Iowa LLC Registration
An Iowa LLC (limited liability company) is a flexible business entity that offers asset protection. If you’re looking to form an Iowa LLC, taking the first steps can feel overwhelming. At Iowa Registered Agent LLC, we’re a local company that’s familiar with the Secretary of State—not an out-of-state agency that doesn’t know Iowa’s filing terms and conditions. So when you decide to file formation paperwork to create an Iowa LLC, rest assured that you can’t beat the convenience and service our Iowa company provides.
How Our Iowa LLC Formation Package Works
We will file your Iowa LLC formation paperwork with the Iowa Secretary of State and serve as your registered agent for one year for just $199. Here’s how it works:
- Order your Iowa LLC.
- We’ll file your Certificate of Organization, and we’ll list our business address instead of yours.
- Once the state accepts the certificate, we’ll upload your personalized LLC documents into your secure online account.
- We’ll serve as your registered agent for one year.
- We give you website, domain name, SSL certificate, email, and phone services at no additional upfront cost.
- After one year, you’ll receive a request to renew your registered agent service at $49/year.
We believe our Iowa LLC Formation Package is the best deal in the state! Not only do you get expert filing, registered agent service, and FREE business documents, you also get our website, domain name, SSL certificate, email, and phone services. These services allow you create a secure website and keep your business and personal communications separate. In nutshell, we make your business look more professional. But, we also understand that some people would rather file the paperwork on their own. That’s why we also provide step-by-step instructions for forming an Iowa LLC.
How Do I Start an Iowa LLC?
If you’d prefer to file the formation paperwork for an Iowa LLC by yourself, our step-by-step guide is below:
Choose a Business Name
The first step to forming your Iowa LLC is to name your company. Your business name must comply with Iowa’s naming guidelines. For example:
- you must use an appropriate business identifier, such as “LLC,” “L.L.C,” or “Ltd. Co.”
- you must use a name that is not similar or easily confused with another Iowa business that’s on file with the Iowa Secretary of State.
We recommend verifying that your desired business name is available before submitting your paperwork. You can check the availability of your name by using the Business Entities Search portal.
Appoint an Iowa Registered Agent
Iowa state law requires you to have a registered agent. A registered agent is a person or company that accepts legal and state mail on your business’s behalf. Your Iowa registered agent must:
- be available to accept your business’s mail during standard business hours
- forward your service of process mail to you in a timely manner
- be an Iowa resident with a physical Iowa address
You can be your own Iowa registered agent, but the requirements may interfere with your privacy and vacation plans. If you’d like to protect your privacy and avoid legal mail coming to your business, hire Iowa Registered Agent LLC. We will list our local Waterloo address on your Certificate of Organization, so you won’t have to list yours.
File Your Iowa Certificate of Organization
Because Iowa doesn’t have a specific Iowa Certificate of Organization form, you must create your own. Your Certificate of Organization must include the following pursuant to Revise – IA Code § 489.201 (2021):
- the name of your Iowa LLC
- the name of your Iowa registered agent
- the address of your Iowa registered office
- the signature of your organizer(s)
You may also include the following on your certificate:
- other provisions (such as member/manager information or your business purpose)
- a delayed effective date (if you don’t want your LLC to be formed immediately upon the Secretary of State filing your certificate, you may indicate that on your certificate.)
It costs $50 to file the Certificate of Organization with the Iowa Secretary of State. You can submit your certificate online through Fast Track Filing. You can also by fax, mail, or in-person. For $199, our professional filers will submit your Iowa LLC formation paperwork for you. Our cost includes 365 days of Iowa registered agent service, a secure online account to store your business documents, and a real-time biennial report reminder. In the end, you’ll save time and money.
Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like your business’s social security number. Not every Iowa LLC needs an EIN, but you will require this nine-digit identifier if you:
- hire employees
- sell tangible goods
- have more than one business partner
- apply for a business loan, license, or permit
You’ll obtain your EIN from the IRS website at no cost. However, when you purchase our Iowa LLC Formation package, you can add Tax ID service for an additional $50. We’ll take care of the paperwork and get your EIN for you.
Hire Us to Form Your Iowa LLC
Iowa Registered Agent LLC is a small company, but we prioritize our clients and their needs. When you hire us to file your Iowa LLC formation paperwork, you’ll know exactly where your money goes. We also provide structure-specific templates you can customize, state compliance tools, and lifetime client support.
Besides all that, you get our website, domain name, SSL certificate, email, and phone services at no additional upfront cost. You get to choose your domain, and both your domain name and website data belong to you. You can set up professional lines of communication with an email address that matches your domain and a dedicated business phone line with an Iowa area code. You can bundle these services together or order them separately.
The start of your journey as a business owner is just one click away.
FAQ
Still have some questions? If you don’t see the answers you need below, give us a call during normal business hours at (515) 661-5509 and speak to a local Iowa business expert!
How Much Does It Cost to Form an Iowa LLC?
It costs $50 to file your Iowa Certificate of Organization with the Iowa Secretary of State.
Do I Need a Business Bank Account to Start an Iowa LLC?
No. State law doesn’t require Iowa LLCs to have a business bank account, but it is highly recommended. An Iowa court can find that you aren’t a separate entity from your Iowa LLC if you use your company’s money to buy personal items, such as a yacht. Then, you could lose your personal asset protection. So having a business bank account can prevent you from mixing company and personal funds, and further protect your assets.
Does My Iowa LLC Need an Operating Agreement?
No, Iowa LLCs aren’t required to have an operating agreement. However, it is beneficial to have an operating agreement. An operating agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the rules your company will follow. Otherwise, you’re at the mercy of Iowa’s default laws if a conflict arises. This contract is also proof that you’re the owner of your company, which is necessary if you ever want to open a business bank account, even if you’re a single-member LLC.
Do I Need a Business License to Start My Iowa LLC?
No. Iowa doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all state business license. However, you’ll need a sales and use tax permit if you sell tangible goods. You’ll also need a professional license if you offer specialized services, such as accounting or dentistry. You can register for a business permit at the Iowa Department of Revenue website.
Does my LLC need a fictitious name (DBA)?
Depends. Many companies choose to operate under a fictitious name (often called a DBA) because it allows for more franchising and branding opportunities. We can register your Iowa LLC’s fictitious name for $125 plus state fees. Just select our Trade Name Service inside your account after you’ve purchased our business formation service.
How Does Iowa Tax LLCs?
Iowa imposes a 6% sales and use tax, but local municipalities may add an additional 1% to the state’s sales and use tax. Your LLC is a pass-through entity by default, which means your company won’t pay business income taxes to the state. However, you’ll report your share of the business’s profits on your personal income taxes, and pay federal self-employment taxes (15.3%) and Iowa’s personal income tax rate (3.9%).
Do I Need to File an Iowa Biennial Report?
Yes, the state of Iowa requires all LLCs to file a biennial report with the Iowa Secretary of State. You must submit this report every two years between January 1 and April 1. The filing fee is $45 (online) or $60 (paper). You can file your biennial report online, by mail, or in person.