How to Start an LLC in Idaho
To start a limited liability company in the state of Idaho, you’ll need a unique name, a registered agent, and the Idaho Certificate of Organization filed with the Secretary of State. These three things will get your LLC formed in the state, but we’ll also walk you through a few additional business operations that will prepare you for business.
Create an ID LLC in 5 Steps:
Step 1: Name Your Idaho LLC
Naming your business is the first step to form your LLC. To be in line with Idaho Code 30-21-301, your LLC’s name must follow these guidelines:
- Be unique in the state of Idaho
- Include “limited liability company,” “limited company,” or any appropriate abbreviations, like “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “LC,” or “L.C.”
It’s wise to check with Idaho Secretary of State’s Business Search to see if your desired name is already taken in the state. If your name is available, but you’re not quite ready to file, you can reserve that name for up to 120 days with the Application for Reservation of Legal Entity Name. Filing costs $20 online, and $40 by mail.
Is my LLC name available online?
Even if your LLC’s name is available in the state of Idaho, it may already be in use somewhere online. Whether it’s social media handles or a website domain, you may want to check if your desired name is circulating. If it is, consider what variations of the name you could use for your business’s platforms, or choose a different name. Even further—if your LLC’s name is trademarked, that could pose legal problems for you later on.
Step 2: Choose an Idaho Registered Agent
LLCs in Idaho are required to designate a state registered agent. Registered agents have a few duties outlined in § 30-21-413, but their main purpose is to act as an available party to accept legal mail and service of process on behalf of a business.
Your registered agent can be:
- An individual
- An entity registered with an Idaho address
- A commercial agent, like Registered Agents Inc
Your registered agent must have a physical address in the state, where they can receive service of process in person during normal business hours—this means no PO boxes can be listed as your agent’s address.
Can I be my own registered agent in Idaho?
Yes. Note that your name and Idaho address are on public records when acting as your own registered agent, though. To keep their personal details private, and add a layer of convenience, some people choose to hire a registered agent service, like us.
Step 3: File Idaho Certificate of Organization
The Certificate of Organization is the document filed with the Idaho Secretary of State that makes your entity official with the state. You’ll come across the following information as you fill out the form—remember that this becomes public once you file.
1
Business name
Remember to include one of the appropriate phrases to specify your company as a limited liability company.
2
Principal office
This line includes both street address and mailing address. Your street address must be a physical address, like an office or a residence. If your business’s mailing address is the same as its physical address, you can ignore this line. Otherwise, specify—this can be a PO box.
3
Registered agent
Include both your registered agent’s name and physical Idaho address (PO boxes are not acceptable).
4
Governor of the LLC
A governor is either a member or a manager of the LLC, depending on which management style you’ve elected for your business. If you’re member-managed, list at least one of your members in this section, and vice-versa. The form will ask for the governor’s name and address.
5
Signature of the organizer
The organizer is the person who is filing the form to the state. It can be you or another person.
How much does an LLC cost in Idaho?
Filing your Certificate of Organization online costs $100. To file by mail, there is an additional $20 fee.
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Step 4: Set Up Business Operations
Once you’ve filed your Certificate of Organization and the Secretary of State has approved it, your LLC is official. But, this doesn’t mean you’re quite ready for business in the state of Idaho. Here are some best-practice next steps to follow once your LLC is formed.
Create an operating agreement.
Idaho doesn’t mandate LLCs to have an operating agreement, but creating one for your business is best practice. Operating agreements outline many things related to finances and the way the LLC is run, including percentages of the members’ ownership and member responsibilities.
Get an EIN.
An EIN identifies your LLC as a business entity with the IRS. It is a federal tax ID that most businesses will eventually need to obtain for standard business activity: establishing a business bank account, hiring employees, apply for loans, and more.
Manage your company’s money.
Your Idaho LLC comes with limited liability protections for your personal assets. The most common way to keep those protections in place is to create a separate bank accounts for your business income. Take the time to look around for a bank that offers the best business bank account package for your needs.
Obtain licenses and permits.
Some businesses need industry-specific and occupation-specific licenses. The state of Idaho has a resource called Business Wizard that can help you determine which agency your business may need licensing from.
Complete the Idaho Business Registration (IBR) Process.
Idaho requires all businesses selling a product, hiring employees, or operating in the lodging industry to complete the IBR process to register themselves with three specific state agencies. If your business plans on doing none of these things, you can ignore the form. Otherwise, the form will grant your business a sales and use tax permit and establish tax accounts, among other things.
Step 5: File BOI Report
A Business Ownership Information (BOI) Report is a federal filing with FinCEN that reports information on who has ownership and control of your company, both directly and indirectly.
New businesses registered in 2024 have 90 days to file their BOI before penalties ensue. This can be done online, or we can file your BOI Report for you for $25 when you hire us for our registered agent or company formation services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are LLCs taxed in Idaho?
By default, LLCs are taxed as a pass-through entity. This means that the business itself doesn’t get taxed, and the members of the LLC are ‘passed’ the profits or losses for their own personal tax filings.
Does Idaho require an Annual Report?
Yes. In Idaho, your LLC’s annual report is due at the end of the month your business was formed in every year. An annual report is a document outlining important details about your company, such as your principal office address, your registered agent, and your LLC’s members.
Filing your annual report is free online through Idaho’s SOSbiz platform. When you hire us to act as your registered agent, we’ll take care of the filing for you at no extra cost.
How do I get an EIN number in Idaho?
EINs are distributed by the IRS. After determining if your business needs the federal tax ID, you can apply online through the IRS.
Does Idaho require a business license?
No, but some cities in Idaho require licensing to operate. There may also be occupational licenses to be obtained, depending on your business. Check with Idaho’s licensing page, or with your city about special licensing needs.
Do I need a domain name for my Idaho LLC?
Yes! Securing a domain name early on in the process is a smart move. It’ll help you establish an online presence and ensure that no one else snags your ideal domain name. We can register your .com, .net, and .org for $5.