Idaho LLC Cost

In order to start a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Idaho, you'll need to pay a $100 fee to file your Certificate of Organization with the state, at a minimum. 

However, the actual cost of establishing an Idaho LLC can vary greatly based on your individual business requirements and choices.

This Idaho LLC Cost guide will walk you through the different expenses involved in setting up and maintaining an Idaho LLC, helping you understand all key mandatory and optional costs.

More than 84% of our readers form their LLC through a professional service to save time and avoid mistakes.

Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

How Much Does an Idaho LLC Cost

Here’s a quick overview of the main costs associated with forming an LLC in Idaho.

	LLC Cost Summary
Requirement	Fee
Certificate of Organization	$100-$120
Registered Agent	$0-$150+
LLC Name	$0-$85

Idaho LLC Filing Fee ($100+)

To officially register your LLC in Idaho, you must file the appropriate incorporation documents with the Idaho Secretary of State.

Depending on the type of LLC you’ll be forming, you’ll need to submit one of the following forms:

• Domestic LLCs: Must submit a Certificate of Organization
• Foreign LLCs: Must submit a Foreign Registration Statement

Did you know?

A foreign LLC is a business entity that will be registered in Idaho but that plans to operate from a different state. This is often not recommended, as it will likely mean paying registration and maintenance fees in more than one state. 

The standard processing fee for filing these documents online is $100. However, if you choose to file in person or by mail, the fee increases to $120, regardless of the type of LLC you’re trying to form.

If you decide to use a professional LLC formation service, expect the cost to be slightly higher as these services charge a small fee in addition to Idaho’s state filing fee (prices typically start from around $29).

Have a look at our in-depth review of the best and most affordable LLC Formation Services in 2024.

Idaho Registered Agent ($0-$150+)

When forming your LLC in Idaho, you’ll be legally required to appoint an individual or entity with a physical address in the state (P.O. boxes don’t count) as your registered agent.

This person or entity will then be responsible for receiving important legal documents, such as tax forms and government notices, on behalf of your Idaho LLC. 

While you can serve as your own registered agent without incurring any extra costs, many business owners prefer to hire a professional service as it can help to avoid potential legal issues due to non-compliance with state regulations.

It also offers the added benefit of ensuring your personal address remains private, which would not be the case if you opted to act as your own registered agent.

The cost of hiring a registered agent service varies depending on the provider and the level of service you require. Generally, you can expect to pay between $150 and $300 annually for these services.

Idaho LLC Name ($0-$85)

Choosing the right name is an important step in the formation process of any Idaho LLC.

While this costs nothing in itself, there are a few potential costs associated with it for you to be aware of.

Reserving a Name

Before filing your Certificate of Organization, you have the option to reserve your LLC’s name in advance. This is particularly useful if you have an idea of the name you want to use before you plan to officially register your business.

To reserve a name, you need to fill out the Application for Reservation of Legal Entity Name form and submit it to the Idaho Secretary of State — this either by mail or in person for a $40 fee, or online for a reduced fee of $20.

It’s a good idea to check the availability of your desired LLC name on the Idaho Secretary of State’s website by conducting a name availability search before submitting your reservation.

When choosing a name, it’s also important to ensure that a matching domain name is available. A consistent online presence that aligns with your LLC’s name can help strengthen your brand and improve credibility.

Doing Business As (DBA) Name

If you plan to operate your business under a different name from your LLC’s official one, you will need to obtain a Doing Business As (DBA) name, also referred to as an Assumed Business Name in Idaho.

You can file for a DBA online through the Idaho Secretary of State’s SOSBiz website or by submitting a hard copy of the Certificate of Assumed Business Name form by mail or in person. The fee for online submissions is $25, while hard copy filings cost $45.

Unlike in some other states, DBA names in Idaho do not expire and do not require renewal, which makes them a one-time cost.

Optional Idaho LLC Formation Costs

In addition to the standard fees, there are several other potential costs that may arise depending on your LLC’s specific circumstances.

Idaho LLC Operating Agreement

Although not legally required in Idaho, having an operating agreement is highly recommended for all LLCs.

This internal document outlines the roles and responsibilities of the LLC’s members or managers, which helps to prevent disputes by ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding how your business will be run.

You can create an operating agreement yourself at no cost using free templates available online, or you can hire a professional service or attorney to draft one for you. The latter option typically costs several hundred dollars, depending on the complexity of your LLC.

Keep in mind that the operating agreement is an internal document and does not need to be filed with the Idaho Secretary of State.

Expedited Idaho LLC Filing

The Idaho Secretary of State typically processes LLC formation documents in seven to 10 business days. However, if you need this done more quickly, they also offer the following expedited filing services:

• Expedited Service: Documents will be processed within eight working hours ($40 fee)
• Same-Day Service: Documents will be processed on the same day they are received ($100 fee)

These services are particularly useful if you have time-sensitive business needs that require your LLC to be formed as quickly as possible.

Local Business Licenses

Depending on your LLC’s activities and location, you may need to obtain one or more local business licenses to operate legally.

While not all municipalities in Idaho require a general business license, specific licenses may be necessary based on your business type and location. For example, if you plan to operate a sidewalk café in Boise, you’ll need to obtain a local business license from the city costing $109.75.

It’s essential to research the licensing requirements for your specific business type and location to ensure compliance with all local regulations.

Certificate of Existence

A Certificate of Existence (also known as a Certificate of Good Standing) is a document that verifies your LLC is legally registered and in compliance with state regulations. It’s often required when opening a business bank account, applying for loans, or conducting business with other companies.

You can obtain a Certificate of Existence by submitting a Certificate Request form, which is available on the Idaho Secretary of State’s website for a fee of $10.

If you need certified copies of your LLC’s documents, you can request them using the same form; certified copies cost $10 per document, plus an additional $0.25 per page.

Ongoing Costs to Maintain an Idaho LLC

After forming your LLC, there are ongoing costs that you’ll need to budget for to maintain your business’s good standing with the state.

Annual Report

All LLCs in Idaho are required to file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State. This report updates the state on important information about your business, such as changes to your registered agent, business address, or LLC members.

Your Annual Report must be filed every year by the end of the anniversary month of your LLC’s initial registration. For example, if your LLC was formed on March 20, 2023, your Annual Report would be due by March 31 of each subsequent year.

The process for filing your Annual Report is simple and can be completed online through the SOSBiz website at no cost. However, failing to file your report within 60 days of its due date can result in your LLC losing its good standing with the state, which could eventually lead to its administrative dissolution.

Registered Agent Maintenance

If you decide to use a professional registered agent service, you’ll need to pay an annual fee to maintain their services. This fee typically ranges from $120 to $300, depending on the provider and the level of service offered.

While you are not required to use a professional registered agent, doing so can provide peace of mind and help ensure that you remain compliant with all state regulations.

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Have a look at our LLC Idaho Guide (DIY Approach)

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Idaho LLC vs Other States

When it comes to setting up an LLC, Idaho offers a moderate cost structure. The initial setup fees are neither particularly high nor unusually low, making Idaho a balanced choice for entrepreneurs.

However, Idaho shines in terms of its annual maintenance costs, which are among the lowest in the country. For example, Idaho’s $0 annual report fee is significantly less than the minimum $60 fee charged by neighboring Wyoming.

While Idaho’s low annual fees are attractive, the best state to form your LLC is generally the one where you plan to conduct most of your business. This is because operating in your home state simplifies compliance with local regulations — including taxes, licensing, and filing requirements — and can as a result be much more affordable.