Form a South Dakota LLC — $150 Fee, No Income Tax
Professional registered agent service in South Dakota. $99/year — everything included, no hidden fees.
How to Form an LLC in South Dakota
South Dakota charges $150 to form an LLC. Processing takes 5-7 business days. There is no state income tax and no corporate income tax — which is why thousands of businesses incorporate here. You will need a registered agent before you can file.
Why South Dakota Appeals to Business Owners
Zero state income tax. Zero corporate income tax. A $55/year annual report is your only recurring state obligation. South Dakota offers one of the leanest operating environments in the country. LLC profits pass through to your personal federal return without an additional state layer eating into margins.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (state fee) | $150 |
| Expedited Processing (optional) | $50 |
| Registered Agent (us) | $99/year |
| Annual Report (yearly) | $55 online / $70 mail |
| State Income Tax | $0 |
| Corporate Income Tax | $0 |
First-year total with our agent service and standard filing: $304.
Formation Steps
1. Name Your LLC
Must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." and be distinguishable from other entities on file with the Secretary of State. Search availability at sdsos.gov.
2. Designate a Registered Agent
Required before filing. Your agent needs a physical South Dakota address (plus mailing address) and must be available during business hours. South Dakota does not allow self-appointment in the traditional sense — you need a qualified individual (18+, SD resident) or authorized business entity.
We provide this for $99/year. Our address goes on your filings, your home address stays private.
3. File Articles of Organization
Submit to the South Dakota Secretary of State with the $150 fee. Include:
- LLC name
- Principal office address
- Registered agent name, physical address, and mailing address
- Management structure
- Organizer information
File online at sdsos.gov. Standard processing: 5-7 business days. Expedited ($50): typically 24 hours.
4. Write an Operating Agreement
Not filed with the state, but you need one. It governs ownership percentages, profit splits, decision-making processes, and what happens if a member exits. Banks require it for business accounts.
5. Get an EIN
Free from IRS.gov. Takes ten minutes. You need it for bank accounts, hiring, and tax filing. Never pay a third party for this.
6. Stay Compliant
After formation:
- Maintain a registered agent with a South Dakota address at all times
- File the annual report each year ($55 online)
- Keep business and personal finances separate
- Handle federal tax obligations
Miss the agent requirement or annual report and the Secretary of State can dissolve your LLC.
The Registered Agent Piece
Every South Dakota LLC needs one from formation through dissolution. The agent:
- Holds a physical South Dakota street address (no PO boxes)
- Accepts service of process and state correspondence during business hours
- Forwards documents to you promptly
We handle all of this for $99/year. Same-day scanning, compliance reminders, online portal access, and your personal address kept entirely off state records.
Common Questions
How much does a South Dakota LLC cost? $150 state filing fee plus $55/year annual report.
Is there state income tax? No. South Dakota has zero state income tax and zero corporate income tax.
How long does formation take? 5-7 business days standard, ~24 hours expedited ($50).
Can I form a South Dakota LLC from another state? Yes. You just need a registered agent with a physical SD address — exactly what we provide.
Do I need an annual report? Yes, every year. $55 online or $70 by mail.
Ready to get started?
Professional registered agent service in South Dakota — $99/year, everything included.