Form a Pennsylvania LLC: Fast, Simple, and Private

Forming a Pennsylvania LLC involves several key steps—designating a registered agent, filing your Certificate of Organization, creating an operating agreement, obtaining an EIN, and adhering to state deadlines. It can be a lot to coordinate, both during formation and afterward. That’s why many business owners choose a service like ours: we streamline the full process, cover the required filings and registered agent needs, and help you stay compliant long-term. With the logistics handled, you’re free to focus on growing your business. If you’d prefer to file on your own, you can follow our step-by-step guide below.

Your all-inclusive formation package also includes our Business Identity Package, which features a dedicated business phone number, a custom domain name, a secure website, and a professional email address. One price covers everything you need to launch and operate your business, not just the state paperwork. No hidden costs, no surprises at checkout. You take the first step; we’ll handle the rest.

Pennsylvania Business Identity Package

When you use Pennsylvania Registered Agent to form your LLC, you simply get more value without the hassle. For example, at no upfront cost, you’re able to experience our Pennsylvania Business Identity Package when you form your business. This gives you access to business essentials like your own dedicated domain, SSL protected website, business email, and phone number. And if you decide to keep using your professional business identity tools after 90 days, we’ll throw in a discount to ensure you get the best value possible.

What Happens When I Hire Pennsylvania Registered Agent?

When you order our Pennsylvania LLC formation service, you get everything in one transparent price. Our price includes state filing fees, registered agent service for your first year, and processing costs for just $274. We’ll handle the state filing, protect your privacy, and ensure your LLC gets approved quickly. In addition, we even use our business address on your formation paperwork so you can keep your home address secure. This is simply an extra layer of privacy we provide for our clients. Here’s what happens after we file your formation paperwork:

1. The state declares your LLC is authorized to do business.
2. We upload your approved LLC documents to a secure online account that you can easily access, anytime.
3. We supply you with high-quality registered agent services for a year.
4. After a year, we’ll send a renewal notice for another year of registered agent services for the same $49, no surprise up-charges.

Once you log into your profile with us, you can find an operating agreement template ready to be customized for your business. We’ll explain more about that and forming your LLC below. If you’ve already formed an LLC in another state and you’d like to transfer it to Pennsylvania as a PA Foreign LLC rather than starting over, that’s possible too. Our Out-of-State Registration Service is all you need to successfully register your existing LLC. We’ll handle the preparation, filing, and we’ll even cover your first year of registered agent services in addition to our 24/7 digital document account.

Can I File My Own LLC? 

Yes, you can start an LLC online independently. But please be aware that mistakes in filing can delay approval by weeks, cost extra in rejection fees, or leave your personal assets exposed once filed. Still prefer the DIY satisfaction? Not a problem. Our free guide will show you exactly how to file your LLC on your own. We’ll even provide a free account that automatically saves your progress as you go. When you’re ready, you can file yourself or have us handle it.

How to Form a Pennsylvania LLC

To form a Pennsylvania LLC online, you’ll need to choose a unique business name, appoint a registered agent, and file a Certificate of Organization with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. Once approved, you’ll receive official recognition giving your new company legal standing and credibility.

How to Name Your Pennsylvania LLC

Giving your business a name is always an exciting part of getting started, but keep in mind some limitations. Statute 15 PA Cons Stat 204 (2021) requires the following for a business name in the state of Pennsylvania:

• must contain an identifier like “company,” “limited,” or “limited liability company,” or similar.
• must be available; another company can’t already be conducting business under the same name.
• must be “distinguishable” from similar business names (unless you have permission from the other business).
• must not contain words like “corporation” or “incorporated,” or any related abbreviation implying the LLC is a different type of entity.

Already have a name in mind? Check out the state’s business entity database to make sure the name isn’t currently being used.

Pennsylvania LLC Registered Agent Services: Requirements & How to Hire

Hiring a registered agent for your LLC in Pennsylvania is slightly different than other states. Pennsylvania only requires that your business has a registered office address. In short, a registered office address is a reliable location that you can claim to receive service of process so you don’t miss any important paperwork. To ensure you meet that requirement, we make it simple for your business by using our Commercial Registered Office provider. Not only does this keep your business in good standing, but we’re able to accept important documents on your behalf. That means you don’t have to worry about being in one place most of the day to collect documents.

File a Certificate of Organization for Your Pennsylvania LLC

Filing your Certificate of Organization can be done online, in person, or even by fax. Filing online typically saves you some time and effort. Simply start by creating a free, online account with the state. After you create your account, you’ll be able to complete your filings with the Department of State’s Business Filing Services. Be sure to select “Certification of Organization of a Limited Liability Company” application, as there are plenty of forms listed.

When filing your Certificate of Organization, please fill it out completely. The following information will be requested during your application:

• Business name: It must include a business identifier like “limited liability company” as mentioned above.
• Registered agent address: This is your registered address OR the name and county of your Commercial Registered Office Provider.
• Organizer: The name of the person or persons filing the document.
• Effective date: You can make your LLC official upon filing or specify a future date.
• Docketing statement: This is automatically included if you file online. But if you file by mail, you must download a New Entity Docketing Statement, fill it out, and attach it to your certificate.
• Organizers’ signature: The person or persons filing your documents must sign here. You can file your Certificate of Organization online, in person, by mail, or by fax. To file by fax, you’ll need to have a direct deposit account already established with the state. The cost to file is $125 and normal processing time is 15 days. If you want to speed things up, you have a few options as long as you don’t mind paying extra and filling out an Expedited Service Request. Also, you must file your expedited request and formation paperwork in person. For same-day service, file before 10 a.m. and pay an additional $100 fee. For three-hour service, file before 2 p.m. and pay an additional $300. And, for one-hour service, file before 4 p.m. and pay an extra $1,000.

Optional Information:

• Veteran/reservist-owned small business fee exemption (optional): Check this box if you are a military veteran or reservist. Pennsylvania will waive your filing fee if you attach proof of status.
• Restricted professional company self-identification (optional): Check this box if you’re starting a restricted professional LLC. If you are, you must also choose the type of business from the provided list of options.
• Benefit company self-identification (optional): If you’re running a benefit company, check this box. You may also include optional information about the specific type of public benefit you’ll provide.
• Additional provisions (optional): Attach a separate sheet if you want to include information like a list of members.

Next Steps After Forming Your Pennsylvania LLC

After you submit your LLC Certificate of Organization, and receive approval back from the state, there’s a few other items you’ll need to prepare.

Create an Operating Agreement

Creating an Operating Agreement is not required by law, but it is smart to have. It’s your LLC’s rule book and keeps things running smoothly for you and your business down the road.

Get an EIN

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) at the IRS website. It’s free and essential for taxes and banking. Your EIN is like a social security number for your business and helps identify your business when necessary.

Open a Business Bank Account

Opening a business bank account separates your business finances from your personal ones. Not only does this ensure protection and limits liability, but it will simplify your filing when it’s time for taxes.

Establish your Business Identity

The final step is to look the part by establishing your business identity. Our Pennsylvania Business Identity Package doesn’t just keep your personal information private, but also provides a simple way to make your business stand out from the competition. We provide this package at no upfront cost. When you form your business with us, you can look professional without the price tag. With your formation package, you’ll get the following at no upfront cost to you.

• Phone Service: Secure, private VoIP phone line with a local area code to call, text, and receive voicemail.
• Domain Name: Choose from a popular list of extensions. Free for the first year, cancel anytime with one click.
• Web Hosting: Pre-built with a Home, About Us, and Contact Us page with no coding required.
• Email Service: Ad-free email service for your business with up to 10 professional email addresses for a shared domain.
• SSL Security: Fortify your website’s security with our SSL service; free with our Business Web Hosting.

FAQs

Can I reserve a name for my Pennsylvania LLC?

Yes. If you’re not quite ready to file your LLC but already have your preferred name in mind, you can easily reserve it. Just submit a Name Reservation Form with the Pennsylvania Department of State and pay the $70 filing fee. This holds your business name for 120 days, giving you time to prepare your paperwork or hire us to help without losing your name.

Do I need to file a Pennsylvania annual report?

Yes. Beginning in 2025, all Pennsylvania LLCs, corporations, LPs, and LLPs must file an annual report and pay a $7 fee.
Certain entities like nonprofits or LLCs with a not-for-profit purpose are exempt.
Deadlines depend on your business type:

• Corporations: June 30
• LLCs (domestic & foreign): September 30
• Other entities: December 31

Staying current with your annual report helps keep your LLC in good standing with the state. To avoid the hassle and potentially missing deadlines, we can handle filing for you.

How are Pennsylvania LLCs taxed?

By default, your Pennsylvania LLC is taxed as a pass-through entity. This means your business profits are reported on your personal tax return, and you’ll pay:

• Federal self-employment tax: 15.3%
• Pennsylvania personal income tax: 3.07%

If it fits your business strategy, you can also elect to have your LLC taxed as an S Corporation or C Corporation by filing with the IRS, which can come with other tax benefits as well.

Do I need a Pennsylvania business license?

Most LLCs in Pennsylvania need a sales tax license to legally sell taxable goods or services.
If your business offers specialized professional services—like law, medicine, accounting, chiropractic, or veterinary care—you’ll need a Restricted Professional LLC (PLLC) license. Local cities and counties may have their own registration or zoning rules, so it’s smart to check Pennsylvania’s Local Registration and Permits Tool for specific requirements in your area.