How Much Does an LLC Cost in North Dakota?

Starting an LLC in North Dakota costs $135 in state filing fees. This all-inclusive fee covers your Articles of Organization filing with the North Dakota Secretary of State. Unlike many states that charge separate fees for online versus paper filing, North Dakota keeps it simple with one flat rate regardless of how you file.

Here’s exactly what you’ll pay to form your LLC in North Dakota, plus what you can expect from the formation process.

North Dakota LLC Formation Costs Breakdown

The total cost to start your North Dakota LLC depends on whether you handle the filing yourself or use a professional formation service. Let’s break down every fee you might encounter:

Required State Filing Fees

Service	Fee	Details
Articles of Organization	$135	Required filing fee (online or paper)
Certificate of Good Standing	$20	Optional certificate proving LLC exists

Source: North Dakota Secretary of State, verified March 2026

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the state filing fee, you’ll want to budget for these essential services:

• Registered Agent Service: $125-200 per year (required if you don’t serve as your own)
• Operating Agreement: Free with template or $300-1,500 with attorney
• EIN (Tax ID Number): Free directly from IRS
• Business Bank Account: $0-25 monthly maintenance fees
• Business License: Varies by industry and location

Annual Maintenance Costs

North Dakota requires ongoing compliance to keep your LLC in good standing:

• Annual Report: $50 per year (due November 15th)
• Registered Agent: $125-200 per year if using a service
• State Taxes: Corporate income tax of 1.95% to 2.5% on net income

Your first annual report will be due by November 15th of the year following your LLC formation. Missing this deadline can result in administrative dissolution of your LLC.

DIY vs. Formation Service: Total Cost Comparison

You have two main options for forming your North Dakota LLC: filing yourself or hiring a formation service. Here’s how the costs stack up:

DIY Formation (First Year)

• State filing fee: $135
• Operating agreement template: $0
• EIN application: $0 (free from IRS)
• Registered agent (yourself): $0
• Total first-year cost: $135

Professional Formation Service (First Year)

• State filing fee: $135
• Formation service: $0-39 (most common starting prices)
• Registered agent (included): $0 additional
• Operating agreement template: Included
• EIN assistance: Often included
• Total first-year cost: $135-174

Why Use a Formation Service for Your North Dakota LLC

While you can certainly file your North Dakota LLC yourself, most entrepreneurs find professional formation services worth the modest additional cost. Here’s why:

Time Savings and Convenience

Formation services handle all the paperwork, filing, and follow-up communication with the state. Instead of researching requirements and navigating government websites, you can focus on building your business while experts handle the formation process.

Included Registered Agent Service

Professional formation services typically include a full year of registered agent service. This means you get a business address for official correspondence, privacy protection for your home address, and assurance that important legal documents won’t be missed.

Accuracy and Compliance

Formation services know exactly how to complete your Articles of Organization correctly the first time. They understand North Dakota’s LLC naming requirements and can help you avoid common mistakes that could delay your filing or require amendments later.

Top Formation Services for North Dakota LLCs

If you decide to use a formation service, here are the most reputable options for forming your North Dakota LLC:

Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest charges $39 plus the state filing fee and includes same-day filing, a registered agent for one year, and excellent customer support. They’re particularly strong for entrepreneurs who want personal attention and fast processing.

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness offers free LLC formation (you pay only the state fee) with their Starter plan, though processing takes 2-3 weeks. They also offer rush processing for faster service and include useful business tools and resources.

LegalZoom

LegalZoom provides free formation with their Basic plan, processing your LLC in 7-10 business days. As one of the largest formation services, they offer extensive additional business services and have handled millions of business formations.

Bizee

Bizee forms your LLC for free plus state fees and promises next business day processing. They focus on speed and simplicity, making them ideal for entrepreneurs who want their LLC formed quickly without extra complexity.

Understanding North Dakota’s LLC Requirements

Before you file, make sure you understand what North Dakota requires for LLC formation:

LLC Name Requirements

Your North Dakota LLC name must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation like “LLC” or “L.L.C.” The name must be distinguishable from other registered business entities in the state. You can check name availability through the North Dakota business name search.

Registered Agent Requirement

Every North Dakota LLC must designate a registered agent who maintains a physical address in the state and is available during normal business hours to receive legal documents. Learn more about your options in our North Dakota registered agent guide.

Articles of Organization

Your Articles of Organization must include your LLC’s name, registered agent information, management structure, and the name and address of at least one organizer. The document is relatively straightforward compared to some states.

Ongoing Costs After Formation

Once your LLC is formed, you’ll have ongoing costs to maintain good standing in North Dakota:

Annual Report Filing

North Dakota requires LLCs to file an annual report by November 15th each year, with a $50 filing fee. This report updates the state on your LLC’s current information, including member details and registered agent.

State Tax Obligations

North Dakota LLCs may be subject to the state’s corporate income tax, which ranges from 1.95% to 2.5% depending on income levels. However, most LLCs are pass-through entities, meaning profits and losses pass through to members’ personal tax returns. For detailed information about your tax obligations, see our North Dakota LLC taxes guide.

Business Banking

You’ll need a separate business bank account to maintain your LLC’s liability protection. This keeps your personal and business finances separate, which is crucial for preserving your limited liability status.

For business banking, consider banks that offer low or no monthly fees and good online banking features. Many community banks in North Dakota offer competitive business checking accounts, and online banks often provide excellent rates and services.

Additional Business Services to Consider

As you launch your North Dakota LLC, you may need these additional services:

Business Insurance

While forming an LLC provides personal liability protection, business insurance protects your company’s assets. General liability insurance, professional liability coverage, and property insurance can safeguard your business against various risks.

Accounting Software

Proper bookkeeping is essential for tax compliance and business success. Cloud-based accounting software can help you track income, expenses, and prepare for tax season while maintaining the financial records that support your LLC’s liability protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my North Dakota LLC name after filing?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the North Dakota Secretary of State. The fee for amendments varies, so check with the Secretary of State for current pricing.

Do I need an operating agreement in North Dakota?

North Dakota doesn’t require LLCs to have operating agreements, but having one is strongly recommended. An operating agreement defines how your LLC operates, prevents disputes among members, and strengthens your liability protection.

How long does it take to form an LLC in North Dakota?

Standard processing typically takes 5-7 business days. Some formation services offer expedited processing, though expedited fees and timeframes should be confirmed with the Secretary of State.

Can I serve as my own registered agent?

Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent if you maintain a physical address in North Dakota and are available during business hours. However, many business owners prefer professional registered agent services for privacy and reliability.

What happens if I don’t file my annual report?

Failing to file your annual report by the November 15th deadline can result in administrative dissolution of your LLC. You may be able to reinstate a dissolved LLC by filing the required reports and paying additional fees.

For step-by-step guidance on the entire formation process, check out our comprehensive North Dakota LLC formation guide.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Filing fees and requirements change : always confirm current fees with your state’s Secretary of State office.