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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 of Pennsylvania LLCs
Strong Privacy Protections
LLCs in Pennsylvania must list one member or manager, but full details can remain private in internal records.
Corporate Net Income Tax
The state is phasing down its corporate income tax to support business growth.
Business-Friendly Legal Environment
Flexible laws allow customized LLC structures and benefit company registration.
Understanding Pennsylvania LLCs
A Pennsylvania LLC combines the liability protection of a corporation with the flexibility of a partnership, making it a practical choice for business owners seeking control, simplicity, and personal asset protection. It is favored for its easy formation process and management flexibility.
What is a Pennsylvania LLC?
A Pennsylvania LLC is a legal business structure that separates personal assets from business liabilities. It allows for both member-managed and manager-managed operations and provides owners with the ability to customize internal roles through an operating agreement.
A Pennsylvania LLC offers several benefits, including:
Limited liability protection, pass-through taxation, flexible ownership and profit distribution structures, and fewer compliance requirements than corporations. Pennsylvania also provides strong creditor protections through charging orders.
Why choose an LLC in Pennsylvania?
Choosing an LLC in Pennsylvania offers a simple yet protective legal structure, ideal for startups and small businesses. It provides tax efficiency, operational control, and legal flexibility—without the burdens of corporate formalities.
Key Benefits Include:
Privacy Protection
Predictable Taxes
No Double Taxation
Legal Environment
Business Credibility
Clear Guidelines
Pros and Cons of an LLC in Pennsylvania
Starting a Pennsylvania LLC: Benefits
A Pennsylvania LLC protects personal assets from business liabilities, offers flexible management, and simplifies separation between business and personal finances. It supports multi-member or single-member ownership and is easy to form without residency restrictions.
Taxation of a Pennsylvania LLC
Pennsylvania LLCs benefit from pass-through taxation by default. Profits and losses are reported on members’ personal returns. LLCs may also elect corporate tax treatment and potentially qualify for state business incentives.
Starting a Pennsylvania LLC: Drawbacks
Pennsylvania does not allow Series LLCs, so separate legal entities are needed for asset isolation. Ownership changes often require unanimous consent, and poor recordkeeping may jeopardize liability protection.
Who Can Form an LLC in Pennsylvania?
Any person or legal entity can form an LLC in Pennsylvania, with no residency or membership restrictions.
Types of LLCs LLCs in Pennsylvania
Domestic LLC (Pennsylvania-based LLC)
A domestic LLC is formed under Pennsylvania law and operates within the state, offering limited liability protection and flexible management for one or more members.
Foreign LLC (Out-of-state LLC registering in Pennsylvania)
A foreign LLC is formed in another jurisdiction but registers to do business in Pennsylvania. It must file with the Department of State and appoint a registered office within the state.
Professional LLC (RPLLC)
Licensed professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants may form a Restricted Professional LLC (RPLLC). All members must be licensed in the same profession and state the professional purpose in the formation documents.
Benefit LLC (BCLLC)
A Benefit LLC is a domestic LLC that commits to creating a public benefit alongside profit and must deliver an annual benefit report to its members.
How to Start an LLC in Pennsylvania
Choose a Business Name
Select a unique name that includes "LLC" or "L.L.C." and ensure it’s distinguishable from existing entities in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania.
File the Articles of Organization
Submit Form LLC to the Pennsylvania 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.
Pennsylvania LLC Requirements
Age and Residency
Number of Members
Management Structure
Registered Agent and Office
Name Compliance
Pennsylvania LLC Application
To start an LLC in Pennsylvania, the key step is filing the Certificate of Organization (Form DSCB:15-8821) with the Pennsylvania Department of State. This officially registers your business as a legal entity under state law.
Required Information
The Certificate of Organization must include:
- LLC name (must include “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or equivalent),
- Registered office address in Pennsylvania (P.O. Boxes not accepted unless part of a commercial registered office provider),
- Name and address of the organizer,
- Statement of management structure (member-managed or manager-managed),
- Indication if the LLC is a Restricted Professional LLC (RPLLC) or a Benefit Company, with additional required statements.
Filing Options
- Online: Submit through the state’s online filing portal for faster processing and electronic confirmation.
- By Mail: Send completed Form DSCB:15-8821 with the required fee to: Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations, P.O. Box 8722, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722.
Post-Filing Requirements
- Docketing Statement: Must be filed at the time of formation and include FEIN (or reason for not having one), business activity, and other key details.
- Operating Agreement: Not required to be filed but highly recommended for defining internal operations and member responsibilities.
- Annual Reports: Not required for standard LLCs, but Benefit Companies must prepare annual benefit reports for members.
- Foreign LLCs: Must file a Foreign Registration Statement (Form DSCB:15-412) and provide a Certificate of Good Standing from their home jurisdiction.
Pennsylvania LLC Taxation
State Income Tax
LLCs are treated as pass‑through entities by default; members report profits or losses on their Pennsylvania personal income tax returns (rate ~3.07%).
Annual Report Fee
Starting in 2025, all Pennsylvania LLCs must file an Annual Report by September 30 each year, with a state‐fee of $7.
Sales and Use Tax
LLCs selling taxable goods or services must collect Pennsylvania sales tax (6%) plus any applicable local additions.
Pennsylvania LLC Annual Filing (Annual Report)
What to File
Annual Report form with updated business name, jurisdiction, registered office, principal office, and names/titles of key members or managers.
Filing Deadlines
Due annually by September 30, starting in 2025 for LLCs and foreign LLCs doing business in Pennsylvania.
Penalties & Consequences
Failure to file can lead to administrative dissolution or loss of good standing.
Expanding Your Pennsylvania LLC
As your business grows, you may expand your Pennsylvania LLC into other states. This involves registering as a foreign LLC in each new state and complying with that state’s legal, tax, and reporting requirements.
Registering a Foreign LLC in Pennsylvania
If your LLC was formed in another state but will operate in Pennsylvania, you must file a Foreign Registration Statement (Form DSCB:15-412), provide a Docketing Statement, appoint a registered office in Pennsylvania, and submit a Certificate of Good Standing from your home state.
Doing Business in Other States
To expand your Pennsylvania LLC into other states, you must register as a foreign LLC in each state where you operate. This includes filing required forms, appointing a registered agent, and meeting local tax and compliance rules.
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 Pennsylvania
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.