How to Start an LLC in Utah: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Name Your Utah LLC

Choosing a company name is the first and most important step in setting up a Utah LLC. Be sure to choose a business name that complies with Utah naming laws and requirements and is easily searchable by potential business clients.

1. Follow the naming guidelines for a Utah LLC:

• Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of the following abbreviations or words: “limited company, L.C., or L.L.C.”
• Your namecannot 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.

For a complete list of naming rules in Utah, you can read theBusiness Name Conventions and Policies guidelines.

2. Is the name available in Utah?Make sure the business name you want isn't already taken by doing aname searchon the Utah.gov website.

To learn more about searching for aUtah LLC name, read our full guide. Find name ideas using our freeLLC name generator.

3. Is the URL available?We recommend that you check to see if your business name is available as a网络域. Even if you don't plan to create 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 a Utah LLC

Step 2: Choose a Utah Registered Agent

You arerequiredto appoint and maintain aregistered agent for your Utah LLC.

什么是注册代理人?A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence 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 Utah or a corporation, such as aregistered agent service, authorized to conduct business in the state of Utah. You may elect an individual within the company including yourself.

FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent

Step 3: File the Utah LLC Certificate of Organization

To register your Utah LLC, you'll need to file theCertificate of Organizationwith the Utah Department of Commerce. You can apply online or by mail.

Now is a good time to determine whether your LLC will bemember-managed vs. manager-managed.

For help with completing the form, visit ourUtah Certificate of Organizationguide.

If you’re expanding your existing LLC to the state of Utah, you will need to form aforeign LLC.

FAQ: Filing Utah LLC Documents

Step 4: Create a Utah LLC Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is not required for a Utah LLC, 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 ourUtah LLC operating agreementguide.

FAQ: Creating a Utah LLC Operating Agreement

Step 5: Get a Utah LLC EIN

You 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
• 为公司雇佣员工

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:Youdo not need an SSNto get an EIN.Learn more here.

FAQ: Getting an EIN

How to Maintain Your LLC

File the Annual Report

Utah requires LLCs to file anonlineannual report each year by the date on which the LLC was formed. The filing fee is $13.

Late filings incur a $30 penalty fee. In addition, Utah will eventually dissolve your LLC for failure to file an annual renewal.

Keep Your Company Compliant

Utah 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 ourUtah Business Licenseguide.

Utah LLC Tax Filing Requirements

In order to keep your business in good standing, it's important to stay up to date on yourUtah LLC taxes.

求进步ding on the nature of your business, you may be required to register for one or more forms of state tax:

Sales Tax

If you are selling a physical product, you’ll typically need to register for aseller's permitthrough theUtah Taxpayer Access Pointwebsite.

Utah's base sales tax rate is 4.85%. The maximum local sales tax rate (added on top of the state sales tax rate) is 1%, and the maximum county rate is 0.25%.

Employer Taxes

If you have employees in Utah, you will need to register forUnemployment Insurance Taxthrough the Utah Department of Workforce Services. You will also need to sign up forEmployee Withholding Taxthrough Utah’s Taxpayer Access Point.

Income Tax

State
Utah has a single individual income tax rate of 4.65%. In other words, this is the rate regardless of your LLC's income.

State tax returns are due each year by April 18. For more information about how to file, visit theUtah State Tax Commission website.

Federal
You’ll also need to report your federal income tax using eitherForm 1065(multi-member LLC) orForm 1040 Schedule C(single-member LLC).

Hiring Employees

If you plan to hire employees for your business, 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 more information at theUtah Department of Human Services.

Utah Business Resources

• Utah Department of Commerce Division of Corporations and Commercial Code
• Utah LLC Statutes
• Utah Small Business Resources
• Understanding Utah LLC Laws
• Utah LLC
• Utah LLC Dissolution