North Dakota LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes
Initial state filing fee: $135. Ongoing annual report fee: $50 (annual). No state franchise tax.
Check if your LLC name is taken on official North Dakota database
Every LLC name must be legally distinguishable on state records. Perform a free corporate name lookup on the official North Dakota Secretary of State registry before submitting your $135 Articles of Organization.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in North Dakota?
An LLC in North Dakota costs $135 to form (one-time state filing fee) and $50 per year in annual report fees. The estimated total 5-year cost is $530, including state fees, annual reports, and registered agent service.
| Fee Component | Statutory Cost | Frequency | Due Date / Requirement | Recipient Entity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Filing Fee) | $135 | One-time | Upon LLC formation | North Dakota Secretary of State |
| Periodic Annual / Biennial Report | $50 | annual | Due November 15 annually | North Dakota Secretary of State |
| State Franchise Tax / Entity Fee | $0 | None | No franchise tax | N/A |
| Registered Agent Service | $0 (Self) or $39–$125 | Annual | Continuous requirement | Appointed agent / Commercial service |
| Operating Agreement & Federal EIN | $0 (Free) | One-time | Internal record / IRS issuance | Internal Company Record / IRS |
| Total Minimum Initial Formation | $135 (State statutory fees to open LLC) | |||
North Dakota LLC 5-Year Cost Model
NDChoose a state and assumptions. Your five-year estimate updates instantly.
Future years assume today's reviewed rates remain unchanged. Historical estimates are not enabled because older rules have not been fully verified.
This estimate covers liabilities incurred in five taxable years (2026–2030), even when payment is due later.
Future years use an unchanged-current-law assumption. Income tax, legal advice, penalties, and unselected optional services are excluded.
Initial formation fee ($135) + registered agent
Annual report ($50/yr)
Estimated liability for the selected inputs and disclosed scope in North Dakota.
Five taxable years by cost category(Click any year to inspect)
Select a year to inspect its included liabilities and applicable tax due date.
Tax year 2026 included items
Total: $1745-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category
Save on your North Dakota filing fees & protect your personal privacy
Pro Tip: Filing directly through the state exposes your personal home address on public government records forever. You can keep your private details off the public registry and save time by using a top-rated Registered Agent service starting at $39 + state fees.
Open a zero-fee business checking account for your North Dakota LLC
Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.
North Dakota LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)
Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the North Dakota Secretary of State.
North Dakota Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules
No franchise tax on North Dakota LLCs.
Advantages of a North Dakota LLC
- Very low personal income tax rates (top bracket only 2.9%)
- Straightforward compliance
Drawbacks & Hidden Costs
- $135 initial filing
- November 15 annual report date
Founder Pro-Tip for North Dakota
Use FirstStop ND online service for fast filings.
Step-by-Step North Dakota LLC Formation Checklist (2026)
Choose an Available Entity Name
Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the North Dakota Secretary of State registry.
Appoint a North Dakota Registered Agent
Must have a physical street address in North Dakota (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.
File Articles of Organization ($135 State Fee)
Submit electronically to the North Dakota Secretary of State. Approval is typically granted within 2-5 business days.
Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN
Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.
Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (November 15 annually)
Submit the annual report with the $50 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.
North Dakota LLC Cost FAQ
Common questions about forming and maintaining an LLC in North Dakota.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in North Dakota?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in North Dakota is $135, paid to the North Dakota Secretary of State when you file your Articles of Organization. With a registered agent service ($39–$125/yr), expect to pay approximately $174 in your first year.
What is the North Dakota LLC filing fee for 2026?
The North Dakota LLC filing fee is $135. This is a one-time fee paid to the North Dakota Secretary of State to register your Articles of Organization. Expedited processing is available for an additional $50. Normal processing time is 2-5 business days.
What are the annual fees for an LLC in North Dakota?
North Dakota charges a annual report fee of $50, due November 15 annually. There is no state franchise tax for standard LLCs in North Dakota, making ongoing costs relatively low.
How much does it cost to maintain a North Dakota LLC per year?
The annual cost to maintain a North Dakota LLC includes the annual report fee ($50), and a registered agent ($39–$125/yr). Over 5 years, the estimated total cost is $530.
Does North Dakota have a franchise tax for LLCs?
No. North Dakota does not impose a franchise tax or entity-level tax on standard domestic LLCs. This makes North Dakota one of the more affordable states for LLC maintenance.
Can I form an LLC in North Dakota if I live in another state?
Yes, you can form a domestic LLC in North Dakota regardless of where you live. However, if your principal business operations are in a different state, you will also need to register as a Foreign LLC in that state. In North Dakota, foreign LLC registration costs $135 plus $50/year in ongoing fees — often resulting in paying double.
Compare North Dakota with Rival & Neighboring States
Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions: