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How to Form an LLC in Pennsylvania Yourself (2026 Costs and Steps)

Last verified against official Pennsylvania sources on 2026-09-15.

State filing fee
$125
Form
Certificate of Organization [DSCB:15-8821] (filed with a New Entity Docketing Statement [DSCB:15-134A])
Filed with
Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations
Processing time
Published by the state: see the guide below
Annual report
$7 (annual)
Be your own registered agent
Yes, if you meet the rules below
Official Pennsylvania filing page (opens in a new tab)

Quick answer

The total state cost to file online is $125. You can file with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations at file online with the Department of State.

Step 1: Check that your LLC name is available

Search the agency's business name records before filing to ensure your desired name is available.

Step 2: Choose a registered agent

Pennsylvania does not use registered agents in the traditional sense. The Department records a registered office address instead, and service of process may be sent there. The LLC may list its own Pennsylvania address (a PO box alone is not acceptable) or use a commercial registered office provider.

Step 3: File your Certificate of Organization [DSCB:15-8821] (filed with a New Entity Docketing Statement [DSCB:15-134A])

File the required form with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. The filing fee is $125. You may file it yourself for just the state fee.

Expedite options are available on top of the statutory filing fee:

  • Same-day service (received before 10:00 a.m.): $100. Can be requested with online filings through Business Filing Services, or in person with a paper request form. Not accepted by mail.
  • 3 hour service (received before 2:00 p.m.): $300. Not accepted by mail.
  • 1 hour service (received before 4:00 p.m.): $1000. Not accepted by mail.

Step 4: Create an operating agreement

Create an operating agreement to cover ownership, roles, voting, and what happens if a member leaves.

Step 5: Get your EIN from the IRS

Get your Employer Identification Number from the IRS for free at https://www.irs.gov/ein.

Step 6: Keep your LLC in good standing

File an Annual Report [DSCB:15-146] between January 1 and September 30 each year. The fee is $7 for most LLCs. The fee is waived ($0) for LLCs with a not-for-profit purpose. Should be filed online at file.dos.pa.gov; online reports are approved automatically. Restricted professional companies also owe a separate Certificate of Annual Registration.

The Capital Stock/Foreign Franchise Tax was eliminated for tax years beginning January 1, 2016 and after. No current PA minimum tax applies to LLCs as such.

Three ways to get it done

State fees are always extra and go straight to the state.

Free

Do it yourself

Follow this guide in Pennsylvania. Every fee and form comes from the state’s own pages.

Download the PDF guide
$249 + state fees

We file it for you

We prepare and file your LLC paperwork in Pennsylvania so you don’t have to learn the portal.

Have us file it
$1,497 + state fees

Done for you

Business in a box: the LLC plus the setup to run it, built so it doesn’t depend on you.

Book a call

This is general information, not legal or tax advice. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney or CPA.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Pennsylvania?

The total state cost to file online is $125.

When is the annual report due?

The Annual Report [DSCB:15-146] is due between January 1 and September 30 each year for domestic and foreign LLCs.

Is there a franchise tax for LLCs in Pennsylvania?

No current PA minimum tax applies to LLCs as such. The Capital Stock/Foreign Franchise Tax, which used to reach LLCs, was eliminated for tax years beginning January 1, 2016 and after.

Do I need to publish notice of my LLC formation in Pennsylvania?

No advertising is required when forming a domestic limited liability company in Pennsylvania.

Sources

Official sources, last verified 2026-09-15: