How Much Will North Dakota LLC Cost? (All Fees Revealed)
Hire Professionals to Create a North Dakota LLC (from $0 + state fees)
Filing the necessary paperwork for an LLC in North Dakota is just one of many costs associated with this business formation, but you don’t have to break the bank. We outline all startup and continuous expenses related to creating a North Dakota LLC below — plus we provide insights on how to save money!
If you want to skip the hassle of starting a North Dakota LLC yourself, consider hiring professional help for the best price in the market:
- Northwest Registered Agent ($39+state fees) (best support)
- ZenBusiness ($0+state fees) (best price)
- Hire Professionals to Create a North Dakota LLC (from $0 + state fees)
- Quick Costs for North Dakota LLC Breakdown & Best Options
- Pros and Cons of Starting Your Own LLC in North Dakota
- How Much Does an LLC Cost in North Dakota?
- North Dakota Foreign LLC Cost ($135)
- North Dakota Registered Agent Fee ($39 or $125/year)
- LLC Operating Agreement Fee ($0)
- LLC EIN Number Fee ($0)
- Other LLC Filing Costs (Optional)
- Cost of Filing Formation Certificates
- North Dakota Business License and Permit Fees (varies)
- LLC Taxes (varies)
- Costs Change Often. Where Can I Find the Most Up-to-date Cost & Tax Info?
- How to Start your Own LLC in North Dakota?
- Save Money & Hire Professionals to Form an LLC in North Dakota
- FAQs
Quick Costs for North Dakota LLC Breakdown & Best Options
| Who forms the LLC? | Total fees |
You form the LLC in North Dakota Yourself | $200 = ($135 Article of Organization + $50 Annual Fee + $10 Name reservation) |
| by using ZenBusiness | $0 + state fees |
| by using Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + state fees |
| see our best LLC service providers | varies |
Pros and Cons of Starting Your Own LLC in North Dakota
Every Business Owner must go through these pros and cons before moving on to the North Dakota LLC Fees and Costs section.
Pros
Starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in North Dakota can be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to unlock new business opportunities.
Overall, it’s no surprise that starting your own LLC in North Dakota is quickly becoming an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to set up their businesses for success.
Cons
Starting your own Limited Liability Company (LLC) in North Dakota may seem like the perfect way to get your business off the ground, but there are a few important drawbacks to consider.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in North Dakota?
North Dakota LLC Online Filing Fee ($135)
The most important cost associated with commencing an LLC is the mere $135 fee to submit your Articles of Organization online with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
North Dakota Annual Report Fee ($50)
All Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) operating in North Dakota must file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State before November 15 or they will be charged a $50 penalty. Securing this report is simple and easy, just submit it through the North Dakota Secretary of State website! Don’t let your LLC lag behind; ensure your business remains compliant by meeting this deadline.
North Dakota Foreign LLC Cost ($135)
Are you looking to build your business by bringing it into North Dakota? If so, then registering as a foreign LLC is essential. Thankfully, the process of doing this in North Dakota is both straightforward and affordable at only $135! All that’s required for registration is submitting a Certificate of Authority Application; afterward, you can use all the benefits an LLC brings to develop your endeavor.
North Dakota Registered Agent Fee ($39 or $125/year)
Before founding an LLC in North Dakota, it is necessary to designate a Registered Agent. The good news? You don’t have to pay any filing fee for listing this agent on your Articles of Organization! A North Dakota Registered Agent must be available during business hours and possess a valid street address within the state. They are responsible for accepting all legal documents and notifications from the state that pertain to your LLC.
When you act as your own Registered Agent or appoint someone close to you for the job, there is nothing extra that needs to be paid.
Here are our recommended Agent service providers:
- Northwest Registered Agent services is the perfect choice for those seeking to establish a new business and gain access to a registered agent, with a full LLC creation package starting at only $39 + state fees.
OR:
- When you only require a professional registered agent service, Northwest is the perfect solution. Their exceptional RA service comes at an unbeatable price of $125/year!
LLC Operating Agreement Fee ($0)
A North Dakota LLC Operating Agreement is a legal document that outlines the respective rights and responsibilities of each member within an LLC. From detailing how ownership will be divided to specifying how profits are distributed, this comprehensive contract ensures that all parties involved in the arrangement have a clear understanding of their obligations. Even single-member LLCs should consider investing in establishing an agreement as it serves as evidence for investors while providing important protection from potential disputes.
With websites charging anywhere between $50-$200, drafting one is both affordable and essential to ensuring your business runs seamlessly without any problems arising down the line.
LLC EIN Number Fee ($0)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), commonly known as an EIN, is a unique identifier that can be used for filing income taxes, opening LLC bank accounts, and hiring employees.
Forgo service fees and get your LLC EIN for free! Completing the online filing process with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) takes mere minutes, so you can obtain an EIN without paying a cent.
Other LLC Filing Costs (Optional)
There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:
LLC Name Reservation ($10)
Secure your name and be one step ahead of the game by filing a Reserved Name Application with a reasonable $10 fee up to 12 months before forming your LLC.
“Doing Business As” (DBA) Name ($25)
Register a Trade Name and pay the filing fee of $25 to create an alias for your LLC business.
Certified Document Copies ($20)
Get official copies of your North Dakota business paperwork by ordering from the Secretary of State and paying only $20 plus an additional 50¢ for every page.
Certificate of Fact ($20)
To prove that your business is in good standing, you may request a North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of State for just $20. Banks and other lending institutions often require this certificate as part of their vetting process, so obtaining one can be essential to maintaining strong financial relationships.
Cost of Filing Formation Certificates
| North Dakota | Domestic LLC | Foreign LLC |
| Online Filing | $135 | $135 |
| Annual Report | $50 | $50 |
| Name Reservation fee | $10 | $10 |
North Dakota Business License and Permit Fees (varies)
Depending on the city in which your LLC operates, and also what industry you occupy, it is likely that you will need to acquire extra Business Licenses or Permits. For instance, if required by local regulations, a City Business Permit may be necessary.
The costs of auxiliary business permits or licenses can range significantly depending on where you are located and the industry, but they typically remain low. Some licenses come from state governments while others originate from municipalities like towns, cities, or counties.
LLC Taxes (varies)
When forming a North Dakota LLC, each owner must be mindful of the numerous taxes that exist and may result in varying expenses.
According to North Dakota Law, some of the taxes LLC owners pay include:
- Federal taxes
- State income tax
- Local income tax
- Business taxes
- Self-employment taxes
- Sales tax
- Payroll tax (if you have employees)
- Property tax (if the LLC owns property)
Unpredictable LLC taxes in North Dakota are based on your trade and level of commercial activity, so it’s impossible to provide an approximation. Every corporation is distinctive, with its own set of regulations determining what tolls need to be paid.
Your business revenue will determine the amount you’re liable for state income tax or sales tax payment. To learn more about taxation details specific to your LLC in North Dakota, consult with the State Tax Commissioner as soon as possible – certain permits may be required from your entity such as a sales permit.
Costs Change Often. Where Can I Find the Most Up-to-date Cost & Tax Info?
If you have any questions about the cost of opening a North Dakota LLC & the latest fees, you can contact the North Dakota Secretary of State.
How to Start your Own LLC in North Dakota?
After taking a detailed look at the North Dakota LLC costs. It’s time for you to start your own LLC. Here are the basic steps that you can follow to set up your LLC in the state.
Step 1: Choose a Name for Your LLC
According to North Dakota regulations, the name of an LLC must include “Limited Liability Company,” as well as either its abbreviations: “L.L.C.” or “LLC.” Moreover, you have to make sure that your chosen LLC name differs from all other business entities already filed with the North Dakota Secretary of State. To check if a certain name is available for registration, visit their business database online at the North Dakota Secretary of State website!
Secure your desired company name in North Dakota for the next 12 months by sending a Reserve Name Application (SFN 13015) to the Secretary of State. This application can be quickly submitted online, via mail or by fax — with an affordable fee of $10!
Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
All North Dakota LLCs are required to appoint an agent for service of process, who agrees to accept legal documents on the LLC’s behalf should they be sued. This representative can be a resident of North Dakota or another domestic/foreign corporation or LLC that is authorized to conduct business in ND. Furthermore, it must have a physical street address within the state and if needed you can find registered agents through the Secretary of State website.
Step 3: File Articles of Organization
If you’re interested in starting an LLC in North Dakota, the process is simple! All that’s required is to submit the Articles of Organization (SFN 58701) to the Secretary of State.
Step 4: Prepare an Operating Agreement
Although an LLC Operating Agreement is not a legal requirement in North Dakota, it’s highly recommended. This document outlines the rights and responsibilities of each member within the LLC as well as their liabilities to one another. It serves as a keystone for regulating interactions between members, setting expectations and creating clear lines of communication that benefit everyone involved.
A business’ Operating Agreement is an internal document, and not required to be submitted with the Secretary of State. In the event that a newly formed or current LLC does not have its own operating agreement, then their existing bylaws/articles of organization, member control agreements and/or limited liability company agreements will collectively serve as their operating agreement.
Step 5: Obtain an EIN
When you create a multi-member LLC, it is essential to obtain an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN), even if there are no employees. For one-person LLCs that do not have staff or opt for corporate taxation instead of sole proprietorship, acquiring an EIN remains mandatory too. The online application process on the IRS website offers EIN registration with no cost involved.
Step 6: File Annual Reports
All North Dakota LLCs, both domestic and foreign, must submit an annual report to the Secretary of State before November 15th each year. The first filing is due in the subsequent year from when you initially registered your LLC with the state. Filing can be done online through their FirstStop page for a $50 fee.
Save Money & Hire Professionals to Form an LLC in North Dakota
It can be difficult and time-consuming to form a North Dakota LLC all by yourself.
That’s why we decided to give you a few of the best options for professional services that can help you start an LLC in no time & with 0 effort!
#1 – Create an LLC in North Dakota Using Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest has vast experience in creating LLCs and Corporations. They by far have the best support and client satisfaction rate. We’ve used and tested them ourselves and can guarantee that they’ll do an exceptional job for you.
You can read our Northwest review here.
$39+State Fees
Rating: 4.9/5
Review count: 4850+
Form an LLC today with Nortwest. They have 98% customer satisfaction rating and over 4150+ verified reviews. They will include 1 year of free registered agent service!
#2 – ZenBusiness can help you form an LLC in North Dakota
ZenBusiness is one of our top-rated LLC services as well. They have a super value-to-price ratio. And it’s perfect for those who are looking for the cheapest option to form their LLCs. When we tested their service — they’ve done a great job, so we can honestly recommend them.
To know more about them — read our ZenBusiness review here.
$0 + State Fees
Rating: 4.8/5
Review count: 4830+
Form an LLC today with ZenBusiness for only $0 + State fees. They Have 98% customer satisfaction rating and over 4830+ verified reviews.