South Dakota LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes
Initial state filing fee: $150. Ongoing annual report fee: $50 (annual). No state franchise tax.
Check if your LLC name is taken on official South Dakota database
Every LLC name must be legally distinguishable on state records. Perform a free corporate name lookup on the official South Dakota Secretary of State registry before submitting your $150 Articles of Organization.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in South Dakota?
An LLC in South Dakota costs $150 to form (one-time state filing fee) and $50 per year in annual report fees. The estimated total 5-year cost is $545, including state fees, annual reports, and registered agent service.
| Fee Component | Statutory Cost | Frequency | Due Date / Requirement | Recipient Entity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Filing Fee) | $150 | One-time | Upon LLC formation | South Dakota Secretary of State |
| Periodic Annual / Biennial Report | $50 | annual | Due First day of anniversary month | South 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 | $150 (State statutory fees to open LLC) | |||
South Dakota LLC 5-Year Cost Model
SDChoose 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 ($150) + registered agent
Annual report ($50/yr)
Estimated liability for the selected inputs and disclosed scope in South 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: $1895-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category
Save on your South 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 South Dakota LLC
Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.
South Dakota LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)
Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the South Dakota Secretary of State.
South Dakota Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules
No state franchise tax or corporate income tax.
Advantages of a South Dakota LLC
- 0% personal income tax and 0% corporate income tax
- Strong trust and asset protection laws
Drawbacks & Hidden Costs
- Steep $750 fee if registering as a foreign LLC
Founder Pro-Tip for South Dakota
Online filing is $150 compared to $165 for paper.
Step-by-Step South 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 South Dakota Secretary of State registry.
Appoint a South Dakota Registered Agent
Must have a physical street address in South Dakota (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.
File Articles of Organization ($150 State Fee)
Submit electronically to the South Dakota Secretary of State. Approval is typically granted within Instant online.
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 (First day of anniversary month)
Submit the annual report with the $50 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.
South Dakota LLC Cost FAQ
Common questions about forming and maintaining an LLC in South Dakota.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in South Dakota?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in South Dakota is $150, paid to the South Dakota Secretary of State when you file your Articles of Organization. With a registered agent service ($39–$125/yr), expect to pay approximately $189 in your first year.
What is the South Dakota LLC filing fee for 2026?
The South Dakota LLC filing fee is $150. This is a one-time fee paid to the South Dakota Secretary of State to register your Articles of Organization. Expedited processing is available for an additional $50. Normal processing time is Instant online.
What are the annual fees for an LLC in South Dakota?
South Dakota charges a annual report fee of $50, due First day of anniversary month. There is no state franchise tax for standard LLCs in South Dakota, making ongoing costs relatively low.
How much does it cost to maintain a South Dakota LLC per year?
The annual cost to maintain a South Dakota LLC includes the annual report fee ($50), and a registered agent ($39–$125/yr). Over 5 years, the estimated total cost is $545.
Does South Dakota have a franchise tax for LLCs?
No. South Dakota does not impose a franchise tax or entity-level tax on standard domestic LLCs. This makes South Dakota one of the more affordable states for LLC maintenance.
Can I form an LLC in South Dakota if I live in another state?
Yes, you can form a domestic LLC in South 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 South Dakota, foreign LLC registration costs $750 plus $50/year in ongoing fees — often resulting in paying double.
Compare South Dakota with Rival & Neighboring States
Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions: