How to Start an LLC in Idaho

Why Create an Idaho LLC?

Within the state of Idaho, business owners can take advantage of several business incentives and grants made available by the Idaho Department of Commerce, provided your LLC meets the specific criteria. For example, workforce development reimbursements allow businesses to receive up to $3,000 in cash reimbursements for the training of new, full-time employees or for helping retain employees facing permanent layoff through workforce development training reimbursements.

Creating an Idaho limited liability company (LLC) is generally the fastest and easiest way for entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Idaho. With more simplified rules and regulations, an LLC is an ideal business entity for startups and small to medium-sized businesses, granting you the advantages and protections that larger Idaho corporations benefit from.

Benefits of Starting an Idaho LLC:

Learn more about the benefits of the LLC business structure.

In this guide, you’ll find information on naming your LLC, getting a Registered Agent, the fees you’ll need to pay, Idaho business taxes, and much more. We also cover your registration needs, filing your Idaho LLC, and how you'll correspond with the Idaho Secretary of State (SOS).

Step 1: Complete an Idaho LLC Search and Choose a Unique Business Name

To start the process, you’ll need a name for your LLC that’s different, unique, and stands out, but one that’s not used by any other business or formed entity in the state. If you’re having trouble coming up with a name, try using Bizee’s Business Name Generator to brainstorm ideas. You'll also need to follow a few naming rules, which you can read about in detail on the Idaho Business Names page.

Once you’ve chosen a name, you’ll need to make sure it is available in Idaho. To find out whether another company in the state is already using your preferred business name, use our tool to do a business name search. You can also carry out a name search on the Idaho Secretary of State's business entity database.

Step 2: Provide an Official Business Address for your LLC

Whether your business is in an office building, a home (if the company is run from a residence), or any other physical location, every Idaho LLC must have a designated street address. It can be located outside the state of Idaho, but it cannot be a P.O. Box.

Step 3: Assign a Registered Agent

A Registered Agent is someone who receives official legal and tax correspondence and is responsible for filing reports with the Idaho Secretary of State (SOS). Every LLC in Idaho is required to have a Registered Agent.

This position can be filled by you, another manager in your business, or a dedicated Registered Agent service. If your Idaho Registered Agent is a person, they must have a physical street address in Idaho and be present during business hours to receive important documents on behalf of your business. In Idaho, you appoint your Registered Agent when you file your Certificate of Organization and formally create your business.

All of Bizee’s packages include Registered Agent service. It’s free for the first year and just $119 per year after that. You can also log in to our dashboard and easily view any document we've received on your behalf.

Step 4: File Your Certificate of Formation With the Iowa Secretary of State

Once you've gathered all the information for your Idaho LLC, you’ll need to file your Certificate of Organization with the Idaho SOS using their online business portal.

Your Certificate of Organization should be filed online with the Idaho Secretary of State business portal for an Idaho LLC filing fee of $100, or you can file in person or by mail for an extra service fee of $20 (a total of $120).

You only need to file your Certificate of Organization once, but you must file an annual report every year with the Idaho SOS. Complete your annual report by filing it online via the business portal Idaho SOSbiz. There is no fee to complete and file your annual report with the Secretary of State. Bizee can either remind you to do it, or we can do it for you.

What Are the Fees and Requirements to Form a Business in Idaho?

Annual Report

Step 5: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service

You’ll need an EIN to identify your business to the IRS. You use this number when filing and paying taxes or when submitting payroll information and payments for your employees. An EIN is also required to open a business bank account. You can obtain one directly from the IRS, or you can have Bizee obtain one for you as part of the Idaho LLC formation process.

Step 6: Create an Operating Agreement

A kind of "instruction manual" that explains how you'll run your business, an LLC Operating Agreement details key components of your business - how decisions will be made, how the business is divided among members, and what will happen if a member leaves the company.

Although some states require businesses to have this document in place, you're not legally required to have an Idaho LLC Operating Agreement. We do however think that it's a good idea to have one regardless.

Other Idaho LLC Types

Professional LLC

Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs) are different from professional corporations in that they typically have licensing requirements applicable to certain fields, such as law and medicine. In order to form a PLLC, you may need a state license to practice.

Learn more about PLLC vs. LLC and which one is right for your business.

Foreign LLC

If your business is already operating in another state and expanding to Idaho — or vice versa — you’ll need to form a Foreign LLC.

Learn more about Idaho Foreign LLC registration.

Helpful Resources from the State of Idaho

More Information in This Guide

You’ll find plenty more insight and guidance on the other pages of this guide, including: