How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Pennsylvania?
The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in Pennsylvania is $125. This fee is paid to the Pennsylvania Department of State when filing the LLC’s Certificate of Organization.
We recommend Northwest ($29 + State Fees) to help form your LLC.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania LLC Online Filing Fee: $125
The main cost to start an LLC in Pennsylvania is the $125 fee to file your LLC's Certificate of Organization online with the Pennsylvania Department of State.
For a look at LLC cost in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.
Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Pennsylvania
If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Pennsylvania, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Pennsylvania.
The cost for registering a Pennsylvania foreign LLC is $250. You can register a foreign LLC in Pennsylvania by filing a Foreign Registration Statement (Form 15-412).
Optional LLC Formation Costs
There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:
LLC Name Reservation
Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filing a Name Reservation/Transfer of Reservation form (Form 15-208) and paying the $70 filing fee.
Fictitious Name
File a Registration of Fictitious Name form (Form 54-311) and pay the $70 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.
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Annual LLC Cost in Pennsylvania
Maintaining a limited liability company (LLC) in Pennsylvania involves certain costs. The key components are as follows:
- Annual Report: Starting in 2024, Pennsylvania LLCs must submit an annual report for $7. While there will be a grace period at first, missing this deadline down the line can result in penalties.
- Registered Office/Commercial Registered Office Provider (CROP): Should you choose to hire a CROP service (i.e., registered agent service) for your Pennsylvania LLC, you will likely have to pay an annual fee.
- State Licenses and/or Permits: If you work in a regulated industry, you will more than likely need to pay for professional licenses or permits to stay in operation. The fees will vary by type.
How to Register a Pennsylvania LLC Yourself
Forming an LLC in Pennsylvania is easy. Simply follow the steps outlined on this page.
Recommended: Using an LLC formation service like Northwest ($29 + State Fees) saves time and ensures compliance. Besides the low cost, we like their streamlined approach and excellent customer service.
Pennsylvania LLC Cost FAQ
In Pennsylvania, an LLC must designate a registered office or Commercial Registered Office Provider (CROP), known more colloquially as a registered agent service. This is the physical location within the state where official documents and legal notices can be served on your LLC. Pennsylvania doesn’t record individual registered agents.
Yes, an LLC in Pennsylvania can operate under a different name, referred to as a fictitious name. This can be advantageous for branding or marketing purposes, but it's essential to register this name with the state.
Starting in 2024, Pennsylvania will require LLCs to file an annual report. The fee associated with this report is just $7. This replaces the prior decennial report requirements.
Utilizing an LLC formation service in Pennsylvania can save significant time and streamline the LLC setup process. These services handle your paperwork and ensure your LLC is set up correctly, adhering to all Pennsylvania requirements. Some of these services might also offer benefits such as registered office or CROP services, assistance with registering a fictitious name, and other ongoing compliance support.
You can confirm if your proposed LLC name is available in Pennsylvania by using the Business Entity Search tool offered by the state. This will indicate whether your desired name is already being used by another business entity in Pennsylvania.
A Certificate of Subsistence in Pennsylvania is akin to a Certificate of Good Standing in other states. It is an official document issued by the state confirming that your LLC is legally formed and has met all state compliance requirements. It can be useful when you're looking to secure financing, enter into contracts, or register to do business in another state.
Article Sources
Department of State - PENN File:
https://file.dos.pa.gov
IRS - Employer ID Numbers:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
Pennsylvania Department of State:
https://www.dos.pa.gov/BusinessCharities/Business/Pages/default.aspx
SBA - Apply for licenses and permits:
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
Chamber of Commerce - Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce List:
http://www.officialusa.com/stateguides/chambers/Pennsylvania.html