Business Formation / LLC Pennsylvania

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

🏁 Initial Formation Costs

• Certificate of Organization (Articles of Organization): $125 — One-time fee to file with the PA Department of State 

• Name Reservation (Optional): $70 — Reserve your desired LLC name for 120 days 

• DBA / Fictitious Name (Optional): $70 — Required if operating under a different name 

• Registered Agent (Optional): $0–$300/year — Free if you serve yourself; professional services typically cost $99–$299/year

• Operating Agreement (Optional): $0–$500+ — DIY templates are free; attorney services are extra 

• EIN (Federal Tax ID): $0 — Free via the IRS

🔄 Ongoing & Annual Fees

• Annual Report Fee: $7/year, due by September 30 (starting in 2025) 

• Certificate of Good Standing (“Certificate of Subsistence”): $40 (optional, for banking or licensing) 

• Certified Copies: Typically $10+, depending on pages/copies

🌍 Foreign LLC Registration (Expanding into PA)

• Foreign Registration Fee: $250 — Required for out-of-state LLCs doing business in PA 

💰 Estimated Cost Summary

📌 Key Highlights

1. Initial filing fee: $125

2. New low annual report requirement: $7/year from 2025

3. Optional DBA/name reservation cost: $70 each

4. Registered agent service: $0–300/year 

5. Foreign LLC registration: $250 one-time if applicable 

🧭 Summary – Why PA Is Reasonable for LLCs

• Low startup cost with just a $125 formation fee

• Very inexpensive annual requirement at only $7/year

• Optional extras provide flexibility depending on your business needs

• No complex publication or franchise taxes required at formation

✅ Next Steps

1. File your Certificate of Organization ($125)

2. Optionally, reserve your name or register a DBA ($70 each)

3. Appoint a Registered Agent or serve yourself

4. Draft an Operating Agreement (DIY or attorney-prepared)

5. Obtain a free EIN from the IRS

6. Starting in 2025, file your $7 Annual Report each year by September 30

🛑 What additional costs am I responsible for?

In addition to our fee, you will be potentially responsible for the costs of some or all of the items below if applicable.

1. Licenses 
   
2. Filing Fees
3. Reports
4. Name Reservations
5. Articles of Organization