Cost guide
How Much Does an LLC Cost in South Dakota?
Filing it yourself, a South Dakota LLC costs $150 to start (about $205 in year one) — everything else on the typical "LLC cost" list is either free or optional. Here's the honest breakdown.
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| Item | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $150 | Yes — one-time |
| Annual report / state tax | $55/year | Yes — recurring |
| EIN (federal tax ID) | $0 | Free from the IRS — never pay for this |
| Operating agreement | $0 | Recommended — use our free generator |
| Registered agent | $0 yourself, or ~$100–$150/yr for a service | Yes — but you can be your own |
| Formation service | $0–$300+ | Optional — you can file yourself |
Ongoing requirement in South Dakota: $55 electronic / $70 paper annual report, due by the 1st day of the 2nd month after your anniversary month. Typical processing: ~a few business days (unconfirmed; $165 paper filing fee). Figures are estimates — verify with the South Dakota Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing. Doesn't include business licenses, permits, or taxes on income.
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Next: read the full South Dakota LLC formation guide, check whether your business name is available in South Dakota, or build your free formation checklist.