Starting a Pennsylvania LLC — $125 Formation, $7/year Reports, Real Value

Pennsylvania reformed its business compliance in 2025. The old Decennial Report is gone, replaced by a $7 annual report due September 30. Combined with a $125 formation fee and our $99/year agent service, forming and maintaining a PA LLC is remarkably affordable.

Why Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is the sixth-largest state economy with robust markets in healthcare, technology, manufacturing, finance, and energy. Forming here gives you:

• Liability protection — personal assets shielded from business debts
• Pass-through taxation — LLC profits taxed on your personal return by default
• Minimal annual maintenance — $7 annual report is among the nation's cheapest
• CROP recognition — state formally authorizes commercial registered agent providers

Formation Costs

• State filing fee: $125 (Certificate of Organization, paid to PA Department of State)
• Registered agent: $99/year (required — we provide this)
• Annual report: $7/year (due September 30, new requirement effective 2025)
• Expedited processing: $100 (optional, approximately 24-hour turnaround)
• EIN: Free from IRS

Total first year: $231 (formation + agent + first annual report).

Step-by-Step

1. Name Your LLC

Include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." in the name. Must be distinguishable from entities already on file with the Pennsylvania Department of State. Search the state database before finalizing.

2. Designate a Registered Agent

Pennsylvania requires a registered agent with a physical PA address. PO boxes are not permitted. Individuals must be 18+ (residency not required, but a PA address is). Entities may appoint themselves or use a CROP.

Pennsylvania Registered Agent.co provides our physical address on your formation documents. Your personal address stays private. $99/year, all features included.

3. File the Certificate of Organization

Submit to the Pennsylvania Department of State at pa.gov/agencies/dos/ with the $125 fee. Include your LLC name, principal address, registered agent details, and organizer information.

Standard processing: 5 to 10 business days. Expedited ($100): approximately 24 hours.

4. Create an Operating Agreement

Not filed with the state, but critical. Defines ownership, profit distribution, management authority, and exit procedures. Banks request it. Courts reference it. Without one, PA default rules apply.

5. Obtain an EIN

Free at IRS.gov. Takes about 10 minutes. Required for business banking, payroll, and tax filings. Never pay a third party.

6. Maintain Compliance

After formation:

• Keep a registered agent on file at all times
• File the new annual report by September 30 ($7)
• Maintain separation of personal and business finances
• Meet state and federal tax obligations

Pennsylvania's grace period through 2026 means no dissolution for missing the annual report during this transition. But building the habit now is advisable.

The Registered Agent Requirement

Your agent's address goes on your Certificate of Organization — a permanent public record. Using your home means your home is now searchable through state databases.

Pennsylvania Registered Agent.co puts our address on your filings. We scan and forward documents same-day, track the September 30 annual report deadline, and keep your personal information private. $99/year covers everything.

Key Numbers

Formation cost? $125 state fee + $99 agent = $224 to start.

Annual costs? $7 report + $99 agent = $106/year. Among the lowest nationally.

Processing time? 5-10 business days standard. 24 hours expedited ($100).

Non-residents? PA does not require residency. You need a physical PA address for your agent, which we provide.

Form Your PA LLC with Us

List Pennsylvania Registered Agent.co on your formation documents. Ready to serve from day one.

Sign Up — $99/yr