How to Start an LLC in Iowa

Step 1: Name Your Iowa LLC

Naming your Iowa LLC is the first step to officially forming your entity with the state. Once you have a name picked out, make sure it meets these requirements:

• The name must be distinguishable from other business names in the state. This means at least one character must be different from other Iowa business names, and/or the characters must be arranged in a different order. Do some research to determine the business name’s availability.
• The name must include “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” or abbreviations like “Ltd. Co.,” and “LLC.”
• The name cannot confuse the public. For example, it can’t include the words “State Department” or “bank” without additional approval and authorization.
• If the name formerly belonged to a business that has since dissolved, it’s not available for use until 5 years post-dissolution.

How to use your business name for online branding

After settling on a business name that meets Iowa’s requirements, consider how it plays against other brands online. If your name or something like it is already being used on social media platforms or as a domain, it may be difficult to create your own meaningful online presence. (And, depending on the trademark registration status of your competitors, you could even get in legal trouble for using a name to similar too someone else’s.)

When we form your Iowa LLC, we also offer a year of free domain name registration. Within your client account, you can use our name search tool to find out if your preferred domain name is available and search for alternatives if it’s not. We’ll also help you set up your business website and professional email addresses (both free for three months), to round out your online business presence.

Step 2: Choose an Iowa Registered Agent

Your Iowa LLC is required to designate an Iowa registered agent before filing formation paperwork with the state. The agent’s duty is to accept service of process on behalf of your business, and to then forward you those documents. Your Iowa registered agent can be either a:

• Resident of Iowa
• Business registered in Iowa

While most Iowa businesses choose their own registered agent, some business types use the Secretary of State as their agent. These business types include, but are not limited to, athlete agents, mobile home landlords, and real estate appraisers.

Step 3: File Iowa Certificate of Organization

The Certificate of Organization is what registers your LLC in Iowa. Interestingly, the state does not provide its own standardized form. Instead, whether you file online or by mail, you’ll include a document of your own creation that provides the required information outlined in IA § 489.201:

1. LLC name
   Remember to check its availability first and include a qualifier like “LLC.”
2. Registered agent & registered office
   Include the name of your registered agent and the physical address at which they’ll accept your legal mail.
3. Effective date & expiration
   Most Iowa LLCs are registered as soon as their Certificate of Organization is approved, and last perpetually. But if you’d like to delay the registration date or provide an expiration date for the entity, include that date in your paperwork.
4. Organizer
   At least one person needs to sign the Certificate. This can be a member of your LLC, but it does not have to be.

How do I file my Certificate of Organization in Iowa?

You can file your Iowa Certificate of Organization online or by mail. To file online, you’ll first need to create a Fast Track account. From there, you’ll be able to select the filing you need. You will upload the Certificate you’ve prepared, as well as input much of the same information into the online platform.

To file by mail, you’ll submit your Certificate and fee to:

Secretary of State
First Floor, Lucas Building
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319

How much does it cost to set up an LLC in Iowa?

It costs $50 to submit the Certificate of Organization that forms your LLC in Iowa.

How long does it take for an LLC to be approved in Iowa?

Approval time for your Iowa LLC varies based on the filing type. Online filings are processed in 1 business day. If you file by mail, expect to wait several weeks for approval.

Step 4: Set Up Business Operations

Following registration with the Iowa Secretary of State, your LLC needs to get fully operational. To do that, you’ll need to:

• Adopt an operating agreement.
  Your Iowa LLC’s operating agreement is the rule book for your business. Though not required by the state, the lack of mandate doesn’t make it any less important. The operating agreement is where you detail the handling of disputes, how much funding each member will provide, where records will be kept. Essentially, it’s where questions are answered before they’re asked, so that your LLC can keep running even if problems arise.
• Get an EIN from the IRS.
  An EIN identifies your business like your SSN identifies you. You’ll likely need one before setting up a business bank account and hiring employees.
• Create a bank account for your LLC.
  A business bank account helps ensure that you and your Iowa LLC are seen as separate entities. If you combine business and personal finances, that reality can get a little muddy. Bring your operating agreement with you when you go to set it up, as some financial institutions may require it.

Step 5: File BOI Report

Most Iowa LLCs need to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report. Submitted to FinCEN, the report is a new requirement as of 2024. It asks for information about companies and certain owners, with an aim to reduce the secrecy surrounding the ownership status of America’s businesses.

The BOI Report is free to file. However, failing to file it comes with some hefty penalties. (Up to $591 per late day.)

Here are the filing deadlines to be aware of:

• If your LLC formed in 2024: you have 90 days to file
• If your LLC forms in 2025: you have 30 days to file