Deal alert! Northwest will form your LLC for $39 (60% discount). See details.
To start an LLC in Pennsylvania, file a Certificate of Formation with the Pennsylvania Department of State. This costs $125 and takes 5-7 days for approval.
There are 5 steps to follow:
- Choose an LLC Name
- Select a Registered Agent
- File a Certificate of Organization
- Create an Operating Agreement
- Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
If you want to form your LLC yourself, follow our free guide below.
If you want someone to take care of it for you, we recommend hiring Northwest Registered Agent
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(We recommend Northwest. We've reviewed all the top companies in the industry. And Northwest is our #1 pick for prices, customer support, and address privacy. Check out Northwest vs LegalZoom to learn more.)
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Pennsylvania?
It costs $125 to start an LLC in Pennsylvania.
And then it costs $7 per year.
What are these fees for?
- The $125 is to file the Certificate of Organization – the document that creates your LLC.
- The $7 per year is for your Annual Report – a mandatory filing that keeps your LLC in good standing.
And good news, veterans! Veterans and Reservists don’t have to pay the $125 filing fee for forming an LLC in Pennsylvania. You can file your LLC’s Articles of Organization for free ($0).
Learn more about Free LLCs for Pennsylvania Veterans & Reservists.
To learn more about LLC Costs, see LLC Costs in Pennsylvania.
How long does it take to get an LLC in Pennsylvania?
If you file by mail, your LLC will be approved in 5-7 days (plus mail time).
But if you file online, your LLC will be approved in 5-7 days.
Please see How long does it take to get an LLC in Pennsylvania to check for any delays.
Here are the steps to forming an LLC in Pennsylvania
1. Search your LLC Name
Search your LLC Name to make sure it’s available in the state.
You need to do this because two businesses in the state can’t have the same business name.
First, search your business name and compare it to existing businesses in Pennsylvania. You can make sure the LLC Name you want is unique from existing businesses using the Pennsylvania Business Search.
Second, familiarize yourself with the state’s naming rules (so your LLC gets approved).
We’ll explain both in more detail here: Pennsylvania LLC Name.
2. Choose a Registered Agent
The next step is to choose a Registered Agent.
A Registered Agent is a person or company who accepts legal mail and state notices on behalf of your LLC.
Who can be an LLC Registered Agent?
You have 3 options for who can be the Registered Agent:
- You
- A friend or family member
- A Registered Agent Service (also called a Commercial Registered Office Provider)
Your Registered Agent must have a physical street address in the state. PO Boxes aren’t allowed.
It’s important to know that the Registered Agent must also be available at this address during regular business hours. And the Registered Agent’s name and address will be listed on public records.
If you don’t have an address in Pennsylvania, or you want more privacy, you can hire a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest is number one on our list of the best Registered Agent Services.
Our favorite feature about Northwest is they’ll let you use their business address throughout your LLC filing. This way, you can keep your address off public records.
They’ll also scan any mail sent to your LLC and upload it to your online business account.
Northwest has excellent customer service, and they’re who we trust to be our own Registered Agent.
Special offer: Hire Northwest to form your LLC ($39 + state fee), and you'll get a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Why is Northwest the best? Read our Northwest Registered Agent review)
3. File the Certificate of Organization
To start an LLC, you need to file the Certificate of Organization with with the Pennsylvania Department of State.
The Certificate of Organization costs $125.
This is a one-time fee to create your LLC.
If you want to file this yourself, see our step-by-step guide: Pennsylvania Certificate of Organization.
Or, you can hire a company to do it for you.
Need to save time? Hire a company to form your LLC:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
(We recommend Northwest. We've reviewed all the top companies in the industry. And Northwest is our #1 pick for prices, customer support, and address privacy. Check out Northwest vs LegalZoom to learn more.)
4. Create an Operating Agreement
An Operating Agreement is a “companion” document to the Certificate of Organization.
The Certificate of Organization creates your LLC, and the Operating Agreement shows who owns the LLC.
Additionally, some banks require an Operating Agreement when you open an LLC business bank account.
And having an Operating Agreement will be very helpful if you ever end up in court. Reason being, it helps prove that your LLC is being run properly.
That’s why we recommend that all LLCs have an Operating Agreement – including Single-Member LLCs.
Furthermore, an Operating Agreement is an “internal document“. Meaning, you don’t need to file it with the state or the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Just keep a copy with your business records.
You can download a free template below.
Then, learn how to fill it out by watching our step-by-step Pennsylvania Operating Agreement video.
5. Get an EIN from the IRS
The next step is to get a EIN Number from the IRS for your LLC.
Note: An EIN Number is also called a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number.
An EIN Number is used to:
- identify your LLC for tax purposes
- open a business bank account
- apply for any necessary business licenses and permits
How much does an EIN cost?
Getting an EIN Number from the IRS is completely free.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
If you apply online, it takes 15 minutes.
If you apply by mail or fax, it can take 1-3 months.
How can I get an EIN?
US Citizens/US Residents: If you have an SSN or ITIN, you can apply for an EIN online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
Non-US Residents: You can’t get an EIN online, but you can still get one by fax or by mail. Follow these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.
What do I do after my LLC is approved?
After your LLC is approved, there are some additional steps:
Open an LLC business bank account
You’ll want to open a business bank account for your LLC.
This makes accounting and record-keeping much easier for your business finances.
Having a separate business bank account also maintains your personal liability protection. This is because it keeps your business entity finances separate from your personal finances.
Get business licenses and permits
Good news, Pennsylvania doesn’t have a state general business license.
However, depending on where your LLC is located, you may need a local business license or permit.
For example, if you want to start a daycare, you may need a business license from the city or county.
You can learn more on our Pennsylvania Business License page.
File an Annual Report for your LLC
Starting in 2025, all LLCs in Pennsylvania must file an Annual Report every year.
The Annual Report keeps your LLC in good standing with the state.
How much does the Annual Report in Pennsylvania cost?
The Annual Report costs $7 per year.
When is the Annual Report due?
The Annual Report will be due on September 30th, every year.
When is my first Annual Report due?
If your LLC was formed between 1994 and 2024, your first Annual Report is due by September 30th, 2025.
If your LLC is formed in 2025, your first Annual Report is due by September 30th, 2026.
Then your Annual Report is due by September 30th every year after that.
How do I file the Annual Report for my LLC?
You can file your LLC’s Annual Report online or by mail. We recommend the online filing because it’s easier to complete.
Follow our step-by-step guide here: Pennsylvania LLC Annual Report.
Note: Pennsylvania used to have a filing requirement called the Decennial Report (due every 10 years). However, the Decennial Report no longer exists, and it’s been replace with the Annual Report.
File and pay taxes
LLCs don’t pay federal income tax. Instead, the LLC Members pay the taxes for the LLC.
Said another way, the owners pay taxes for the LLC as a part of their personal tax return.
How will my LLC be taxed?
By default, an LLC is taxed by the IRS based on the number of owners your LLC has:
- A Single-Member LLC is taxed like a Sole Proprietorship.
- A Multi-Member LLC is taxed like a Partnership.
Alternatively, you can ask the IRS to tax your LLC like a C-Corporation or S-Corporation.
Besides federal taxes, there are also state and local income taxes – and sales tax. Learn more about LLC income tax and sales tax in Pennsylvania LLC Taxes.
Pennsylvania Department of State Contact Info
If you have any questions about filing your LLC, you can contact the PA Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. Their number is 717-787-1057. And their hours are 8:00am – 4:45pm, Monday to Friday, Eastern Time.
Pennsylvania LLC Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start an LLC in Pennsylvania online?
Yes, you can start an LLC online in Pennsylvania. You’ll submit the Certificate of Organization electronically and pay the $125 filing fee.
If you file your LLC online, it will be approved in 5-7 days.
What are the benefits of an LLC?
The first benefit of an LLC is protecting your personal assets.
Simply put, your LLC helps keep your personal and business assets separate from one another in case your business is sued. Meaning, if your business is sued, your personal assets – like your home, cars, and bank accounts – are protected.
This protection applies to all LLC owners (called LLC Members). It doesn’t matter if you have a Single-Member LLC or Multi-Member LLC. All of the LLC owners are protected from the business debts and liabilities.
This type of protection wouldn’t apply if you operate as a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership. With these types of informal business structures, the owners aren’t protected in the event of a lawsuit. For that reason, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are a much more popular business structure.
Another benefit is LLC pass-through taxation. This means the LLC itself doesn’t pay federal income taxes. Instead, the profits “pass through” to the LLC Members. And the Members pay the taxes on their personal tax return.
And Pennsylvania state income taxes are very similar, since the state honors the federal tax treatment of your LLC.
To learn more, please see How are LLCs taxed.
Is Pennsylvania a good state to start an LLC?
It depends on where you live – and where you’re doing business.
Meaning, if you live in or do business in Pennsylvania, then you should start your LLC there. While many websites talk about tax rates and advantages of certain states, none of that applies if it’s not the state where you live and do business.
For example, if you form an LLC in Delaware, but live in and conduct business in Pennsylvania, you’ll also need to register your Delaware LLC in Pennsylvania (and pay extra fees). And you’ll end up paying Pennsylvania taxes anyway. This ends up leading to more costs and more headaches with no advantages.
In summary, if you live in and conduct business in Pennsylvania, then yes, Pennsylvania is a good state to start a business. If you don’t live in and do business in Pennsylvania, then no, Pennsylvania isn’t a good state to start a business.
Real estate exception: If you’re purchasing real estate outside of Pennsylvania, you should form your LLC in the state where the property is located.
For more information, please see Best State to Form an LLC.
What is the difference between a Domestic LLC, a Foreign LLC, and a PLLC?
The main differences between Domestic LLCs, Foreign LLCs, and Professional LLCs are where they are formed and their business purpose.
A Domestic Limited Liability Company is an LLC that is formed in its “home state”, meaning, where the business owner lives and does business.
For example, if you live in and do business in Georgia, you would form your LLC in Georgia, and this would be a Domestic LLC.
A Foreign Limited Liability Company is an LLC that is registered in a state that isn’t its home state. In this case, the term “foreign” simply means that the LLC is foreign to its “home state”.
For example, if you live in and do business in Georgia, you would form your LLC in Georgia (again, a Domestic LLC). If you later expand into Florida, you would register your existing Georgia LLC as a “Foreign LLC” in Florida.
In summary, if you want your LLC to do business in two states, you have to form an LLC in one state (a Domestic LLC) and register it to do business in another state (a Foreign LLC).
For more information on Foreign and Domestic LLCs, please see:
What is a PLLC?
A Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) is a type of LLC formed for the purpose of providing “professional services”.
In this case, “professional” refers to business types that require special permissions (like a license, registration, or certification from the state) in order to do business legally.
For example, architects, attorneys, and social work counselors, doctors, and veterinarians often form their business practices as restricted professional companies.
You can read more about PLLCs in: What’s a Professional LLC?
References
Pennsylvania LLC Act
PA Department of State: Fees & Payments
PA Business One-Stop Shop: Registering Your Business
PA Department of State: Annual Reports in Pennsylvania
PA Department of State: Business Fee Exemption for Veterans and Reservists
Information verified on October 27, 2026
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.