How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Utah?

Utah LLC Online Filing Fee: $54

The main cost to start an LLC is the $54 fee to file your LLC's Certificate of Organization online with the Utah Department of Commerce.

For a look at LLC cost in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

Utah Annual Report Fee: $13

Utah requires LLCs to file an annual report with the Department of Commerce.

You can submit this form through the Utah Department of Commerce website. It is due each year by the date on which the LLC was formed. Utah charges a $10 penalty for failure to file on time.

Registered Agent Fee

In Utah you can be your own registered agent, but using a registered agent service helps keep your company in compliance and reminds you of important filing deadlines and avoid late fees.

• If you need to form a new business and get a registered agent, the best package is by Northwest Registered Agent $29 + state fees

OR:

• If only a registered agent is required, Northwest Registered Agent provides an excellent service: $125

Read our guide to learn more about Utah Registered Agents. You can also read our full guide on the best registered agent services.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Utah

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Utah, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Utah.

The cost for registering a Utah foreign LLC is $54. You can register a foreign LLC in Utah by filing a Foreign Registration Statement. This can also be filed by mail.

Business Permits and Licenses

Depending on your industry and geographical location, your business might need federal, state, and local permits/licenses to legally operate in Utah. This is true whether you form an LLC or any other type of business structure.

Learn more about state and local licensing with our guide to getting a Utah business license.

Other LLC Filing 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 Business Name and paying the $22 filing fee.

Foreign LLC Name Registration:
Foreign LLCs can register a name by filing an Application for Registration of Corporate Name and paying the $22 filing fee.

“Doing Business As” (DBA) Name:
File a DBA Application and pay the $22 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.

Certified Document Copies:
Obtain certified copies of your Utah business documents by ordering through the Department of Commerce and paying $12.

Certificate of Existence:
You can obtain a Utah certificate of good standing by ordering through the Department of Commerce and paying the $12 fee. A certificate of existence is often required by banks and lending institutions.

Five Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Utah

Step 1: Name Your Utah LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File the Certificate of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN

Step 1: Name Your Utah LLC

When you name your Utah LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of Utah
2. Meets Utah naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in Utah guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Utah.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

All LLCs in Utah must appoint a registered agent. A registered agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your Utah registered agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in Utah
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

Step 3: File the Certificate of Organization

The Utah Certificate of Organization is a document that is filed with the Utah Department of Commerce to form an LLC. The fee for filing a Certificate of Organization is $54 online. This can also be filed by mail.

For detailed instructions for completing the Certificate of Organization, visit our How to File the Utah Certificate of Organization guide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for Utah LLCs, but it's a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our Utah LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees