Cost guide
How Much Does an LLC Cost in South Dakota?
Filing it yourself, a South Dakota LLC costs $150 to start (about $205 in year one) — everything else on the typical "LLC cost" list is either free or optional. Here's the honest breakdown.
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| Item | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $150 | Yes — one-time |
| Annual report / state tax | $55/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 South Dakota: $55 electronic / $70 paper annual report, due by the 1st day of the 2nd month after your anniversary month. Typical processing: ~a few business days (unconfirmed; $165 paper filing fee). Figures are estimates — verify with the South Dakota Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing. Doesn't include business licenses, permits, or taxes on income.
South Dakota LLC cost FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in South Dakota?
The one-time Articles of Organization filing fee in South Dakota is $150. The recurring cost is $55/year ($55 electronic / $70 paper annual report, due by the 1st day of the 2nd month after your anniversary month). An EIN from the IRS and writing your own operating agreement are both free. Verify the current fee with the South Dakota Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
Is a registered agent required, and does it cost extra in South Dakota?
Yes, South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
Filing the Articles of Organization yourself directly with the state and acting as your own registered agent costs only the $150 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 South Dakota Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
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Next: read the full South Dakota LLC formation guide, check whether your business name is available in South Dakota, brainstorm ideas with the free name generator, or build your free formation checklist.