Forming an Pennsylvania LLC

(2025 Guide)

2025 LLC Guide

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How to Start an LLC in Pennsylvania (Step-by-Step Guide)

Discover how to start an LLC in Pennsylvania, our step-by-step guide. Learn the essential requirements and process to form your business today.

To establish an LLC in Pennsylvania, you need to submit a Certificate of Formation to the Pennsylvania Department of State. The filing fee is $125, and the approval process typically takes 5-7 days.

Here are the 5 key steps for setting up your LLC:

Choose an LLC Name
Select a Registered Agent
File a Certificate of Organization
Draft an Operating Agreement
Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

If you prefer to form your LLC independently, refer to our free guide below. Alternatively, if you’d like professional assistance, we suggest hiring Northwest Registered Agent.

Need to save time?

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

What is the cost to start an LLC in Pennsylvania?

Starting an LLC in Pennsylvania costs $125, plus an annual fee of $7.

What are these fees for? The $125 fee is for filing the Certificate of Organization, which officially creates your LLC. The $7 annual fee is for the Annual Report, a required filing to maintain your LLC’s good standing. Good news for veterans: Veterans and Reservists are exempt from the $125 filing fee for forming an LLC in Pennsylvania. You can submit your LLC’s Articles of Organization at no cost ($0). Learn more about Free LLCs for Pennsylvania Veterans & Reservists. For additional details on LLC costs, see LLC Costs in Pennsylvania.

How long does it take to establish an LLC in Pennsylvania?

If you file by mail, your LLC will be approved in 5-7 days, plus mail time. Filing online also results in approval within 5-7 days. Check for any potential delays at How long does it take to get an LLC in Pennsylvania.

Here’s how to establish an LLC in Pennsylvania

1. Search your LLC Name

Begin by searching for your LLC name to confirm its availability in the state. It’s essential because two businesses can’t operate under the same name within the state.

Conduct a search of your business name and compare it with those already registered in Pennsylvania. Use the Pennsylvania Business Search to ensure your desired LLC name is distinct from other businesses.

Additionally, get acquainted with the state’s naming regulations to ensure your LLC name is approved. We’ll provide more detailed information here: Pennsylvania LLC Name.

Note: 

Most people choose “LLC”.

2. Select a Pennsylvania Registered Agent

The following step involves selecting a Registered Agent. A Pennsylvania Registered Agent is an individual or company responsible for receiving legal mail and state notices on behalf of your Pennsylvania Limited Liability Company.

Who is eligible to be an LLC Registered Agent? You have three options for appointing a Registered Agent:

You
A friend or family member
A Registered Agent Service

Pennsylvania mandates that LLC Registered Agents must maintain a physical street address within the state. PO Boxes are not permissible. The name and address of the Registered Agent will be included in public records.

If you lack an address in Pennsylvania or desire increased privacy, you can opt for a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.

We suggest Northwest Registered Agent

One of the aspects we appreciate most about Northwest is their willingness to allow you to use their office address for your LLC filing. This ensures your personal address is not listed in public records.

Additionally, they provide a service to scan any mail addressed to your LLC and upload it to your online account. Northwest offers exceptional customer service, and we trust them as our own Registered Agent.

Special offer: 

Form your LLC with Northwest for $39 + state fee and get a free year of Registered Agent service.

(Read our Northwest Registered Agent review.)

3. Submit the Certificate of Organization

To establish an LLC, you must submit the Certificate of Organization to the Pennsylvania Department of State.

The filing fee for the Certificate of Organization is $125. This is a one-time payment required to form your LLC. If you prefer to handle the filing yourself, refer to our step-by-step guide: Pennsylvania Certificate of Organization. Alternatively, you can hire a company to complete the process on your behalf.

Need to save time? 

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

4. Draft an LLC Operating Agreement

An LLC Operating Agreement acts as a complementary document to the Certificate of Formation. While the Certificate of Formation establishes your LLC, the Operating Agreement identifies the owners of the LLC.

Moreover, many banks require an Operating Agreement when setting up an LLC bank account. It is also invaluable if legal issues arise, as it demonstrates the proper management of your LLC. For these reasons, we advise all LLCs, including Single-Member LLCs, to have an Operating Agreement.

Additionally, an Operating Agreement is considered an “internal document.” This means you don’t need to file it with the state or the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Simply keep a copy with your business records. You can download a free template below. Then, watch our Pennsylvania Operating Agreement video for a step-by-step guide on how to complete it.

Download a free LLC Operating Agreement:

Member-managed: Google Doc | Word | PDF
Manager-managed: Google Doc | Word

(What’s better? See Member-managed vs Manager-managed LLC)

5. Obtain an EIN for Your LLC

The following step is to secure a Pennsylvania EIN from the IRS for your LLC. Note: An EIN, also known as a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number, is essential.

An EIN is needed to:
– Identify your LLC for tax purposes
– Open a business bank account
– Apply for business licenses and permits

How much does an EIN cost? The IRS provides an EIN at no charge.

How long does it take to receive an EIN? Online applications are processed in 15 minutes, while mail or fax applications may take 1-3 months.

How can I obtain an EIN?
– US Citizens/Residents: With an SSN or ITIN, apply online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
– Non-US Residents: You can’t apply online, but you can obtain an EIN via fax or mail. See these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.

What should I do after my LLC is approved?

Once your LLC is approved, there are a few more steps to consider:

Open a Business Bank Account for Your LLC


It’s important to establish a business bank account for your LLC. This simplifies accounting and record-keeping for your business. Moreover, having a separate business account helps preserve your personal liability protection by keeping business finances distinct from personal ones.

Obtain Business Licenses and Permits


In Pennsylvania, there’s no state-wide general business license. However, depending on your LLC’s location, a local business license or permit may be required. For instance, launching a daycare might necessitate a city or county business license. Additional details can be found on our Pennsylvania Business License page.

File an Annual Report for Your LLC


Starting in 2025, all Pennsylvania LLCs must submit an Annual Report each year to remain in good standing. The cost of the Annual Report in Pennsylvania is $7 annually. It is due by September 30th every year. For LLCs formed between 1994 and 2024, the first Annual Report is due by September 30th, 2025. LLCs formed in 2025 must submit their first report by September 30th, 2026, with subsequent reports due annually thereafter. You can file your LLC’s Annual Report online or via mail, though we recommend online filing for simplicity. Follow our detailed instructions here: Pennsylvania LLC Annual Report. Note: Pennsylvania previously required a Decennial Report every 10 years, but this has been replaced by the Annual Report.

File and Pay Taxes


LLCs themselves do not pay federal income tax; instead, the LLC Members handle tax payments through their personal tax returns. By default, the IRS taxes an LLC based on its number of owners: a Single-Member LLC is taxed like a Sole Proprietorship, and a Multi-Member LLC like a Partnership. Alternatively, you can request IRS taxation as a C-Corporation or S-Corporation. Besides federal taxes, be aware of state and local income taxes, as well as sales tax. More information is available on LLC income tax and sales tax in Pennsylvania LLC Taxes.

Helpful Resources

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.

How to Start an LLC in Pennsylvania FAQs

Can I start an LLC in Pennsylvania online?

Yes, you can create an LLC online in Pennsylvania by submitting the Certificate of Organization electronically and paying a $125 filing fee. Online filings are typically approved within 5-7 days.

One of the primary advantages of an LLC is the protection of personal assets. With an LLC, your personal assets, such as your home, cars, and bank accounts, are kept separate from business assets, offering protection in case of a lawsuit. This protection applies to all LLC members, whether it’s a Single-Member or Multi-Member LLC. Unlike Sole Proprietorships or Partnerships, LLC owners are shielded from the business’s debts and liabilities, making LLCs a more popular choice.

Another benefit is pass-through taxation. The LLC itself does not pay federal income taxes; instead, profits are passed to LLC members, who then report them on their personal tax returns. Pennsylvania’s state income tax system aligns with this federal tax treatment. For more details, see <em>How are LLCs taxed

The decision depends on where you live and conduct business. If you reside or operate in Pennsylvania, it makes sense to start your LLC there. While some states may offer tax advantages, these benefits are irrelevant if you don’t live or do business in those states. For instance, forming an LLC in Delaware while living and conducting business in Pennsylvania would require you to register the Delaware LLC in Pennsylvania, resulting in extra fees and taxes. Hence, if you live and do business in Pennsylvania, it is a suitable place to start an LLC. However, if not, it may not be ideal.

An exception is real estate: if buying property outside Pennsylvania, form your LLC in the property’s state. For further details, see <em>Best State to Form an LLC

The distinctions among Domestic LLCs, Foreign LLCs, and Professional LLCs lie in their formation location and business purpose.

A Domestic LLC is formed in its home state where the owner resides and operates. For example, a Georgia resident doing business in Georgia forms a Domestic LLC there.

A Foreign LLC registers in a state other than its home state. For instance, a Georgia-based LLC expanding into Florida would register as a Foreign LLC in Florida. To operate in multiple states, one forms a Domestic LLC in one state and registers it as a Foreign LLC elsewhere. For more insights, see <em>Foreign LLCs by State</em> and <em>Difference between Domestic LLCs and Foreign LLCs</em>.

A Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) is an LLC formed to provide professional services requiring state licenses or certifications, such as those for architects, lawyers, or doctors. More information can be found in <em>What’s a Professional LLC?

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