How to Start an LLC in Idaho: Step-by-Step Guide
Last Updated:byTRUiC Team
To start an爱达荷州LLC,you'll need to file the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State, which costs $100-$120. You can apply online, by mail, or in person.
Follow our step-by-stepHow to Start an LLC in Idahoguide to get started today.
- Name Your Idaho LLC
- Choose a Registered Agent
- File the Certificate of Organization
- Create an Operating Agreement
- Get an EIN
Learn more about LLCs and their benefits in our118bet金博宝
guide. To form an LLC in any state, visit our如何建立一个有限责任公司guide.
Step 1: Name Your Idaho LLC
Choosing a company name is the first and most important step in forming an LLC in Idaho. Be sure to choose a name that complies with Idaho LLC naming requirements and is easily searchable by potential clients.
1. Follow the naming guidelines:
- 你r name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
- 你r name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
- Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your LLC.
2. Is the name available in Idaho?Make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing aname searchon the State of Idaho Website.
To learn more about searching for an爱达荷州LLC name, read our full guide. Find name ideas using ourfree LLC name generator.
3.Is the URL available?We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a网络域. Even if you don't plan to make a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.
Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.
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FAQ: Naming an Idaho LLC
What is an LLC?
LLC is short for “limited liability company.” It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while providing many of the same benefits. Read our118bet金博宝 guide for more information.
Or, watch our two-minute video:What is an LLC?
How do I name my Idaho LLC?
你must follow the Idaho LLC naming guidelines when choosing a name for your LLC:
- Include the phrase "limited liability company" or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
- Do not use words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, State Department, CIA, etc.).
- Receive the proper licensing when using the words such as lawyer or doctor.
If you are having trouble coming up with a name for your LLC use ourLLC Name Generator. That will not only find a unique name for your business but an available URL to match.
After you get your business name, your next step is getting a unique logo. Get your unique logo using ourFree Logo Generator.
Do I need to get a DBA or assumed business name for my business?
Most LLCs in Idaho do not need a DBA (known as an assumed business name). The name of the LLC can serve as your company’s brand name and you can accept checks and other payments under that name as well. However, you may wish to register a DBA if you would like to conduct business under another name.
To learn more about DBAs in your state, read ourHow to File a DBAguide.
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Idaho
你arerequiredto nominate an爱达荷州registered agentfor your Idaho LLC.
What is a registered agent?A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important legal documents on behalf of your business. Think of your registered agent as your business's point of contact with the state.
Who can be a registered agent?A registered agent must be a resident of Idaho or a corporation, such as aregistered agent service, authorized to transact business in Idaho. You may elect an individual within the company, including yourself.
Recommended:Check out thesebest registered agent services.
FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent
Can I be my own registered agent?
Yes. You or anyone else in your company can serve as the registered agent for your Idaho LLC.
Read more aboutbeing your own registered agent.
Is a registered agent service worth it?
Using a professional registered agent service is an affordable way to manage government filings for your Idaho LLC. For most businesses, the advantages of using a professional service significantly outweigh the annual costs.
For more information, read our article on爱达荷州registered agents.
Step 3: File the Idaho LLC Certificate of Organization
To register your Idaho LLC, you will need to file theCertificate of Organizationwith the Secretary of State. This can be done online at the Idaho Secretary of State Online Business Services website, submitted by mail, or delivered in person.
Now is a good time to determine whether your LLC will bemember-managed vs. manager-managed.
File the Certificate of Organization
OPTION 1:File Online With the Idaho Secretary of State
- OR -
OPTION 2:File by Mail or In Person
Fee:$100 online, $120 by mail or in person
Mail to:
Office of the Secretary of State
450 N 4th Street
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080
For help with completing the form, visit our爱达荷州Certificate of Organizationguide.
If you’re expanding your existing LLC to the state of Idaho, you will need to form aforeign LLC.
FAQ: Filing Idaho LLC Documents
What is the processing time to form my Idaho LLC?
Processing can take seven to 10 days but may be expedited for an additional fee.
What is the difference between a domestic Idaho LLC and foreign LLC?
An LLC is referred to as a "domestic LLC" when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. A foreign LLC must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state.
Read ourWhat Is a Foreign LLCarticle to learn more.
How much does it cost to start an Idaho LLC?
The cost to start an Idaho LLC is $100 online and $120 by mail or in person.
To learn more, read our guide on thecost to form an Idaho LLC.
Step 4: Create an Idaho LLC Operating Agreement
In Idaho, LLCs are not required to have an operating agreement, but it's a good practice to have one.
What is an operating agreement?An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.
Why are operating agreements important?A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.
For more information on operating agreements, read our爱达荷州LLC operating agreementguide.
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FAQ: Creating an Idaho LLC Operating Agreement
Do I need to file my operating agreement with the state?
No. The operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference. However, many states do legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement in place.
Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Idaho LLC
你can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.
Why do I need an EIN?An EIN number is required for the following:
- To open abusiness bank accountfor the company
- For federal and state tax purposes
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Where do I get an EIN?An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.
FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS:你do not need an SSNto get an EIN.Learn more here.
Get an EIN
Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS
- OR -
Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax
Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
Fax:(855) 641-6935
Fee:Free
FAQ: Getting an EIN
How do I get an EIN if I don’t have a Social Security number?
A Social Security number isnotrequired to get an EIN. You can simply fill outIRS Form SS-4and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete your application.Learn more here about applying as an international applicant.
Do I need an EIN for my LLC?
All LLCs with employees, or any LLC with more than one member, must have an EIN. This isrequiredby the IRS.
Learn why we recommendalways得到一个EIN and how to get one for free in ourDo I Need an EIN for an LLCguide.
What tax structure should I choose for my Idaho LLC?
When you get an EIN, you will be informed of the differenttax classification optionsthat are available. Most LLCs elect the default tax status.
However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing theS corporation (S corp) status. To learn more, read ourLLC vs. S Corpguide.
Considering Using an LLC Formation Service?
We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services. Find out which is best for you.
How to Maintain Your LLC
File the Annual Report
爱达荷州requires LLCs to file an annual report with the Secretary of State, due by the end of the month in which the LLC was formed. This can be doneonlinewith no filing fee.
LLCs can be dissolved after 60 days for failure to file an annual report.
Steps After LLC Formation
Read all the steps you’ll need to maintain your LLC’s personal liability protection, open a business bank account, get business insurance, and stay up to date with state reporting requirements.
Visit ourAfter Forming an LLCguide to learn more.
What is the corporate veil?
Business entities, such as LLCs and corporations, protect their owners from personal liabilities for the business’s debts. This protection is often referred to as the corporate veil. Learn how to protect your LLC's corporate veil in ourguide.
Keep Your Company Compliant
爱达荷州LLC Business Licenses & Permits
To operate your LLC, you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. Fees and requirements for licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of business license you need.
Find out how to get the necessary business licenses and permits for your LLC with our爱达荷州Business Licenseguide.
Recommended:Consider having a professional service research your business’s licensing requirements. Read ourbest business license servicesreview.
爱达荷州LLC Tax Filing Requirements
It's important to stay up to date on your爱达荷州LLC taxes.
Depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to register for one or more forms of tax:
爱达荷州Sales Tax
If you are selling a physical product, you’ll typically need to register for aseller's permitthrough the爱达荷州State Tax Commissionwebsite.
爱达荷州's base state sales tax is 6%. That being said, cities and designated "auditorium districts" can levy an additional local sales tax of up to 3%.
爱达荷州Employer Taxes
If you have employees in Idaho, you will have to register for theUnemployment Insurance Taxthrough the Idaho Department of Labor. Employers will also need to sign up for theEmployee Withholding Taxthrough the Idaho State Tax Commission on behalf of their employees.
Income Tax
State:
爱达荷州bases its individual income tax on taxable income, with rates ranging from 1% to 6%. Returns are due by April 18.
To calculate your tax or determine your tax bracket, visit the爱达荷州State Tax Commission website.
Federal:
你’ll also need to report your federal income tax using eitherForm 1065(multi-member LLC) orForm 1040 Schedule C(single-member LLC).
Hiring Employees in Idaho
If you plan to hire employees, stay compliant with the law by following these steps:
- Verify that new employees areable to work in the US
- Report employeesas "new hires" to the state
- Provideworkers' compensationinsurance for employees
- Withhold employee taxes
- Printworkplace compliance postersand place them in visible areas of your workspace
Find out more information on the爱达荷州Department of Labor website.
Check out ourHiring for Your Small Business Guidefor resources like sample job descriptions, payroll service reviews, and more.
What is the minimum wage in Idaho?
The minimum wage in Idaho is $7.25 per hour.
How often do I need to pay employees?
爱达荷州requires wages to be paid at least once per month on a payday set by the employer.