Iowa LLC Formation – Basics & Helpful Information
General Overview of the Iowa LLC
This article is meant to be a general overview of the process to form an LLC in Iowa and other basic issues related to LLCs.
Iowa Filing Fees
The Iowa filing fee for the Certificate of Organization (to create an Iowa LLC) is $50.00.
See Iowa Filing Fees → Compare Iowa LLC Fees to Other States →Iowa Filing Time
Regular processing time generally takes 4 to 5 business days depending on the workload. If requested and at no additional cost, expedited processing reduces the turnaround time to one day, depending on the current workload.
Iowa Annual Compliance Requirements
An Iowa LLC is required to file a biennial report every two years. You may file the biennial report online or by mail. The first biennial report is due between January 1st and April 1st of the first odd-numbered year following the calendar year the LLC was formed. Each subsequent biennial report is due between January 1st and April 1st of each following odd-numbered calendar year. The Secretary of State will send a reminder notification before the report is due. The current filing fee is $30.00 to file online and $45.00 for paper filing.
Form an LLC in Iowa
You can use this checklist to help guide you through the process of forming an Iowa LLC:
Step 1: Decide on a Business Name
Step 2: Register your LLC with the State
Step 3: Create and Sign the LLC's Governing Document
Step 4: Get an EIN
Step 5: Get Licenses and Permits
Registering a Foreign LLC in Iowa
Helpful Tips & Information
Use an LLC formation service like IncFile to help you form an LLC in Iowa. IncFile has FREE LLC formation packages (you only pay the state filing fee).
Links
Iowa Secretary of State
Iowa Business Name Availability Search
Iowa Fictitious Name Resolution
Iowa Certificate of Organization – Online Filing
Iowa Biennial Report – Online Filing
Iowa Filing Fees – LLC
Iowa Business Permits and Licenses
Online EIN Application (for the LLC’s Federal Tax ID)
USPTO (Federal) Trademark Search