How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in South Dakota?
The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in South Dakota is $150. This fee is paid to the South Dakota Secretary of State when filing the LLC’s Articles of Organization.
We recommend Northwest ($29 + State Fees) to help form your LLC.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in South Dakota?
South Dakota LLC Online Filing Fee: $150
The main cost to start an LLC in South Dakota is the $150 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the South Dakota Secretary of State.
For a look at LLC costs 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 South Dakota
If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into South Dakota, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in South Dakota.
The cost for registering a South Dakota foreign LLC is $750 online or $765 by mail. You can register a foreign LLC in South Dakota by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority (online).
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 an Application for Reservation of Name and paying the $25 filing fee.
Foreign LLC Name Reservation
If a foreign LLC’s name isn’t available in the state, it can register a new name by filing an Application for Registration of Name and paying the $25 filing fee.
DBA - Business Name
You can register a DBA online with the Secretary of State and pay the $10 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.
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South Dakota LLC Ongoing Fees
When considering establishing a limited liability company (LLC) in South Dakota, it is important to understand the ongoing costs associated with maintaining your LLC's compliance and legal status.
By being aware of these expenses, you can effectively plan your LLC's budget and ensure its financial stability.
Here are the primary ongoing fees for a South Dakota LLC:
- Annual Report: South Dakota LLCs are required to file an annual report. The filing fee for the annual report is $50 for online submissions and $65 for mail submissions.
- DBA Renewal: If you register for a DBA name with the state, you will need to pay $10 every five years to renew it.
- Registered Agent Fee: Every South Dakota LLC must have a registered agent. If you choose to take on this role yourself, there is no cost. However, many businesses choose to hire a third-party service. These cost $100–$200 on average.
It is essential to consider these ongoing costs when planning your LLC's budget in South Dakota. By accounting for these expenses, you can make informed decisions and maintain the financial health of your LLC.
How to Register a South Dakota LLC Yourself
Forming an LLC in South Dakota 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.
South Dakota LLC Cost FAQ
In South Dakota, the required paperwork to form an LLC is the Articles of Organization. These must be filed with the Secretary of State, and you can choose to file online or by mail. The cost is $150 if filed online, and $165 if filed by mail.
In South Dakota, any individual or business entity with a physical address in the state can act as a registered agent for an LLC. This agent is the official point of contact for receiving legal notices and documents for the LLC.
Yes, an LLC in South Dakota can use a DBA, also known as a "doing business as" or business name. This allows the LLC to conduct business under a name other than its officially registered one.
LLCs in South Dakota are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State. This can be done online for $50 or by mail for $65.
Using an LLC formation service in South Dakota can provide a streamlined and hassle-free process for setting up an LLC. These services help ensure that all the necessary paperwork is accurately completed and submitted. They can also provide valuable ongoing support, such as serving as the registered agent, helping with annual reporting requirements, and staying on top of any changes in state regulations affecting LLCs.
You can check if a business name is available in South Dakota by using the Business Information Search and Business Name Availability Search tools provided on the Secretary of State's website.
A Certificate of Good Standing in South Dakota, also known as a Certificate of Existence in some states, is a document that confirms an LLC is legally registered to do business in the state and is in compliance with all state requirements. This certificate might be needed when seeking financing, entering into business contracts, or in other business transactions.
Article Sources
South Dakota Department of Revenue:
https://dor.sd.gov/
IRS - Employer ID Numbers:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
South Dakota Secretary of State:
https://sdsos.gov/default.aspx
SBA - Apply for licenses and permits:
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
Chamber of Commerce - South Dakota Chamber of Commerce List:
https://www.officialusa.com/stateguides/chambers/southdakota.html