How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in West Virginia?
The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in West Virginia is $100. This fee is paid to the West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
West Virginia LLC Online Filing Fee: $100
The main cost to start an LLC in West Virginia is the $100 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the West Virginia 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 West Virginia
If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into West Virginia, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in West Virginia.
The cost for registering a West Virginia foreign LLC is $150. You can register a foreign LLC in West Virginia by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority (Form LLF-1).
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 Form NR-1 and paying the $15 filing fee.
Foreign LLC Name Registration
Foreign LLCs can register a name other than their legal name by filing Form NR-2 and paying the $25 filing fee.
Trade Name
File an Application for Trade Name (Form NR-3) and pay the $25 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.
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West Virginia LLC Ongoing Costs
Establishing and maintaining a successful limited liability company (LLC) in West Virginia involves understanding the ongoing responsibilities and costs associated with compliance and legal standing.
Here are the primary ongoing responsibilities for a West Virginia LLC:
- Annual Report: West Virginia LLCs are required to file an annual report. This report provides updated information about the LLC's ownership and management to the state. The filing fee for the annual report is $25.
- Registered Agent Service: Every West Virginia LLC must have an agent of process, also known as a registered agent. The agent of process serves as the official point of contact for legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of the LLC. While not required, many businesses choose to hire a registered agent service for roughly $100–$200 per year.
By being aware of these obligations, you can effectively manage your LLC's budget and ensure its long-term good standing.
How to Register a West Virginia LLC Yourself
Forming an LLC in West Virginia 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.
West Virginia LLC Cost FAQ
To establish an LLC in West Virginia, you need to file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. You can submit this document online, by mail, email, fax, or in person. The cost associated with filing is $100.
In West Virginia, an agent of process, also known as a registered agent, is a necessity for your LLC. This person or entity is responsible for receiving important tax and legal documents on behalf of your LLC.
Yes, an LLC in West Virginia can operate under a trade name, also referred to as a "doing business as" (DBA) name. This permits the LLC to conduct business under a name other than the one registered with the Secretary of State.
West Virginia LLCs are required to file an annual report with a fee of $25. This obligation helps the state keep track of important updates about your business.
An LLC formation service can help streamline the process of creating your LLC in West Virginia. These services handle the necessary paperwork and filing, thereby saving you time and ensuring accuracy. Many also provide additional services like ongoing compliance reminders and registered agent services, adding value to your business.
In West Virginia, you can use the Business Organization Search tool on the Secretary of State's website to check the availability of a business name. If you need further assistance, you can also do a Name Availability Phone Search.
A Certificate of Existence, issued by the Secretary of State, confirms that your LLC is registered and compliant with all state regulations in West Virginia. This document may be requested by banks, potential business partners, or other entities to validate the legitimacy of your business.
Article Sources
WW One Stop Business Portal
https://business4.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx
IRS - Employer ID Numbers:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
West Virginia Secretary of State
https://sos.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx
SBA - Apply for licenses and permits:
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
Chamber of Commerce - West Virginia Chamber of Commerce List:
https://www.officialusa.com/stateguides/chambers/westvirginia.html