Form Your Alabama LLC
Start your business in the Heart of Dixie with low costs, business-friendly regulations, and strategic Southeast access
Filed in Alabama
Heart of Dixie · AL
- State filing fee$200
- Processing time3-5 business days online
- Our formation feeFree (you pay $100 if you choose a paid plan)
- Annual report$0 for most LLCs (BPT min waived) — due March 15 annually (Form PPT)
- State tax rate6.5% corporate income tax
- Expedited option24-48 hours (+$100)
Form your Alabama LLC — pay only the state filing fee, nothing more.
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Everything to launch your Alabama LLC
Free formation means you pay only the $200 state filing fee. All core services are included at no extra charge.
Certificate of Formation filing
We prepare and submit your Certificate of Formation to the Alabama Secretary of State.
Registered agent
Required in Alabama — we act as your agent for the first year.
EIN from the IRS
Your federal Tax ID — required to open a US business bank account and file taxes.
Operating agreement
Professionally drafted operating agreement — defines ownership, voting, and profit splits.
Benefits of forming an LLC in Alabama
Alabama offers a favorable business climate with competitive costs, a strategic Southeast location, and strong incentive programs for new businesses. The state has invested heavily in aerospace, automotive, and technology sectors.
Low annual compliance costs compared to many states
Business-friendly regulatory environment with streamlined processes
Strategic Southeast location ideal for distribution and logistics
Growing economy with diverse industries including aerospace and automotive
Pass-through taxation avoids entity-level double taxation (note: Alabama does levy a personal income tax, top rate 5%, on resident members' pass-through income)
Access to major ports and transportation infrastructure
Key features of a Alabama LLC
- Simple and straightforward formation process
- Flexible management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
- Full limited liability protection for members
- Pass-through taxation available to avoid double taxation
Major industries in Alabama
Form your Alabama LLC in 6 steps
We handle every step while you stay in the loop. Processing takes 3-5 business days online.
- 01
Choose Your LLC Name
Your name must include 'Limited Liability Company' or abbreviations like 'LLC' or 'L.L.C.' Check availability through the Alabama Secretary of State's business name search tool.
- 02
Appoint a Registered Agent
Alabama requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. This agent receives legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of your LLC.
- 03
File Certificate of Formation
Submit your Certificate of Formation (Form BET) to the Alabama Secretary of State. The filing fee is $200. You can file online or by mail.
- 04
Create an Operating Agreement
While not legally required in Alabama, an Operating Agreement is strongly recommended. It outlines ownership structure, member responsibilities, and how your LLC will be managed.
- 05
Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Apply for a free EIN from the IRS. You will need this to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes.
- 06
File Business Privilege Tax Return
Alabama LLCs file a Business Privilege Tax return (Form PPT), due March 15th for calendar-year filers. The minimum tax was fully exempted for tax due of $100 or less for years beginning after Dec 31, 2023, so most LLCs owe $0.
Alabama LLC costs at a glance
Kicker formation is free — you pay only the required state fees. No hidden charges.
Alabama LLC requirements checklist
Everything you need to form and maintain a Alabama LLC in 2026.
- File Certificate of Formation with Alabama Secretary of State
- Appoint a registered agent with a physical Alabama address
- Create an Operating Agreement (strongly recommended)
- Obtain an EIN from the IRS
- File Business Privilege Tax return (Form PPT) by March 15th
- Obtain necessary local business licenses and permits
Filing information
- Formation document
- Certificate of Formation
- Filing agency
- Alabama Secretary of State
- Registered agent
- Required
- Operating agreement
- Recommended
- EIN
- Required
- Name reservation fee
- $28 (120 days)
Free formation — pay only the state fee
Kicker formation is free. You pay the $200 Alabama state filing fee and nothing more for the Starter plan. Optional plans add registered agent, EIN, operating agreement, and compliance.
Starter
- Certificate of Formation filing
- Name availability check
- Digital document delivery
- Formation status tracking
Booster
- Everything in Starter
- Registered agent (required in Alabama)
- EIN / Federal Tax ID
- Expedited processing (1–2 days)
- Operating agreement
- Priority support
- Kicker Voice — 3-day free trial
- Kicker Pay — free for 15 days
Founder
- Everything in Booster
- Business mailing address
- Bookkeeping — 3 months free
- Dedicated account manager
- Rush processing
- Kicker Voice — 6-day free trial
- Kicker Pay — free for 30 days
Kicker
- Everything in Founder
- ITIN filing & preparation
- Same-day priority processing
- 2nd year annual filing $0
- Kicker Voice 12-day + Kicker Pay 60 days free
Compare all plans on our pricing page.
Alabama LLC questions, answered
Common questions about forming an LLC in Alabama. Can't find an answer? Talk to our team.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Alabama?
The state filing fee for an Alabama LLC is $200. You will also need to budget for a registered agent (if using a service). The Business Privilege Tax minimum was fully exempted for tax due of $100 or less (effective for years beginning after Dec 31, 2023), so most LLCs owe $0. Our formation service fee starts at $100 plus the state fee.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Alabama?
Standard processing takes 3-5 business days online. Expedited processing is available for an additional $100, which reduces the timeline to 24-48 hours.
Do I need an Operating Agreement for my Alabama LLC?
Alabama does not legally require an Operating Agreement, but having one is strongly recommended. It protects your limited liability status and clearly defines the rights and responsibilities of all members.
What is the Business Privilege Tax in Alabama?
Alabama LLCs file a Business Privilege Tax return (Form PPT) by March 15th for calendar-year filers. The minimum tax was fully exempted for tax due of $100 or less (effective for years beginning after Dec 31, 2023), so most LLCs owe $0. The tax is calculated based on your LLC's net worth apportioned to Alabama.
Can I be my own registered agent in Alabama?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in Alabama as long as you have a physical street address (not a P.O. Box) in the state and are available during business hours to receive legal documents.
Does Alabama have state income tax for LLCs?
Single-member LLCs are treated as pass-through entities and report income on the owner's personal tax return. Alabama has a personal income tax rate of 2% to 5%. Multi-member LLCs may need to file a partnership return.
Alabama government filing resources
Filing fees for common LLC services
Official Alabama state charges for the filings you may need after formation — our service fee is separate, and we confirm the current amount before filing.
$25.00 by paper form / $28.00 online (immediate).
Alabama's good-standing equivalent is the Certificate of Existence, issued by the Secretary of State.
Learn moreA certified copy = $10.00 Certification of Documents fee PLUS $2.00 per page (Copies of Documents).
Authentication/Certification (apostille) is $5.00 per document under Ala.
In Alabama the sales-tax permit / seller's permit is officially the 'Sales Tax License,' issued by the Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR), not the Secretary of State.
Learn moreEverything you need to run your Alabama LLC
Formation is the first step — stay compliant and operational with these services.
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Ready to form your Alabama LLC?
Formation is free — you pay only the $200 Alabama state filing fee. Personal-asset protection, pass-through taxation, and a complete document package, filed in 3-5 business days online.
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