How Much Does an LLC Cost in Idaho

It costs at least $100 to form an LLC in Idaho. But these additional expenses could increase the total to over $3,000.

Idaho's majestic mountains, winding rivers, and sprawling national parks attract visitors year-round. For entrepreneurs, that means a steady stream of potential customers.

If you're ready to tap into this potential and start a business in the Gem State, you're probably wondering. How much does an LLC cost in Idaho? Use this guide to form a budget for your startup.

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Certificate of Organization

One-Time Fee: $100 (online) | $120 (paper)^[1]

To form an LLC in Idaho, you must file the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State. Once the documents are approved, your LLC will be recognized as a separate legal entity.

Idaho LLC's Certificate of Organization contains the following information, among other details:^[1]

• Limited liability company name
  
• Registered agent name and address
  
• Business mailing address
  
• Name and address of at least one governor

You can file the Certificate of Formation online, by mail, or in person. Online filings are typically processed faster.

Foreign Registration

One-Time Fee: $100 (online) | $120 (paper)^[3]

If you already have an LLC in another state and want to expand your business to Idaho, register it as a foreign LLC.

To create a foreign LLC in Idaho, you must file a Foreign Registration Statement with the Secretary of State. Don't forget to attach a Certificate of Existence from your domestic state.

Annual Report

Annual Fee: $0

All LLCs in Idaho must file annual reports with the Secretary of State. It lets the government, banks, and anyone who can access public records know that your business is still active.

However, unlike other states, annual reports are filed in Idaho for free. Just submit it before the end of your LLC's anniversary month.^[4]

Business Permits and Licenses

Cost: Typically $100+

Idaho doesn't have a state-level general business license. Instead, the state prefers to leave business licensing requirements to local jurisdictions and specific industries.

In Boise, the state's capital and largest city, a vendor's license costs $136.75 yearly. There's also an additional $1.50 license processing fee for most licenses in the city.^[6]

The number of permits and licenses your LLC needs depends on its business purpose. Some businesses may be regulated by various governmental offices simultaneously and could renew yearly.

Business Taxes

Cost: 5.8% of taxable income^[7]

LLCs are generally considered "pass-through" entities for tax purposes. This means the LLC's profits and losses pass through to the owners and are reported on individual tax returns.

Idaho's current income tax rate is 5.8% of taxable income. On top of that, you must also pay federal income taxes.

2024 Federal Income Tax Rates:^[8]

Don't forget the 15.3% federal self-employment tax.^[9]

Optional Fees

While the fees below are generally optional, some are unavoidable depending on your business needs.

For example, obtaining a Certificate of Existence is often necessary when opening an LLC bank account.

Expedited Services

Cost: $40 to $100^[1]

The Idaho Secretary of State offers expedited services for some documents, including the Certificate of Organization and Business Name Reservation.

Rates vary depending on how quickly the files are processed:^[1]

• $40: Expedited (typically within 8 business hours)
  
• $100: Same Day

Not all documents filed with the Secretary of State can be expedited. Page two of the form shows if it's available.

Registered Agent Services

Annual Cost: $0, or $100-$300/yr

In Idaho, you must have a registered agent to receive business and legal documents for your LLC. This includes government notices, tax forms, and annual reporting forms.

You can technically be your LLC's registered agent—as long as you're at least 18 and have a physical street address in Idaho. You must also be available to receive documents during business hours.

However, your address will be public record. So many LLCs like to hire a registered agent service to keep their personal details private. These services usually charge $100-$300 per year to be your registered agent.

Change of Registered Agent

Cost: $0 (online) | $20 (paper)^[10]

In Idaho, an LLC can change its registered agent's details by filing a form with the Secretary of State. Changes include the registered agent's name and address.

There's a separate statement of change along with a $20 manual handling fee, if you submit it by mail or in person for LLC mailing address changes.^[11]

Operating Agreement

Cost: Up to $500+

Cost: $0, or up to $500+

LLCs in Idaho are not required to have an operating agreement. However, it's recommended because it defines important rules and regulations that all members must follow.

An LLC operating agreement contains the following:

• The roles and responsibilities of each member
  
• How new or departing members will be treated
  
• How business profits and losses will be divided

Ideally, you should already have a signed Operating Agreement before forming an LLC in Idaho. But if your LLC is already formed, you can always draft it yourself after.

Alternatively, an LLC attorney might charge you a $500 flat fee for a standard operating agreement. If you have more complex details, the cost could be higher.

Employer Identification Number

Cost: $0, or $50 to $99

Any LLC with more than one member or with employees must have an EIN, regardless of how it's taxed. This is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify a business entity for tax-related purposes.

You can just apply for an EIN for free on the IRS website. But if you'd like an LLC service to process it for you, you can do so for a small fee. Here are some providers that do this and their pricing:

• Northwest Registered Agent: $50
  
• Bizee: $70
  
• ZenBusiness: $99

Single-member LLCs in Idaho don't require an EIN, but it's almost essential in practice. For instance, you'll need one if you hire employees or want to open a business bank account.

BOI Report

One-Time Cost: $0, or up to $149

The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) is a one-time report that must be submitted to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) within 30 calendar days of your LLC's formation.^[12]

It includes information about the LLC's beneficial owners, including name, birth date, and address.

FinCEN doesn't charge a fee to submit your BOI report. But you can pay an LLC service to process it for you and save yourself the hassle:

• Northwest Registered Agent: $25
  
• LegalZoom: $149
  
• ZenBusiness: $149

You're considered a beneficial owner if you own 25% or more of the ownership interests in your LLC. Or if you exercise substantial control over the LLC.

Name Reservation

Cost: $20 (online) | $40 (paper)^[13]

You can reserve your desired name first if you've already got a business name but aren't ready to form an LLC. This will prevent others from using that name for four months.^[13]

Remember to review Idaho's naming regulations. For example, an LLC name must include LLC, Ltd., or similar.

Assumed Business Name

Cost: $25 (online) | $45 (paper)^[14]

An assumed business name (also known as "Doing Business As" or DBA) allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name registered with the state. Some LLCs use a DBA for branding purposes, like using a name without "LLC" at the end.

Assumed business names in Idaho don't have to be renewed. It remains active as long as your LLC is in good standing.

Certificate of Amendment

Cost: $30 (online) | $50 (paper)^[15]

Your Idaho LLC's Certificate of Organization contains specific details about your business. Should these details change, you must file an amendment to the Secretary of State.

File an amendment if you:

• Change the LLC name
  
• Move to a new location
  
• Have a new member or manager

You must also file a statement of change if you update your registered agent's details or change your mailing address.

Certificate of Existence

Cost: $10^[16]

A Certificate of Existence is an official document by the Secretary of State. It verifies that your LLC is updated with all state filings and has paid all its fees and taxes.

You might need a Certificate of Existence to:

• Open a bank account
  
• Apply for business loans
  
• Qualify for business insurance
  
• Conduct business as a foreign LLC

Certified Copies

Cost: $10 + $0.25 per page^[16]

Certified copies of documents verify that your LLC is legitimate and that its details are accurate.

You might need these for circumstances like opening a business bank account or expanding your LLC in another state.

Additionally, some LLCs keep certified copies of their initial Certificate of Organization and amendments (if any) for recordkeeping purposes.

Business Website Domain

Annual Fee: $10 to $20

A website domain and social media presence provide dedicated online spaces for your business. It's essential for marketing, customer engagement, and brand visibility in today's digital world.

Even if you aren't planning to build a business website now, you could still buy the domain name. This will prevent others from using your LLC's name as a web address.

Business Insurance Premiums

Cost: Varies

In Idaho, most businesses with at least one employee must have workers' compensation insurance.^[17] You can purchase it from a private carrier, self-insure, or apply to the Idaho Workers' Compensation Assigned Risk Pool.

Additionally, consider protecting your LLC's assets with other types of insurance:

• General liability insurance
  
• Commercial property insurance
  
• Professional liability insurance
  
• Cyber liability insurance

The cost depends on factors like the number of employees, the risk level of your industry, and your past insurance claims.

Bottom Line

You need at least $100 to form an LLC in Idaho. First-year expenses may also include business name reservation, assumed name registration, and registered agent services.

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That said, the total cost of forming an LLC in Idaho will increase depending on the additional services, documents, and licenses you need. Ultimately, it's never a bad idea to set aside an extra budget for unexpected fees.

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