How to Form an LLC in Pennsylvania in 7 Steps
By Catherine Hodder, Esq. | Legally reviewed by Madison Hess, J.D. | Last reviewed May 24, 2024
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
When starting a new business, one of your first decisions will be which legal structure to use. A limited liability company (LLC) is a popular legal structure for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Some of the benefits of an LLC include limited personal liability and convenience. LLC formation is easy in the state of Pennsylvania. Just follow the step-by-step guide to create your own LLC.
Ready to form your LLC with confidence? Our trusted partner LegalZoom has packages starting at $0 + filing fees.
7 Steps to Form an LLC in Pennsylvania
Name Your LLC
Before officially forming an LLC, you should consider a memorable and unique company name. According to Title 15 of Pennsylvania Statutes, the Pennsylvania LLC name must:
- Be available: Your name must differ from other registered Pennsylvania business names.
- Make it clear that your business is an LLC: Your LLC name has to contain either the words "company," "limited," "limited liability company," or an abbreviation of those words. Acceptable abbreviations typically include "Ltd." and "Co."
Check if the Name Is Available. You can check for business name availability by conducting a name search on the Pennsylvania Department of State business entity search page. You will need to choose a new name if there are any exact (or confusingly similar) names on this database.
- Search the Internet. You should continue checking for availability outside of Pennsylvania by doing a simple internet screening search. To do this, type your desired name into your favorite internet search engine. This is an easy way of finding out if any businesses are already using your name. If they are, you should come up with a new name.
- Look for Tradename Registration. Next, it's a good idea to check the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) trademark database. The USPTO keeps records of all registered United States trademarks. You will need a different name if there are any matches for your name on this database. This will avoid legal trouble for trademark infringement.
- Determine Domain Name Availability. Finally, it would be wise to find out if your domain name is available. Even if you don't start a business website immediately, you should reserve your domain name to prevent anyone else from taking it. When you are ready to launch your web presence, it will be helpful to have a reserved domain name ready to go.
Reserve Your LLC Name. If you want to reserve your name before starting your LLC, you can file a name reservation with the Pennsylvania Department of State. You will need to submit a $70 fee along with the form. This will hold your name for 120 days.
Get a Registered Agent
Under Pennsylvania law, your LLC must maintain a registered office. Most states call this a registered agent. Your registered office is the address where service of process is delivered if anyone sues your LLC. You can contract with a registered agent service company to provide a registered office for your LLC. In Pennsylvania, the registered office must:
- Be a Pennsylvania resident or business entity authorized to do business in Pennsylvania
- Have a physical address in Pennsylvania (a street address, not a P.O. Box)
- Accept service of process, mail, and legal documents
File a Certificate of Organization
To officially startup your LLC, you need to submit a certificate of organization to the Pennsylvania Department of State. A certificate of organization is like a company charter. Some states call this certificate of organization "articles of organization" or a "certificate of formation."
Your certificate of organization will contain basic identifying information about your LLC. Under Pennsylvania Statutes, this document must include the following:
- Your LLC's name
- The address of your registered office
- A $125 filing fee
- Your LLC members' names
- The effective date of your certificate of organization
- A docketing statement
You can file the certificate of organization online or complete the certificate of organization form DSCB Form 15-8821. If sending by mail, include the docketing statement and mail it to the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations, P.O. Box 8722, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
Or you can kickstart your LLC formation with our trusted partner, LegalZoom. They will check if your business name is available and file your articles of organization for $0 plus state filing fees.
Draft an Operating Agreement
You are not required to create an LLC operating agreement in Pennsylvania, but it's wise to have one. An LLC operating agreement is an internal company document that forms a contract among LLC members on important issues. In this sense, it's similar to corporate bylaws.
In your operating agreement, you can put various company issues into writing. This may include:
- Member rights and responsibilities
- Ownership percentages
- Management style
- Procedures for bringing in new members
- A buyout agreement
- Dissolution procedures
- Any other matters that are important to your LLC
Once you have drafted and signed this document, you should store it with your other essential company records. There is no need to submit it to the state. However, you may need to show your operating agreement to receive services from professionals like attorneys and accountants. Financial institutions may also ask for your operating agreement to open an LLC business bank account.
Single-member LLCs should have operating agreements too. As a single-member LLC, there won't be disagreement among members. But you can use your operating agreement to describe the purpose of your company, its duration, its powers, and more. Drafting this document helps to show that you treat your LLC as a legal entity separate from yourself. This is important because it protects your limited liability status.
Get an EIN
Unless you are a single-member LLC with no employees, you will need a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN is a unique number that the IRS issues to businesses. They use the EINs to distinguish between companies for tax purposes. You can think of an EIN as a Social Security number for your LLC.
You will need your EIN for the following:
- Taxes
- Employee payroll
- Opening company bank accounts
- Applying for company credit cards
Getting an EIN from the IRS is fast, easy, and free. You can apply by mail, fax, or online.
Set Up Business and Tax Accounts
You must register your new business for state and federal tax accounts, especially if you have employees. Pennsylvania has a One-Stop-Shop to register your new LLC business. To learn how to comply with your federal income tax obligations, you should visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center.
File a Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR)
In Pennsylvania, you must file a Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR) after forming your LLC. LLCs created in 2024 must file within 90 days of receipt of notice of creation/registration. If you form your LLC after January 1, 2025, you must file within 30 calendar days from the date you receive actual or public notice of the LLC’s creation or registration.
Prepare and file your BOIR by visiting www.fincen.gov/boi and selecting “File BOIR.” Be prepared to provide information regarding your LLC, its beneficial owners, and its applicants. Your LLC’s applicants are those who directly filed the document that created the LLC or those who were responsible for the filing. Beneficial owners are people who have substantial control over the LLC and/or own at least 25% of the ownership interests of an LLC.
Note: On March 1, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama ruled that the Corporate Transparency Act was unconstitutional. At this time, it is unclear if the federal BOIR requirement will be enforceable. Business owners of LLCs formed before January 1, 2024, may want to wait until closer to the January 1, 2025 filing deadline to check if they must file a BOIR for their business. For LLCs formed in 2024, business owners may want to check right before their 90-day deadline to see if the BOIR requirement is applicable.
Business and Tax Requirements in Pennsylvania
Your licensing and tax obligations will vary depending on the type of business you run and your location. It's essential to follow these rules closely to avoid penalties and future legal hassles.
State Business Tax
If your LLC is a pass-through entity, meaning treated as a sole proprietorship or a partnership, the LLC does not pay Pennsylvania corporate income tax. Therefore, any profits or losses pass to the member's individual tax returns. If you elect for your LLC to have corporate tax status, the LLC pays a state income tax of 9.99 percent.
State Employer Tax
If your business hires employees, you must register for tax withholding accounts with the Department of Revenue and unemployment insurance tax accounts with the Department of Labor and Industry.
Sales and Use Taxes
If your business sells goods or has employees, you'll likely have to register with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (DOR). You can register for a sales tax account to collect and remit sales tax to the DOR. The Pennsylvania state sales tax is six percent, but local cities may charge additional sales tax.
Business Licenses and Permits
You may have to obtain local, state, and federal business licenses. To find out if you need local licenses, you should check with the town or city where you will be operating.
You should visit the Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop to learn about your state licensing requirements.
Your LLC may be subject to federal licensing requirements if you are engaged in certain business activities. These activities include aviation, mining, broadcasting, and many more. You can visit the Small Business Administration (SBA) resources to see a complete list of business activities requiring federal licenses.
Registration in Other States
If you want your Pennsylvania LLC to operate in another state, contact that state to register as a foreign LLC. You may need to show a certificate of subsistence which the Pennsylvania Department of State issues to certify your LLC is in good standing with the state. Once accepted as a foreign LLC, you may have to pay annual fees and file yearly reports with the Secretary of State's office. Also, you should determine if you or your LLC must pay state taxes in that jurisdiction.
Annual Requirements in Pennsylvania
You must file an annual report and pay an annual fee if you have a Pennsylvania LLC. This is a new requirement that replaces Pennsyvania's previous decennial filing system under which LLCs reported and paid their fees every ten years. You should review these requirements on the website of the Pennsylvania Department of State.
Meet FindLaw's trusted partner LegalZoom, an industry leader in online business formations
Let's start your free LLC!
Join the millions who launched their businesses with LegalZoom. LLC plans start at $0 + state fees.
Pennsylvania LLC Formation FAQs
Disclaimer: The information presented here does not constitute legal advice or representation. It is general and educational in nature, may not reflect all recent legal developments, and may not apply to your unique facts and circumstances. Consider consulting with a qualified business attorney if you have legal questions.
How to Start an LLC in Other U.S. States
Select your state below
FindLaw will earn a commission if you purchase business formation products through these affiliate links.
Meet FindLaw's trusted partner LegalZoom, an industry leader in online business formations
Let's start your free LLC!
Join the millions who launched their businesses with LegalZoom.
LLC plans start at $0 + state fees.
Prefer to work with a lawyer?
Meet FindLaw's trusted partner LegalZoom, an industry leader in online business formations
Need Help Forming a Pennsylvania LLC?
FindLaw's trusted partner, LegalZoom, provides a straightforward process to help you set up your Pennsylvania LLC. Join the millions who launched their businesses with LegalZoom.
LLC plans start at $0 + state fees.