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Basic
$199
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
02 weeks processing
Agent fee
Registered Address
Document filing with the Secretary of State
Standard
$499
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
05 days processing
Includes everything in basic package
Comprehensive name check
Preparation of Articles of Incorporation
Lifetime customer support (phone & email)
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Obtainment Service
Premium
$599
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
01 day processing
Includes everything in standard package
2 hours of free tax consultation
Key Points for North Dakota LLCs
Business Income Tax
LLCs in North Dakota are treated as pass-through entities by default, meaning profits are taxed on the owner's personal return without a separate state-level business income tax.
Streamlined Formation Process
Forming an LLC in North Dakota is straightforward with online filing, low fees, and minimal paperwork, making it easy for new business owners to get started.
Stable Business Climate
Offers a low cost of doing business, strong infrastructure, and a pro-business regulatory environment, making it ideal for entrepreneurs in agriculture, energy, and tech.
Understanding North Dakota LLCs
A North Dakota LLC provides liability protection similar to corporations while maintaining partnership-style tax flexibility. It is designed for business owners seeking manageable costs and strong legal protection.
What is a North Dakota LLC?
It’s a legal entity created by filing Articles of Organization with the North Dakota Secretary of State. It requires a registered agent with a physical ND address and allows member- or manager-managed governance.
A North Dakota LLC offers several benefits, including:
Personal liability protection for members. Affordable filing and reporting fees. Pass-through taxation by default. Flexible management options.
Why choose an LLC in North Dakota?
Entrepreneurs choose North Dakota for its liability protection, modest compliance costs, and clear regulatory structure, offering business security without complex requirements.
Key Benefits Include:
Privacy Protection
Predictable Taxes
No Double Taxation
Legal Environment
Business Credibility
Clear Guidelines
Pros and Cons of an LLC in North Dakota
Starting a North Dakota LLC: Benefits
Affordable formation and annual costs, strong liability protections, and default pass-through taxation make North Dakota LLCs attractive.
Taxation of a North Dakota LLC
By default, LLCs are pass-through entities. North Dakota does not impose a separate franchise tax, but members pay state individual income tax based on earnings.
Starting a North Dakota LLC: Drawbacks
Annual Reports are mandatory, with fees due by November 15. Missing deadlines can result in penalties or dissolution. Certain industries require additional licensing or permits.
Who Can Form an LLC in North Dakota?
Any individual or business entity (including non-residents and foreign LLCs) may form or register to operate an LLC in North Dakota.
Types of LLCs in North Dakota
Domestic LLC (North Dakota-based LLC)
Formed under North Dakota law, operating primarily in-state. Must file Articles of Organization and maintain a local registered agent.
Foreign LLC (Out-of-state LLC registering in North Dakota)
LLCs formed outside ND must file for foreign qualification with the Secretary of State, appoint a local registered agent, and file Annual Reports.
Series LLC
North Dakota law does not permit Series LLCs.
Restricted LLC
No statutory Restricted LLC option exists. Restrictions must be included in the Operating Agreement.
Professional LLC (PLLC)
Licensed professionals may form LLCs in North Dakota, but they remain subject to state licensing board requirements. There is no separate PLLC statute.
How to Start an LLC in North Dakota
Choose a Business Name
Select a unique name that includes "LLC" or "L.L.C." and ensure it’s distinguishable from existing entities in North Dakota. Use the Secretary of State’s name search tool to verify availability.
Appoint a Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent to accept legal documents. This can be an individual or a registered service company with a physical address in North Dakota.
File the Articles of Organization
Submit Form LLC to the North Dakota Secretary of State, providing LLC name, principal office address, and registered agent details.
Create an Operating Agreement
Though not required, it’s recommended to draft an Operating Agreement outlining ownership, governance, and profit distribution to reinforce liability protection and support tax compliance.
North Dakota LLC Requirements
Age and Residency
Number of Members
Management Structure
Registered Agent and Office
Name Compliance
North Dakota LLC Application
To form an LLC in North Dakota, you must file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.
Required Information
- LLC name (must include “LLC” or similar and be unique).
- Registered agent with a physical ND address.
- Principal business address.
- Management structure (member- or manager-managed).
- Duration of LLC (perpetual or limited).
Filing Options
- Online via the North Dakota Secretary of State FirstStop portal.
Post-Filing Requirements
- File Annual Reports due by November 15 each year.
- Maintain a registered agent in the state.
- Prepare an Operating Agreement (not required to file, but recommended).
North Dakota LLC Taxation
Pass-Through Taxation (Default)
LLCs are pass-through entities by default, meaning profits/losses are reported by members on personal returns.
State Income Tax
North Dakota imposes individual income tax on LLC members’ earnings, ranging from 1.1% to 2.9% (rates vary by income).
No Franchise Tax
There is no separate franchise or privilege tax on LLCs in North Dakota.
Other Taxes
Sales/use tax applies to taxable goods and services. Payroll taxes apply for employers.
North Dakota LLC Annual Filing (Annual Report)
What to File
Annual Reports include LLC name, registered agent information, addresses, and member/manager details.
Filing Deadlines
Due annually by November 15.
Penalties & Consequences
Late filings may result in late fees, loss of good standing, and possible administrative dissolution.
Expanding Your North Dakota LLC
Registering a Foreign LLC in North Dakota
An LLC formed in another state but doing business in North Dakota must register as a foreign LLC, appoint a registered agent, and comply with state annual reporting requirements.
Doing Business in Other States
To expand outside ND, an LLC must foreign-qualify in those states, comply with their licensing and tax rules, and maintain good standing both in ND and elsewhere.
Find The Right State To
Form An LLC
Every state has different rules, costs, and considerations for LLC formation.
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Doing Business in North Dakota
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most states require you to have a registered agent to handle legal documents and notices during business hours.
While not always required by law, having an operating agreement is a smart move to outline your LLC’s rules and avoid disputes down the road.
An EIN is a federal tax ID; most LLCs need one to open a business bank account, file taxes, or hire employees.