
United States Government Databases
U.S. Treasury - OFAC Sanctions Lists (Specially Designated Nationals, Sectoral Sanctions, etc.)
FBI Wanted List
U.S. State Department Sanctions and Debarred Lists
Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Denied Persons List
International Watchlists
Interpol Red Notices (Internationally wanted persons)
United Nations Sanctions List
European External Action Service Sanctions
UK His Majesty’s Treasury Sanctions List
Canadian and Australian Government Sanctions Lists
World Bank’s Listing of Ineligible Firms and Individuals
If your name appears on any sanctions or watchlists, Dappr will immediately stop processing your order.
Your order will be canceled, and you will receive a full refund.
To avoid delays or issues, follow these best practices when entering your name:
Use your full legal name as shown on your passport or government ID.
If your business has a U.S. resident with an SSN/ITIN, consider having them place the order for faster processing.
Ensure that your legal representative has a U.S. home address if you plan to open a Dappr Financial Account or use Dappr's TruResidence service to obtain a U.S. residential address.
If you don’t have a U.S. address, be prepared for additional steps and costs associated with the TruResidence service.
If you mistyped your name, correct it before ID verification to avoid delays.
The name you enter when placing a business formation order with Dappr is one of the most critical details in the entire process. It determines who will be responsible for the business in official state and federal filings and can impact the speed of EIN processing and business banking access.
By entering your correct legal name from the start and following the best practices outlined above, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free business formation process with Dappr.
When forming a business through Dappr, one of the first decisions customers make is selecting a state of formation. The state in which a business is registered determines legal requirements, compliance obligations, and state-specific fees. Dappr offers formation services in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia but does not provide formation services in other U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico.
After entering their name, customers will be prompted to select a state of formation. The choice of state is entirely up to the customer, and while some businesses choose their home state, others may opt for states with business-friendly regulations.
Each state has its own set of formation fees that must be paid at the time of business registration. When placing an order with Dappr, the total cost of formation includes both Dappr’s service fees and the state filing fees, which Dappr collects and remits directly to the state on behalf of the customer.
In some cases, Dappr may not have assessed the state filing fee correctly at the time of order. While this is rare, if a correction is needed, the customer will be notified by email. If the actual state fee is higher than initially charged, the customer will be asked to approve the additional amount before Dappr proceeds with the filing. Conversely, if the state fee was overestimated, Dappr will refund the excess amount.
Each state has its own processing time for business formation filings. Some states process applications within a few days, while others may take several weeks. Customers can view estimated processing times when selecting a plan, a step that occurs later in the ordering process.
Regardless of where a business is formed, it must comply with the laws and tax requirements of its state of registration. This includes filing annual reports, maintaining a registered agent, and paying any required state taxes or franchise fees. Dappr ensures that the formation process is compliant with each state’s regulations. Further compliance obligations are monitored by Dappr, but there may be compliance obligations to specific industries that Dappr does not monitor, and it is ultimately the company's responsibility to remain compliant. Dappr is not a law firm.
Selecting a business name is one of the most important decisions when forming a company. The name will define the brand, appear on legal documents, and be used in financial accounts, contracts, and marketing materials. While it may seem like a straightforward step, there are several considerations to keep in mind to ensure the name is available, legally compliant, and suitable for long-term business success.
During the formation process, customers are asked to enter their desired business name. At this stage, the name is not yet validated against state databases, meaning it may not be available. After the order is placed, Dappr verifies the availability of the name in the selected state of formation. If the name is available, it will be included in the formation documents submitted to the state.
If the name is unavailable, Dappr will notify the customer via email and their Dappr account. The notification will include a list of similar alternative names that are available for registration. The customer can choose one of these alternatives or request a different name, which Dappr will then validate again with the state.
Business owners can still change the name after providing it in the initial selection step and even after making payment. However, once Dappr submits the formation documents to the state, the name is final and cannot be changed without going through a formal name change process. Changing a business name after registration requires amendments to state records, updates with the IRS, modifications to financial accounts, and changes to branding and marketing materials. Because of this, it is important to choose a name carefully from the start.
A business name must be unique and distinguishable from other registered entities in the same state. Even if a name appears to be original, it may already be in use or be too similar to an existing business name. Each state has different rules regarding name availability, so it is possible that a name that is available in one state may be unavailable in another.
In addition to uniqueness, state laws require that businesses include appropriate designators in their names. For example, an LLC must include "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company" in the name. Similarly, a corporation must include terms like "Inc." or "Corporation." These designators help identify the legal structure of the business and ensure compliance with state regulations.
Certain words are restricted or require additional approvals. Words that imply government affiliation, such as "Federal" or "Agency," are often prohibited. Other regulated terms, such as "Bank," "Insurance," or "Trust," may require special licensing or state approval before use. Business owners should be mindful of these restrictions to avoid delays in the formation process.
Beyond legal requirements, business owners should also consider whether their chosen name is available for branding and marketing purposes. A name that is approved for registration at the state level may still conflict with a federally registered trademark. Conducting a trademark search with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) can help identify potential conflicts before finalizing the name. Additionally, checking domain name availability and social media handles can prevent future branding issues.
Once a business name has been registered with the state, changing it involves a formal name change process. The business must file an amendment with the state, pay any required fees, and update its records with the IRS, banks, vendors, and other entities. The process varies by state but often involves submitting official paperwork and waiting for state approval. Dappr can assist with this process and handle the filing for you if and when required.
Beyond state filings, a name change can also require significant updates to business operations. Financial accounts, business licenses, contracts, and tax documents must be modified to reflect the new name. If the business has already developed branding and marketing materials, these must also be updated, which can result in additional costs. Because of these complexities, it is highly recommended to select a business name carefully to avoid the need for a future name change.
Choosing a business name is more than just a creative decision—it has legal, branding, and operational implications. Ensuring that the name is unique, legally compliant, and suitable for long-term use can help business owners avoid unnecessary complications. While Dappr offers flexibility in modifying the name before submitting formation documents to the state, once the name is officially registered, changes require additional steps and costs.
When forming a business, selecting the correct industry is a critical step. The industry classification is filed with both the state and the IRS, impacting regulatory compliance, tax classification, and eligibility for certain business services. While some business owners may view this step as a formality, it has important legal and operational implications.
The industry selection affects more than just tax filings. It plays a role in determining eligibility for financial services, payment processing, and business banking. Some industries face strict regulatory oversight, while others may be considered high-risk by financial institutions, limiting their access to banking and merchant services. Additionally, Dappr has restrictions on forming businesses in certain industries due to legal and compliance considerations.
Because of these factors, it is essential that business owners select the industry that most accurately reflects their business activities. Choosing the wrong industry may result in delays in formation, restrictions on financial services, or regulatory complications down the line.
During the order process, customers must select their business industry from a predefined list. This selection is reported to the state of formation and the IRS. Business owners should choose the industry that most closely aligns with their primary business activities, as this information will be used to determine tax classifications, compliance obligations, and future filings.
If a business does not fit neatly into one of the available industry options, customers have the option to enter a description of their business activities. In these cases, Dappr’s team will review the description and select the most applicable industry classification before submitting the business formation documents.
Once submitted, the industry classification cannot be changed without formally amending business records. While this is possible, it can require state filings, updates with the IRS, and changes to business registrations, making it advisable to choose the correct industry from the outset.
Dappr does not form businesses in certain industries due to legal restrictions, regulatory complexities, or compliance risks. Some industries are prohibited in certain states but allowed in others, making it difficult for Dappr to ensure compliance across all jurisdictions. To avoid potential penalties or liabilities, Dappr has chosen to restrict formation services for these industries entirely.
Examples of industries that Dappr does not support for business formation include:
Prostitution and escort services
Marijuana and cannabis dispensaries (even in states where they are legal)
Strip clubs
Pornography and adult entertainment
These industries are often subject to strict state regulations and complex licensing requirements, making them high-risk for compliance violations. Business owners in these industries must seek alternative formation services that specialize in their regulatory requirements.
Since industry classification affects taxation, compliance, and financial services, business owners should carefully consider how their industry selection aligns with their business operations. The following factors should be taken into account when selecting an industry:
The IRS assigns businesses a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code based on their industry. This classification impacts tax obligations, reporting requirements, and potential eligibility for tax deductions or credits. Some industries may qualify for specific tax benefits, while others face higher regulatory scrutiny.
Some industries require special licensing, permits, or additional compliance steps. Selecting an industry that requires licensing but failing to obtain the necessary approvals can lead to state penalties or business closure. Business owners should research whether their industry requires additional regulatory steps beyond formation.
Dappr offers payment processing and the Dappr Financial Account, but certain industries are restricted from using these services due to financial regulations and partner bank requirements. A separate article will cover these restrictions in detail, but it is important to understand that selecting an industry impacts access to banking and financial services.
Some businesses start in one industry but expand into others over time. Business owners should consider whether their industry classification allows flexibility for future growth. In some cases, forming a general business entity may be preferable over a niche classification that could limit operations down the line.
If a business owner selects an incorrect or vague industry, it may cause delays or complications in business filings. In cases where the selected industry does not accurately reflect business operations, Dappr’s team may adjust the classification based on the business description provided.
If a significant error occurs in industry classification, correcting it requires filing an amendment with the state and updating records with the IRS. This can be a time-consuming process, so it is best to ensure accuracy at the time of formation.
Selecting the correct industry during business formation is more than just a formality—it affects tax classification, legal compliance, and financial service eligibility. Since this information is filed with both the state and the IRS, business owners should take the time to choose the industry that best represents their operations.
By selecting the right industry from the beginning, entrepreneurs can ensure a smooth formation process, maintain compliance with state and federal regulations, and set their business up for long-term success.
Providing an email address is an essential part of the business formation process with Dappr. The email address serves as the primary means of communication and is used to keep customers informed throughout the formation process and beyond.
By entering an email address, customers agree to Dappr’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, ensuring transparency in how their information is used. If the customer does not already have an account, the email address will be used to create one, giving them access to their order details, status updates, and formation documents.
Once an order is placed, Dappr sends email notifications about the status of the formation, including important updates, confirmations, and any actions required from the customer. After the business is successfully registered, the email address continues to serve as the primary contact method for compliance reminders, regulatory obligations, and other essential business updates.
In addition to compliance-related notifications, Dappr may send information about available features and services, helping business owners maximize the benefits of their Dappr account. If a customer begins the formation process but does not complete their order, they may also receive reminders to finish setting up their business.
Because business compliance and regulatory requirements can change, it is important that customers provide an active and regularly monitored email address. This ensures they do not miss critical updates that could affect their business’s good standing with state and federal authorities.
During the business formation process, Dappr asks a few additional questions about the new company’s status, goals, and future plans. While some of these questions are optional, providing answers helps Dappr monitor compliance, ensure accurate EIN application submissions, and recommend the right tools and features once the business is officially registered.
Dappr asks the following questions during the order process:
How far along are you with your new business?
What would you say is the goal of this business?
How do you plan on billing your customers?
Do you plan on hiring anyone within 12 months?
Once a business is registered, it must comply with state and federal regulations, including tax and employment requirements. The information provided during formation helps Dappr anticipate potential compliance needs and notify business owners of any upcoming obligations.
Dappr applies for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS on behalf of the business. The EIN application (SS-4 form) includes questions about business activities, hiring plans, and revenue expectations. The responses provided during formation help ensure accurate and efficient EIN filing, reducing the likelihood of delays or follow-up inquiries from the IRS.
Based on the responses, Dappr can provide customized recommendations for setting up the business after formation. This includes:
Guidance on financial tools, such as invoicing, payment processing, or payroll solutions.
Information on hiring and tax obligations for businesses planning to have employees.
Recommendations for business banking and compliance support based on the company’s industry and revenue model.
While some of these questions are optional, Dappr highly recommends providing answers to improve the formation experience and ensure smoother business operations after registration. The more information provided, the better Dappr can assist with compliance tracking, EIN filing, and feature recommendations tailored to the business’s needs.
Selecting a formation package is a crucial step in setting up a business with Dappr. Each package is designed to meet the needs of businesses at different stages, from newly formed startups to growing enterprises that require ongoing compliance support. To proceed with business formation, customers must choose one of Dappr’s three available plans: Basic, Essentials, or Pro.
Dappr offers three formation packages, each providing essential services while catering to different business needs.
Basic: A one-time fee package designed for businesses that want a simple, no-frills formation service.
Essentials: An annual subscription plan with expedited filing speeds and integrated business tools, including invoicing, payment processing, and bookkeeping.
Pro: A premium annual subscription that includes the fastest processing time, registered agent service, and automatic compliance filings.
Each plan includes a Dappr Financial Account, provided the business meets the eligibility requirements. The state formation fee is displayed when selecting a plan and varies by state.
The Basic package is a one-time fee option for businesses that need standard formation services without additional features. This plan includes:
Standard LLC or Corporation Filing
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Operating Agreement
Digital Business Documents
Compliance Notifications
Access to a Dappr Financial Account
Processing times for Basic plans are the longest among the three options. Customers choosing this plan can still purchase a Registered Agent subscription separately if needed.
The Essentials package is an annual subscription designed for businesses that need faster processing and integrated financial tools to manage their operations. It includes everything in the Basic plan, plus:
Expedited Filing Speed
Invoicing & Payment Processing (accepting ACH and card payments)
Integrated Accounting and AI-Assisted Bookkeeping
The Essentials plan allows businesses to automate financial processes and access tools that simplify operations. Customers who select Essentials but still require a Registered Agent service can subscribe to it separately.
The Pro package is the most comprehensive annual subscription, offering the fastest formation processing, automated compliance management, and registered agent services. It includes everything in the Essentials plan, plus:
Rush Filing Speed (the fastest option available)
Registered Agent Service (included at no extra cost)
Automated Report Filings (Dappr will automatically submit annual reports)
Nationwide Tax Monitoring
Worry-Free Compliance
Pro is the best option for business owners who want hands-free compliance management and the assurance that their business remains in good standing with the state.
The best plan depends on how quickly a business needs to be formed, whether compliance services are needed, and the level of automation desired.
Businesses that only need formation services and are comfortable handling compliance on their own may prefer the Basic plan.
Businesses that want faster filing and access to financial tools should consider the Essentials plan.
Businesses that need the fastest filing, automatic compliance handling, and a registered agent service should choose Pro.
Selecting the right package ensures that a business gets the formation speed, compliance support, and financial tools it needs to operate smoothly.
Dappr offers several expedited processing options for business formation, allowing customers to prioritize their filing based on their urgency. While Essentials and Pro plans include expedited processing by default, customers on the Basic plan can purchase expedited processing as an add-on. Additionally, some states offer Ultra Rush processing, which not only prioritizes Dappr’s handling of the order but also speeds up processing with state authorities.
Although expedited services can significantly reduce the formation timeline, processing speed is never guaranteed. State workload and IRS processing times can impact overall formation time, particularly if the EIN application must be submitted manually via fax.
Expedited processing prioritizes an order within Dappr’s system, ensuring faster handling compared to standard processing. However, only Ultra Rush processing includes faster handling by state authorities.
Essentials Plan: Comes with Expedited processing, which prioritizes the order within Dappr’s internal workflow. Customer can order Rush or Ultra Rush for an additional fee.
Pro Plan: Includes Rush processing, offering an even higher level of prioritization. Ultra Rush is available for an additional fee.
Basic Plan: Does not include expedited processing by default, but customers can purchase an expedited processing add-on.
For customers who need the fastest processing available, Dappr offers Ultra Rush processing in certain states, including California. Unlike other expedited options, Ultra Rush also prioritizes filing with state authorities, not just within Dappr’s system. This option incurs an additional state fee, which varies by state.
While expedited processing ensures that an order is handled as quickly as possible within Dappr’s system, external factors can still affect overall processing time.
State Workload: Even with expedited processing, the state’s filing backlog can impact the actual turnaround time for formation approvals.
EIN Processing Delays: If the EIN application must be submitted via fax instead of electronically, the IRS timeline remains the same, regardless of expedited processing. The IRS does not offer any form of expedited EIN application processing.
No Guaranteed Timeframes: Due to these external factors, Dappr cannot guarantee processing times, though expedited services generally result in significantly faster formation compared to standard processing.
The final step in the business formation order process is making a payment. At checkout, customers will see a detailed breakdown of all selected services and fees before completing their order. Dappr ensures a secure and seamless payment experience by using Stripe, one of the industry’s most trusted payment processors.
Customers can pay using a credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Once payment is submitted, a Dappr user account is created, and the customer will be prompted to set a password. If an account already exists and the user is logged in, the order will be linked to the existing account.
The payment method used at checkout will be stored on file for future payments unless updated in the account settings. After business formation is complete, and once the customer has successfully set up their Dappr Financial Account (subject to terms and eligibility requirements), the Dappr Financial Account will automatically become the primary payment method on file.
Payment submission does not immediately complete the onboarding process. After checkout, customers must provide additional details about their business, owners, and managers through an onboarding form. Only after this form is fully completed will Dappr submit the business formation paperwork to state and federal authorities.
Customers should ensure all information is accurate and complete, as delays in filling out the onboarding form will delay the submission of formation documents.
Orders placed through Dappr are refundable only until paperwork is submitted to state and federal authorities. Once filings are made, they cannot be reversed or refunded. Customers should review all details carefully before finalizing their order to avoid unnecessary complications.
By completing the checkout process, customers secure their business formation and gain access to Dappr’s suite of services, ensuring a smooth and efficient launch for their new company.
The state filing fees for each jurisdiction vary, and these fees are displayed at checkout. Customers who want to compare fees across different states before proceeding to checkout can do so by visiting .
For customers who need their business to be formed faster, Dappr offers expedited processing options. Customers can choose between an Expedite or Rush add-on before checkout. Some states also offer state-specific expedited filing services that require an additional fee, which will be included in the total formation cost if selected. To compare state processing times, customers can refer to .
The state of formation has direct implications on a business’s legal obligations, including compliance with state regulations, tax filing requirements, and ongoing reporting obligations. Once a business is formed in a specific state, it is considered a domestic business entity in that state. If the business intends to operate in other states, it may be required to register as a in those additional states.
The selection of a state is one of the most foundational decisions in forming a busines. A will provide in-depth guidance on considerations for selecting the most suitable state for formation based on tax advantages, privacy laws, and operational needs.
Customers who choose the Basic or Essentials plan can still subscribe to Registered Agent services separately. Additionally, pricing and feature details can be reviewed at .
