Cost guide
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Pennsylvania?
Filing it yourself, a Pennsylvania LLC costs $125 to start (about $132 in year one) — everything else on the typical "LLC cost" list is either free or optional. Here's the honest breakdown.
Not legal advice. Open Legal Aid is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation. Our guides and tools offer general legal information and self-help documents only, and using them does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time — for advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
| Item | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $125 | Yes — one-time |
| Annual report / state tax | $7/year | Yes — recurring |
| EIN (federal tax ID) | $0 | Free from the IRS — never pay for this |
| Operating agreement | $0 | Recommended — use our free generator |
| Registered agent | $0 yourself, or ~$100–$150/yr for a service | Yes — but you can be your own |
| Formation service | $0–$300+ | Optional — you can file yourself |
Ongoing requirement in Pennsylvania: $7 annual report, due by Sept 30 (filing window Jan 1–Sept 30, in effect since 2025). Typical processing: Online: near-instant; mail ~7–10 business days. Figures are estimates — verify with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing. Doesn't include business licenses, permits, or taxes on income.
Pennsylvania LLC cost FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Pennsylvania?
The one-time Articles of Organization filing fee in Pennsylvania is $125. The recurring cost is $7/year ($7 annual report, due by Sept 30 (filing window Jan 1–Sept 30, in effect since 2025)). An EIN from the IRS and writing your own operating agreement are both free. Verify the current fee with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
Is a registered agent required, and does it cost extra in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania requires an LLC to have a registered agent, but you can act as your own at no cost if you have a physical address in the state and are available during business hours. A registered agent service typically runs about $100–$150 per year if you'd rather not use your own address.
What's the cheapest way to form an LLC in Pennsylvania?
Filing the Articles of Organization yourself directly with the state and acting as your own registered agent costs only the $125 state filing fee — no formation-service markup. A paid formation service adds convenience, not anything you can't do yourself. Verify the current fee with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
Get your personalized number
Pick your registered-agent option and see your first-year and ongoing totals.
Open the Pennsylvania cost calculator →Rather have a service handle your Pennsylvania filing?
Some links below are partner links. If you form your company through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps keep Open Legal Aid free.
Next: read the full Pennsylvania LLC formation guide, check whether your business name is available in Pennsylvania, brainstorm ideas with the free name generator, or build your free formation checklist.