Starting a Pennsylvania LLC costs $125 for your Certificate of Organization, whether you file online through the Department of State's portal, mail it in, or deliver it in person. The state maintains consistent pricing across all filing methods, with no surprise handling fees for walk-in service.
The real change comes from Pennsylvania's new annual reporting requirement. Starting January 1, 2025, you'll owe a modest $7 annual report every September 30. This replaces the old system where you could forget about state filings for an entire decade, then scramble to remember what you owed.
The state charges $125 to process your Certificate of Organization. Here's what to expect with different filing methods:
The $125 base fee has remained stable for years. You'll pay this whether you file online through the Business One-Stop Hub or deliver paperwork to Harrisburg in person. Expedited service adds substantial premiums that can push your total past $1,000, but it's only available for in-person filings. Online and mail submissions process at standard speed.
Licensed professionals face different costs. Restricted professional companies pay $300 per licensed member. For standard LLCs, Pennsylvania's $125 formation cost, plus $7 annual maintenance, makes it an affordably predictable long-term option.
Forming your LLC in Pennsylvania costs a one-time $125 Certificate of Organization fee. Compared to neighboring states, Pennsylvania sits in the middle:
Nationwide, the average formation cost is about $132, so Pennsylvania hits the mark; neither a bargain basement option nor a budget-draining outlier. Where Pennsylvania really shines is with its new ongoing fee, as you'll file a simple annual report costing just $7.
That $7 price tag is rare. Delaware requires a $300 annual franchise tax, and Maryland's annual report also costs $300. These are reminders that cheaper entry fees elsewhere often become expensive long-term commitments. Even Ohio, with no annual report fee, can't outweigh Pennsylvania's strong legal infrastructure and large consumer market.
The math is simple: standard formation fee upfront, then almost nothing to maintain your LLC year after year. Playing the long game? Pennsylvania's structure keeps more cash available for marketing, hiring, or building runway for your venture.
Beyond the $125 Certificate of Organization fee, several additional charges can accumulate as you establish and maintain your Pennsylvania LLC. Understanding these optional and required costs helps you budget appropriately and avoid surprise expenses.
Is the $125 filing fee refundable if my LLC application is rejected?
No. State filing fees are processing charges, not deposits. If the Department rejects your paperwork, they keep the $125, and you'll need to file and pay again after fixing the mistake.
When do I pay the LLC filing fee in Pennsylvania?
You pay the $125 Certificate of Organization fee when submitting your formation paperwork through the Business One-Stop Hub or by mail. The Bureau won't review your filing until payment processes, so have your card or check ready when you submit.
Do I need to pay the name-reservation fee?
Only if you want to secure your LLC name before you're ready to form. A 120-day reservation costs $70; once you file the Certificate of Organization, the name is automatically protected, so most founders skip this unless they need extra time.
What happens if filing fees increase after I start my application?
If a price increase takes effect before you submit your paperwork, you'll pay the new rate; otherwise, the price on your filing date applies.
How do I know if my LLC must pay professional-entity fees?
If your company practices a state-licensed profession, like law, medicine, or accounting, you'll register as a Restricted Professional Company or PLLC. That status triggers an annual registration fee of $610 per licensed member, with increases expected in 2025.
Discern streamlines Pennsylvania LLC formation and ongoing compliance with:
Our platform handles Certificate of Organization filing, automatically schedules your annual reports for the September 30 deadline, and manages multi-state compliance from a single dashboard.
Ready to eliminate Pennsylvania LLC filing complexity? Book a demo to see how Discern automates LLC filings and ongoing compliance management across all jurisdictions.
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