The $135 you'll pay to form an LLC in North Dakota is one of the most reliable costs you'll encounter when starting a business. Unlike many states that constantly change their fees or sneak in hidden charges, the ND Secretary of State keeps things simple with this straightforward price. It applies whether you're starting a new company or bringing an existing one into the state.

Your ongoing costs are just as predictable: you'll need to submit an annual report with a $50 fee to keep your business in good standing. The annual report for standard business LLCs is due each year by November 15, according to the ND SOS maintain registration page. This clear structure helps remove the uncertainty that many business owners feel about unexpected compliance costs.

Current North Dakota LLC filing fees

North Dakota keeps its formation costs crystal clear. The $135 fee covers both domestic LLCs and out-of-state businesses registering through the SOS online portal. No surprise charges, tech fees, or processing extras; just one payment for your Articles of Organization or Certificate of Authority.

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*The North Dakota Secretary of State does not publish official processing times or service level agreements for LLC formation filings. These figures reflect practitioner estimates. For current turnaround times, contact ND SOS Business Services at (701) 328-2900.

North Dakota has gone digital with their filing system through the FirstStop Portal, making the whole process quicker and more reliable than mailing papers. Paper filing still exists, but it takes much longer and may eventually be phased out as the state continues its digital shift.

How do North Dakota's filing fees compare to other states?

North Dakota's structure ($135 to file and $50 annually) places it in the middle range of regional formation costs, with transparent pricing that makes planning straightforward.

Compare that with neighboring states:

• South Dakota costs $150 online ($165 by mail) with an annual report fee of $55 online or $70 by paper, according to the SD SOS filing fees page

• Minnesota starts higher at $155 online, but its annual renewal carries no fee at all, per the MN SOS renewal instructions

• Montana LLC formation costs start at just $35, and the state's annual report fee has been waived through 2027 for four consecutive years, though a $35 late fee still applies if filed after April 15

• Nebraska sits at $100 online, with a Nebraska biennial report fee of $28 online ($30 by paper), filed in odd-numbered years only, per the NE SOS forms page

Across the country, North Dakota holds a competitive position without the complexity that other states create.

• Massachusetts costs $500 just to get started, as confirmed by the MA SOS filing page, followed by additional annual requirements

• Tennessee gets expensive at $300 upfront, plus ongoing franchise and excise taxes. According to the TN Department of Revenue, Tennessee imposes a 0.25% franchise tax on net worth and a 6.5% excise tax on taxable income, both of which apply to LLCs

• North Dakota avoids both problems: no franchise tax, no publishing requirements, and straightforward annual reporting at $50. The ND Tax Commissioner confirms that LLCs taxed as partnerships or S corporations pay no entity-level income tax in the state

North Dakota's all-inclusive fee structure saves you from the charges some states impose. You won't face mandatory publishing costs, North Dakota franchise tax obligations, or unexpected processing fees; just formation and simple annual maintenance.

The state's transparent pricing helps you plan accurately, though coordinating deadlines across multiple states still creates administrative complexity for growing businesses.

Additional filing fees to consider for North Dakota LLCs

While North Dakota's $135 Articles of Organization and $50 annual report cover the basics, several smaller costs might arise during your LLC's lifecycle. Knowing these upfront helps you build a realistic budget for your first year.

• Name reservation costs $10 if you want to secure your name before filing, per NDCC § 10-32.1-92

• Trade name (DBA) registration costs $25 when operating under a different brand than your legal name

• Amendments to your Articles cost $50 each for changes like adding members or updating your business purpose

• Registered agent services in North Dakota changes cost just $10 for a simple form filing with the Secretary of State

• Certificate of Good Standing costs $20

• Certified copies of formation documents include a $5 search fee, plus per-page copy charges of approximately 50 cents per page under NDCC § 54-09-04

• Voluntary dissolution costs $20 and helps avoid future annual report penalties

• Late annual report penalty adds $50 to your filing, and reinstatement after termination costs $135

Registered agent costs vary widely based on your approach. Being your own agent costs nothing if you have a reliable North Dakota address that is open during business hours. If privacy is a concern, commercial services typically charge between $100 and $300 annually.

Local governments add another layer, as most cities and counties require business licenses, typically costing $30 to $200 depending on your industry and location.

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Frequently asked questions about North Dakota LLC filing fees

Here are answers to the most common questions business owners ask about North Dakota LLC costs and compliance requirements.

What is the filing fee to form an LLC in North Dakota?

The filing fee is $135 for both domestic LLCs (Articles of Organization) and foreign LLCs (Certificate of Authority). This fee applies uniformly across standard business LLCs, farming/ranching LLCs, and professional LLCs.

How much is the North Dakota LLC annual report, and when is it due?

The annual report costs $50 for standard business LLCs and is due by November 15 each year. Your first annual report is due in the calendar year following the year you registered. A $50 late fee applies if you miss the deadline, and failure to file can result in involuntary termination with a $135 reinstatement fee.

Does North Dakota charge a franchise tax on LLCs?

No. North Dakota does not impose a franchise tax on LLCs. LLCs taxed as partnerships or S corporations are pass-through entities for state tax purposes. An LLC electing C corporation treatment would be subject to North Dakota's corporate income tax (1.41% to 4.31%), but that is an income tax, not a franchise tax.

Are there any publishing requirements for North Dakota LLCs?

No. North Dakota does not require publication for LLC formation or foreign registration. A publication mechanism exists under the North Dakota Uniform LLC Act, but it applies only to voluntary creditor notification during dissolution.

Can I file my North Dakota LLC formation online?

Yes. The FirstStop Portal at firststop.sos.nd.gov handles online filing for formations, annual reports, amendments, and address updates. Online filing is generally faster than paper submissions, though the Secretary of State does not publish official processing time estimates for either method.

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