Form Your South Dakota LLC
Build your business in the Mount Rushmore State with zero state income tax, strong asset protection laws, and a tax-friendly business environment
Filed in South Dakota
The Mount Rushmore State · SD
- State filing fee$150
- Processing time~1 business day online; ~5 days by mail
- Our formation feeFree (you pay $100 if you choose a paid plan)
- Annual report$55 — due Anniversary month of formation
- State tax rateNo state corporate or personal income tax
- Expedited optionFaster than standard (+$50)
Form your South Dakota LLC — pay only the state filing fee, nothing more.
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Everything to launch your South Dakota LLC
Free formation means you pay only the $150 state filing fee. All core services are included at no extra charge.
Articles of Organization filing
We prepare and submit your Articles of Organization to the South Dakota Secretary of State.
Registered agent
Required in South Dakota — 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 South Dakota
South Dakota is one of the most tax-friendly states in the nation with no corporate or personal income tax. The state's strong trust and asset protection laws, combined with low costs, make it attractive for businesses and trusts.
No state corporate income tax
No state personal income tax
No franchise tax
Strong privacy and asset protection laws
Low cost of living and affordable operations
Business-friendly regulatory environment
Key features of a South Dakota LLC
- No state income tax (corporate or personal)
- No franchise tax
- Strong asset protection and trust laws
- Low cost of living
Major industries in South Dakota
Form your South Dakota LLC in 6 steps
We handle every step while you stay in the loop. Processing takes ~1 business day online; ~5 days by mail.
- 01
Choose Your LLC Name
Your name must include 'Limited Liability Company,' 'LLC,' or 'L.L.C.' Check availability through the South Dakota Secretary of State's business search.
- 02
Appoint a Registered Agent
South Dakota requires a registered agent with a physical address in the state to accept legal documents on behalf of your LLC.
- 03
File Articles of Organization
Submit your Articles of Organization to the South Dakota Secretary of State. The filing fee is $150. Online filing is available.
- 04
Create an Operating Agreement
South Dakota does not require an Operating Agreement, but having one is strongly recommended.
- 05
Obtain an EIN
Apply for a free EIN from the IRS for tax filing, banking, and hiring employees.
- 06
File Annual Report
South Dakota LLCs must file an annual report during the anniversary month of formation. The fee is $55.
South Dakota LLC costs at a glance
Kicker formation is free — you pay only the required state fees. No hidden charges.
South Dakota LLC requirements checklist
Everything you need to form and maintain a South Dakota LLC in 2026.
- File Articles of Organization with SD Secretary of State ($150)
- Appoint a registered agent with a physical SD address
- Create an Operating Agreement (recommended)
- Obtain an EIN from the IRS
- File annual report during anniversary month ($55)
- Obtain necessary business licenses
Filing information
- Formation document
- Articles of Organization
- Filing agency
- South Dakota Secretary of State
- Registered agent
- Required
- Operating agreement
- Recommended
- EIN
- Required
- Name reservation fee
- $25 (120 days)
Free formation — pay only the state fee
Kicker formation is free. You pay the $150 South Dakota state filing fee and nothing more for the Starter plan. Optional plans add registered agent, EIN, operating agreement, and compliance.
Starter
- Articles of Organization filing
- Name availability check
- Digital document delivery
- Formation status tracking
Booster
- Everything in Starter
- Registered agent (required in South Dakota)
- 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.
South Dakota LLC questions, answered
Common questions about forming an LLC in South Dakota. Can't find an answer? Talk to our team.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in South Dakota?
The state filing fee is $150. The annual report fee is $55. Our service fee starts at $100 plus the state fee.
Does South Dakota have state income tax?
No. South Dakota has no state corporate or personal income tax, making it one of the most tax-friendly states for business.
Why is South Dakota popular for trusts?
South Dakota has some of the strongest trust laws in the nation, including perpetual trusts, strong asset protection, and no state income tax on trust income.
When is the South Dakota annual report due?
The annual report is due during the anniversary month of your LLC's formation. The fee is $55.
Can I form a South Dakota LLC online?
Yes, you can file online through the South Dakota Secretary of State's website.
Is South Dakota a good state for LLCs?
Yes. With no state income tax, no franchise tax, strong privacy protections, and low costs, South Dakota is one of the most business-friendly states for LLCs.
South Dakota government filing resources
Filing fees for common LLC services
Official South Dakota state charges for the filings you may need after formation — our service fee is separate, and we confirm the current amount before filing.
$25 to reserve a name for 120 days (business entities).
$15 base certification fee plus $2 per copied page.
$25 per document.
South Dakota issues a Sales & Use Tax License at NO CHARGE (no application fee).
Learn moreOnline filing fee is $10 (SDCL 59-11-11), per the SOS fee schedule ('Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Address $10').
Learn moreState reinstatement filing fee is $150 (SDCL 47-34A-811), payable to the Secretary of State.
Learn moreEverything you need to run your South Dakota LLC
Formation is the first step — stay compliant and operational with these services.
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Ready to form your South Dakota LLC?
Formation is free — you pay only the $150 South Dakota state filing fee. Personal-asset protection, pass-through taxation, and a complete document package, filed in ~1 business day online; ~5 days by mail.
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