Forming an Utah LLC
(2025 Guide)
2025 LLC Guide
Special Offer alert!
forms your LLC with Northwest for $39 (60% off). Details inside.
How to Start an LLC in Utah (Step-by-Step Guide)
Discover how to start an LLC in Utah, our step-by-step guide. Learn the essential requirements and process to form your business today.
To establish an LLC in Utah, submit a Certificate of Organization to the Utah Division of Corporations. The filing fee is $59, and approval typically takes 7-10 business days.
Here are the five steps to get started:
1. Choose a Name for Your LLC
2. Select a Registered Agent
3. File the Certificate of Organization
4. Draft an Operating Agreement
5. Obtain an EIN
If you prefer to handle the LLC formation on your own, you can use our free guide provided below.
For those who would like assistance with the process, 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 establish an LLC in Utah?
Starting an LLC in Utah requires a fee of $59, followed by an annual fee of $18. What are these charges for? The initial $59 is for filing the Certificate of Organization, which officially forms the LLC. The $18 annual fee is for the Annual Report, a required submission to maintain your LLC’s good standing. For more details on these expenses, refer to LLC Costs in Utah.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Utah?
If you submit your LLC paperwork by mail, approval will take 7-10 business days, not including mail time. Filing online also results in approval within 7-10 business days. To check for any possible delays, please see How long does it take to get an LLC in Utah.
Here’s how to establish an LLC in Utah
1. Look Up Your LLC Name
Verify the availability of your LLC Name in the state. This is crucial because no two businesses in the state can share the same name.
Start by searching for your desired business name and comparing it to those already registered in Utah. Ensure your chosen LLC Name stands out by using the Business Name Availability Search tool.
Next, get acquainted with the state’s naming regulations to ensure your Utah LLC gets approved. We’ll delve into both topics further here: Utah LLC Name.
Note:
Most people choose “LLC”.
2. Select a Utah Registered Agent
The following step involves selecting a Registered Agent. A Utah Registered Agent is an individual or company responsible for receiving legal mail and state notices on behalf of your Utah 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
Utah 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 Utah 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 a Certificate of Organization
To establish an LLC, you must submit the Utah Certificate of Organization.
This document, upon filing with the Utah state authorities, officially forms your LLC. It is filed with the Utah Department of Commerce – Division of Corporations.
The cost for filing the Certificate of Organization is $59 if you choose to file online. This fee is a one-time charge for setting up your LLC. If you prefer to handle this yourself, refer to our detailed guide: Utah Certificate of Organization. Alternatively, you can hire a company to take care of it for you.
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 Utah 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 Utah 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?
After receiving approval for your LLC, you need to take a few more actions.
LLC business bank account
You should establish a business bank account for your LLC. This helps streamline accounting and record-keeping for your business finances. Furthermore, having a dedicated business bank account preserves your personal liability protection by keeping your business finances distinct from personal ones.
Get business licenses and permits
Fortunately, Utah doesn’t require a state general business license. However, depending on your LLC’s location, local business licenses or permits may be necessary. For instance, if you’re opening a daycare, you might need a business license from your local city or county. Additional details can be found on our Utah Business License page.
File your LLC Annual Report
Utah LLCs are required to file an Annual Report each year to stay in good standing with the state. In Utah, this report is also known as the Business Renewal or Annual Renewal, which are synonymous.
How much does an LLC Annual Report cost in Utah? The filing fee for the Annual Report is $18 annually.
When is the Annual Report due? Utah Annual Reports are due by the last day of your LLC’s anniversary month. For instance, if your LLC was approved on May 14, 2025, your Annual Report will be due by May 31 each year.
When is my first Annual Report due? Your initial Annual Report will be due the year following your LLC’s approval. For example, if your LLC was approved on February 15, 2025, your first Annual Report must be submitted by March 31, 2026.
How do I file my LLC Annual Report? You can file your LLC’s Annual Report online or via mail. We suggest online filing as it is more convenient. Follow our step-by-step guide here: Utah LLC Annual Report.
File and pay taxes
LLCs don’t pay federal taxes directly. Instead, the LLC Members are responsible for paying taxes on the LLC’s behalf as part of their personal tax returns.
How is my LLC taxed? By default, the IRS taxes an LLC based on the number of its owners: A Single-Member LLC is taxed like a Sole Proprietorship, while a Multi-Member LLC is taxed like a Partnership. Alternatively, you can request the IRS to tax your LLC as a C-Corporation or S-Corporation. Besides federal taxes, there are also state and local income taxes, as well as sales tax. Find more information in Utah LLC Taxes.
Helpful Resources
If you have any questions about starting an LLC in Utah, you can contact the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code (which is part of the Utah Department of Commerce).
Their phone number is 801-530-4849, and their hours are Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm Mountain Time.
How to Start an LLC in Utah FAQs
Can I start an LLC online in Utah?
Yes, you can file your LLC Yes, you can submit your LLC application online in Utah. The fee for filing the Certificate of Organization is $59. Once you file online, your LLC will be approved within 7-10 business days.online in Texas. The Certificate of Formation filing fee is $308. When using SOSDirect to form your LLC online, approval typically takes 10-12 business days.
What are the benefits of an LLC?
One major advantage of an LLC is the protection of personal assets. This means that if your business faces a lawsuit, your assets—like your home, vehicles, and bank accounts—remain secure. This protection extends to all LLC members, whether it’s a Single-Member or Multi-Member LLC. LLC owners are shielded from business debts and liabilities, unlike owners in a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership, where such protection is not available. Consequently, LLCs are a preferred business structure. Additionally, LLCs benefit from pass-through taxation, meaning the LLC doesn’t pay federal income taxes directly; instead, profits are passed through to the members, who then report them on their personal tax returns. State income taxes function similarly as the state recognizes the federal tax treatment of your LLC. For further details, please see How are LLCs taxed.
Is Utah a good state to start an LLC?
Whether Utah is suitable for starting an LLC depends on where you reside and conduct business. If you’re based or operate in Utah, it makes sense to establish your LLC there. Despite what many websites suggest about tax benefits in other states, these don’t apply if it’s not your home or business state. For instance, if you form an LLC in Nevada but live and work in Utah, you must register your Nevada LLC in Utah, incurring extra fees and still paying Utah taxes. This situation leads to unnecessary costs and complications. Therefore, if you’re living and working in Utah, it’s a good state to start a business. Otherwise, it might not be beneficial. Note: If buying real estate outside Utah, form your LLC in the property’s state. For more details, please see Best State to Form an LLC.
What is the difference between a Domestic LLC, a Foreign LLC, and a PLLC?
The primary distinctions between Domestic LLCs, Foreign LLCs, and Professional LLCs lie in their formation location and business purpose. A Domestic LLC is created in the owner’s home state, where they live and do business. For example, if you’re in Georgia, you’d form your Domestic LLC there. A Foreign LLC is established in a state other than its home state, meaning it’s foreign to the home state. For instance, if you live and operate in Georgia, your Domestic LLC would be in Georgia, but if you expand to Florida, you’d register it as a Foreign LLC in Florida. Essentially, LLCs are state-level entities, requiring formation or registration in each state where they operate. This involves creating a Domestic LLC in your home state and a Foreign LLC in another.
What is a PLLC?
A Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) is an LLC designed for offering “professional services.” Here, “professional” indicates business types needing special permissions (like a license, registration, or certification from the state) to operate legally. Commonly, professionals like architects, lawyers, social work counselors, doctors, and veterinarians opt for PLLC structures for their practices. You can learn more about PLLCs, their availability, and stricter requirements in: What’s a Professional LLC? For additional information on Foreign and Domestic LLCs, please see: Foreign LLCs by State and the Difference between Domestic LLCs and Foreign LLCs.
About Us
We specialize in guiding individuals through the process of forming LLCs across all states, while also offering a range of comprehensive business services tailored to entrepreneurs.
Basics
Our Services
contact details
- support@uniprime.online
- +1 (646) 347-3833
- 1494 State St, Schenectady, NY 12304,