To get an LLC in Idaho, it takes 3-4 weeks by mail and 3-5 business days by filing online.
If you are interested in starting a business in Idaho and want to register as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), you may be wondering how long the process takes.
The good news is that getting an LLC in Idaho is relatively straightforward and can be done in a few steps.
However, the actual timeline for getting an LLC in Idaho can vary depending on several factors.
Approval Time for an Idaho LLC
Online Filing: You can get an LLC in Idaho in 3-5 business days Mail Filing: Filing by mail can take about 3-4 weeks |
Idaho LLC Filing Steps
Online Filing
Sure, I can provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to file online for an Idaho LLC on the Idaho state government website:
1. Go to the Idaho Secretary of State’s website at https://sos.idaho.gov/
2. Click on the “Business Services” tab on the top navigation bar, and select “Start a Business” from the drop-down menu.
3. Under “Limited Liability Company (LLC)”, click on “File an LLC Online”.
4. Choose “Domestic LLC” if your LLC will be formed in Idaho, or “Foreign LLC” if your LLC is already formed in another state and you want to operate in Idaho.
5. Enter the desired name for your LLC, and check if it’s available for use in Idaho. If it’s already taken, you’ll need to choose another name.
6. Enter the address of your LLC’s principal office in Idaho. This can be your home address or a registered agent’s address.
7. Select a registered agent for your LLC. The registered agent is a person or business that accepts legal documents on behalf of your LLC.
8. Provide the names and addresses of the LLC’s members or managers. If you have a single-member LLC, you can skip this step.
9. Review your information, and pay the filing fee of $100 with a credit or debit card.
10. After completing the filing process, you will receive a confirmation email with your LLC’s approved articles of organization.
Congratulations, you have successfully filed for an Idaho LLC online!
Filing by Mail
To file for an LLC in Idaho by mail, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Obtain the necessary forms: You can download the “Certificate of Organization” form for your Idaho LLC from the Idaho Secretary of State’s website. You can also request a paper copy of the form by calling the Idaho Secretary of State’s office at (208) 334-2301.
2. Complete the form: Fill out the Certificate of Organization form with your LLC’s name, the name and address of the registered agent, the name and address of each member or organizer, and other required information.
3. Prepare payment: The filing fee for a Certificate of Organization is $100, and you can pay by check or money order made out to the “Secretary of State.”
4. Mail the form and payment: Send the completed Certificate of Organization form and payment to the following address:
Idaho Secretary of State
450 N. 4th Street
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080
5. Wait for processing: Processing times vary, but it usually takes the Idaho Secretary of State’s office 5-10 business days to process LLC formation documents received by mail. You can check the status of your LLC formation by searching for it on the Idaho Secretary of State’s website.
It’s important to note that you should always consult with an attorney or a professional formation service to ensure that you have met all the legal requirements for forming an LLC in Idaho.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Idaho?
In Idaho, the cost of forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) includes both the filing fee for the Certificate of Organization with the Idaho Secretary of State’s office and any additional fees associated with obtaining a business license and registering for state taxes.
As of April 2023, the filing fee for the Certificate of Organization in Idaho is $100. This fee can be paid online through the Idaho Secretary of State’s website.
Additionally, there may be other costs associated with starting an LLC in Idaho, such as obtaining a business license, registering for state taxes, or hiring an attorney to help with the formation process. These costs can vary depending on the nature of the business and the specific requirements of the state.
It is recommended that you consult with a qualified attorney or accountant to ensure that you have an accurate understanding of all costs associated with forming an LLC in Idaho.
Overview of Steps & Time Involved in Getting an Idaho LLC
Here is a breakdown of the steps involved in getting an LLC in Idaho and an estimate of how long each step takes.
Step 1: Choose a Name for Your LLC
The first step in forming an LLC in Idaho is choosing a name for your business. You will need to make sure the name you choose is available and not already in use by another business in the state. You can search the Idaho Secretary of State’s online database to see if the name you want is available.
Timeframe: This step can be done relatively quickly, usually within a day or two.
Step 2: File Articles of Organization
Once you have chosen a name for your LLC, you will need to file Articles of Organization with the Idaho Secretary of State. This document establishes your LLC and includes basic information such as the name of the LLC, the registered agent, and the members of the LLC.
Timeframe: Filing the Articles of Organization typically takes around one to two weeks. However, if you choose to file online, you may receive confirmation of your LLC’s approval within a few days.
Step 3: Obtain an EIN
An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a unique nine-digit number that identifies your LLC for tax purposes. You will need to obtain an EIN from the IRS, even if you do not plan to hire employees.
Timeframe: Obtaining an EIN can usually be done quickly online, and you will receive your number immediately.
Step 4: Apply for Business Licenses and Permits
Depending on the type of business you plan to operate, you may need to apply for additional licenses and permits from the state or local government. This can include things like a business license, sales tax permit, or professional license.
Timeframe: The time it takes to obtain business licenses and permits can vary widely depending on the type of license or permit you need. Some licenses and permits can be obtained quickly, while others may take several weeks or even months to process.
Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement
Although it is not required by Idaho law, it is recommended that you create an Operating Agreement for your LLC. This document outlines the management structure of your LLC and the rights and responsibilities of the members.
Timeframe: Creating an Operating Agreement can take several days or even weeks, depending on the complexity of your LLC’s management structure and the number of members.
Overall, the timeline for getting an LLC in Idaho can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of your business and the number of licenses and permits you need to obtain.
If you are in a hurry to get your LLC up and running, you may want to consider using an online formation service, which can expedite the process significantly.
However, if you have a more complex business structure or need to apply for multiple licenses and permits, it may take longer to complete the process.
Do I Need to Get a Business License for my Idaho LLC?
In Idaho, businesses are not required to obtain a statewide business license. Instead, business licenses are issued by different state agencies and local city and county clerks’ offices. Furthermore, not every business that operates in Idaho needs a business license. As such, the specific licensing requirements for businesses in Idaho depend on the location and nature of the business operations. For instance, cities like Boise and Idaho Falls have their own distinct business licensing requirements.
Depending on the type of business you are operating, it may be necessary to obtain multiple licenses or permits at the local, state, and/or federal levels. One permit that you will most likely require is a seller’s permit. All businesses in Idaho that sell taxable goods or services are required to obtain a seller’s permit, also known as a sales tax license. This permit registers your business for the collection and remittance of sales tax to the Idaho State Tax Commission. The process of obtaining a seller’s permit typically involves filling out an application and paying a fee. Once you have obtained a seller’s permit, you will need to regularly file sales tax returns and remit the tax collected to the Idaho State Tax Commission. It is important to research and comply with all relevant regulations to ensure that your business is operating legally in Idaho.
Should I Hire an LLC Filing Service in Idaho?
Whether or not to hire an LLC filing service in Idaho depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
An LLC filing service can be helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the formation process, need assistance with paperwork and filing, or simply want to save time and hassle. LLC filing services can take care of the paperwork and filing process for you, so you can focus on running your business. Additionally, some LLC filing services may offer additional services, such as registered agent services or tax advice.
However, if you’re comfortable with the formation process and have the time and resources to handle the paperwork and filing yourself, hiring an LLC filing service may not be necessary. You can file the Articles of Organization yourself by mail or online, and the process is generally straightforward. Additionally, hiring an attorney or accountant to review your documents and provide guidance can be a more cost-effective option than hiring an LLC filing service.
Ultimately, the decision to hire an LLC filing service in Idaho is a personal one and depends on your specific needs and circumstances. It’s always recommended to do your research, compare costs and services, and consult with professionals before making a decision.
Conclusion
In summary, while the process of obtaining an LLC in Idaho can take a bit of time, it is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed with a little bit of effort and attention to detail.
By following the steps outlined above, you can get your LLC up and running and start pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams in no time.