Updated May 2026 South Dakota
South Dakota LLC Formation Cost (2026)
Complete breakdown of South Dakota LLC costs — from the initial filing fee to annual report fees, publication requirements, and ongoing taxes.
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
$150
Filing Fee
One-time
$50
Annual Report
Recurring
None
Publication Cost
$150+
Est. Year-1 Total
Excl. annual fee
LLC Formation Cost Calculator
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Form LLC → Forming an LLC in South Dakota: Full Cost Breakdown
To form an LLC in South Dakota, you file Articles of Organization (sometimes called a Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Organization) with the South Dakota Secretary of State. The state filing fee is $150.
Standard processing time is 3. Expedited processing is available: 1.
Watch out
South Dakota's foreign qualification fee ($750) is one of the highest in the US — 5× the domestic fee.Pro tip
No state income tax and no personal income tax.Don't forget your Operating Agreement
Even though South Dakota may not legally require it, an Operating Agreement protects your limited liability status and is essential if you have co-founders or a business bank account.Editor's pick
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Registered agent required in South Dakota
Every LLC must designate a registered agent with a physical South Dakota address to receive legal documents. Using a commercial service ($50–$150/yr) keeps your home address off the public record.Frequently Asked Questions — South Dakota LLC
How much does it cost to form an LLC in South Dakota?
Forming an LLC in South Dakota costs $150 for the state filing fee. The annual report fee is $50 per year. Estimated first-year cost is approximately $150.
What is the LLC filing fee in South Dakota?
The South Dakota LLC filing fee is $150. This one-time charge is paid to the South Dakota Secretary of State to officially register your LLC.
Does South Dakota require an annual report for LLCs?
Yes — South Dakota LLCs must file an annual report with a fee of $50. Failure to file can result in administrative dissolution of your LLC.
Does South Dakota require LLC publication?
No — South Dakota does not require LLC publication. This eliminates a significant additional cost compared to states like New York that mandate it.
What is the South Dakota LLC franchise tax?
South Dakota does not impose a separate franchise tax on LLCs, keeping ongoing operating costs lower.
How do I form an LLC in South Dakota?
To form an LLC in South Dakota: (1) choose a unique name including "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company", (2) appoint a registered agent with a South Dakota address, (3) file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and pay the $150 fee, (4) create an Operating Agreement, and (5) get a free EIN from the IRS. See our full South Dakota LLC formation guide for step-by-step instructions.