How to Start an LLC in Pennsylvania for Free
LLC formation in the Commonwealth generally costs at least $125, but there are exemptions. Want details? Keep reading.
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Launching a Pennsylvania LLC? Unfortunately, it's not free for most people. Unless you're a veteran or reservist (more on that shortly), you'll still need to pay some fees. At best, you can only make the costs more manageable.
This guide will walk you through the cheapest ways to file your LLC in the Keystone State. Learn which fees you can avoid and which ones you can't without compromising your startup.
Start Your LLC for $0 - Just Pay State Fees
- Check business name availability
- Lifetime compliance alerts
- Lifetime support via email and phone
- LLC filing + optional tools to build your brand
Form Your LLC at $0 + State Filing Fees
- Articles of organization
- Name check service
- Digital welcome packet
- Customizable website
Starter - $0 + State Filing Fees
- Includes 1 optional free year of Worry-Free Compliance that renews at $199/year
- Standard filing speed
- 100% accuracy guaranteed
- Other services are available with additional costs
Fee Waivers for Veterans & Reservists
If you're a veteran or reservist, you might be able to start an LLC in Pennsylvania without paying state filing fees (aka for free).
Under the Pennsylvania Act No. 135 of 2016, eligible veterans or reservists don't need to pay filing fees for their Certificate of Organization
or Registration of Fictitious Name.[1]
However, your business must meet certain requirements to qualify. For example, it should:
- Have no more than 100 employees
- Be independently owned and not dominant in its field of operation
- Be at least 51% veteran- or reservist-owned (if there's more than one owner)
Let's say you're a veteran planning to offer home landscaping services like lawn maintenance or garden design in Harrisburg. You can apply for a waiver by including a clear photocopy of one of the following when filing your LLC online, by mail, or in person:
- Federal DD-214 form
- Federal NGB-22 form
- Valid Federal Veterans' Administration card
- Department of Defense-issued Military ID card
- Accountancy firms
- Appraisal management companies
- Architecture firms
- Auction companies
- Barber shops and schools
- Cemetery companies
- Cosmetology salons and schools
- Esthetician salons
- Funeral entities
- Nail technology salons
- Natural hair braiding salons
- Pharmacies
- Real estate brokers and cemetery brokers
- Real estate education providers
- Rental listing referral agents
- Trading assistant companies
- Vehicle auctions, dealers, distributors and manufacturers
If you're not a veteran, the next section details where to save costs.
DIY LLC Formation
Pennsylvania's LLC fees aren't exactly the most expensive, but they're still substantial.
Filing the Certificate of Organization alone costs $125 ($250 for a foreign LLC
), which can be a significant expense. Not to mention, you might also have to pay for things like business licenses and permits after your LLC is formed.
Since you can't skirt mandatory fees, why not undertake some processes yourself and plan strategically to stay on budget?
Here's how you can minimize the costs:
Verify if your chosen LLC name is available
Before filing the paperwork, you need to choose an LLC name and make sure it's actually available.
If your chosen name is taken or doesn't meet state requirements, the state might reject your application. When this happens, you'll face the frustration of starting over and paying the filing fee again.
The good news is you can verify your LLC name's availability for free. Head straight to the Pennsylvania Department of State's website and click Business Search to check if the name you have in mind is taken.
If the name is available, go ahead and register your LLC to lock it in and prevent someone else from claiming it. You don't need to pay the $70 name reservation fee unless you aren't ready to form your LLC yet and just want to secure the name in advance.
List your address as the registered office
Unlike many other states, Pennsylvania doesn't require LLCs to designate a registered agent to receive official documents or correspondence on behalf of the company.
Instead, you need to list a registered office where the state can send these documents. It should be a street address in Pennsylvania where you can receive mail. Sorry, but no P.O. boxes allowed.
There's no need to spend up to $300 a year on a Commercial Registered Office Provider (CROP). You can just list your own office or business address as the registered office in your LLC application.
Don't have a storefront in Pennsylvania? No problem. You can use your home address instead, as long as it's a valid in-state street address that can receive mail.
File the Certificate of Organization yourself
The Certificate of Organization is your LLC's birth certificate. It has key information about your business, like its name and legal structure. Your LLC only becomes official once the state approves it, along with the Docketing Statement.
While you can't avoid the $125 filing fee, you can still save money by filing the paperwork yourself directly with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State.
Additionally, if you're targeting a specific launch date, allot enough time for the state to process your LLC. Especially if this falls during the peak months of December through February. This will help you avoid paying up to $1,000 for expedited services.
Registering your LLC yourself is just the beginning. Keep reading for more cost-saving strategies.
Get your EIN online
After your LLC is formed, apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS website. This won't cost you a thing, so there's no need to pay a third party solely for this free government service.
If you have a single-member LLC without employees, you can skip this process. Use your existing Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for taxes instead.
However, some banks require an EIN when you open a business bank account with them. That's why it's advisable to still get one, even if you're not required to.
Under the state's Small Business Reserve (SBR) program, certified small businesses, among other special groups, may unlock state-level work. That's not guaranteed, though; you still have to bid and compete to land a state contract.
To qualify, you must meet these requirements:
- 100 or less full-time employees
- Less than an average revenue of $47 million over three years
This online certification is free and valid for two years. After which, succeeding renewals are also free.
Draft your Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is a document outlining the rules, structure, and operations of your LLC. While Pennsylvania doesn't require it, it's still better to have one.
Your operating agreement doesn't have to be complex; a one-pager works fine. Especially if you're a single-member LLC or a small one. No need for fancy clauses unless you're scaling big.
You can draft it yourself using free templates online instead of hiring a lawyer, which could easily cost you up to $1,000+ for a custom version.
If an LLC doesn't have an operating agreement, state rules will kick in during legal disputes, which can be stiff. For example, without an operating agreement, the state will divide your LLC's profits and losses equally. Even if you invested 70%, and 30% by your business partner.
What's better than DIY? Others doing it for you—for free, up next.
Free Pennsylvania LLC Formation Service
Several online LLC services offer free LLC formation in Pennsylvania. While you’ll still need to pay the required state filing fee, these companies waive their own preparation fees. This helps you launch your business without extra costs.
It's a convenient option if you want to save time, avoid paperwork mistakes, and get peace of mind.
Start Your LLC for $0 - Just Pay State Fees
- Check business name availability
- Lifetime compliance alerts
- Lifetime support via email and phone
- LLC filing + optional tools to build your brand
Form Your LLC at $0 + State Filing Fees
- Articles of organization
- Name check service
- Digital welcome packet
- Customizable website
Starter - $0 + State Filing Fees
- Includes 1 optional free year of Worry-Free Compliance that renews at $199/year
- Standard filing speed
- 100% accuracy guaranteed
- Other services are available with additional costs
Let's discuss each option.
Bizee
Bizee's Basic formation package might be a good alternative to DIY. The extra "handholding" comes with zero cost while ensuring your LLC is filed correctly. Plus, it includes a free registered agent for one year—a $100 to $300 value.
What's more, you get a real-time dashboard to track your LLC status. You'll also receive lifetime compliance alerts, so you don't miss deadlines.
If you need more, Bizee offers two paid plans with additional services, like an operating agreement, EIN, and business website.
ZenBusiness
Similar to Bizee, ZenBusiness has a free Starter plan that covers basic filing of your Pennsylvania LLC formation documents.
Besides checking your LLC name and submitting the Certificate of Organization, ZenBusiness offers a safety net with its 100% accuracy guarantee. This gives you extra protection against costly filing errors.
By selecting a free plan and handling some steps yourself, you can take advantage of ZenBusiness' professional support while keeping your total costs low.
Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands offers a Lite plan that includes a generous set of LLC formation services for free, which include:
- Professional preparation and filing of your Certificate of Organization
- 30-day complimentary trial for invoicing and bookkeeping services
- Free business coaching program
With these services, Tailor Brands Lite can provide a solid foundation for your new LLC without the premium price.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority is another LLC formation service with a free plan that's genuinely useful. It stands out with one year of complimentary registered agent services.
This comes in handy during that crucial first year. It lets you focus on building your business without worrying about missing important mail or legal notices.
The free package also includes valuable extras, such as:
- Digital storage for your startup documents
- Tax planning consultation to optimize your financial structure
- Business credit and funding analysis to support your growth strategy
Feeling like a savvy saver yet? You could use those potential savings after you've formed your LLC.
Post-LLC Formation Fees
Filing your Certificate of Organization isn't the only time you'll spend money when starting a Pennsylvania LLC. There might be additional costs after your LLC is formed.
Some are mandatory for all LLCs, while others will depend on your business. Here are the main ones to keep in mind:
- Annual report fee: $7/yr
Starting September 30, 2025, Pennsylvania LLCs need to file an annual report instead of the previous decennial report. Late or non-filing can cause issues for your business, so be sure to mark your calendar to avoid missing the deadline.
- Permits and license fees: $0 to $1,000+
In Pennsylvania, some types of businesses need to get permits, authorizations, certifications, licenses, or official notifications to operate legally in the state. And they can get expensive, especially if you need multiple or different ones. - Taxes: 3.07% state income tax
In Pennsylvania, an LLC's profits and losses are reported on the members' personal income tax returns. These are subject to the state's 3.07% personal income tax rate. Depending on your business activity, you may also owe local business taxes or federal self-employment tax.
Still have questions about Pennsylvania LLCs? Check out some of the answers by clicking the dropdowns below.
FAQS
- What to do after creating an LLC in Pennsylvania?
Once you get your Certificate of Organization, complete these actions to maintain your LLC's active status in Pennsylvania:
- Get your EIN via IRS website (free).
- Create an operating agreement (free or up to $1,000).
- File your Annual Report ($7/yr).
- Open a business bank account.
- Secure licenses/permits, if applicable.
- Insure your business (highly recommended; cost of premiums vary).
- Get your EIN via IRS website (free).
- How do I verify an LLC in PA?
You can confirm an LLC's legal existence in Pennsylvania, its status, and other details by simply going to the state's official website under Business search for free. This is also where to check LLC name availability, including fictitious or Doing Business As names.
- What is the biggest benefit of an LLC?
The biggest benefit of an LLC is protecting your personal assets. This legal structure creates a clear separation between your personal and business finances. It effectively shields your personal home, car, or investments from business debts and lawsuits.
An LLC's liability protection is only effective if you keep your business and personal finances separate. Open a dedicated business bank account to avoid commingling funds.
- What is the fastest way to get an LLC in PA?
The quickest way to register your Pennsylvania LLC is to pay for expedited service in addition to the filing fee ($125 or $250). For $1000, you can get the result in one hour provided your request is received before 4:00 pm.
- Can a non-resident open an LLC in Pennsylvania?
Yes, non-residents can form an LLC in Pennsylvania, even if they don't live in the state. You can start a domestic LLC in Pennsylvania by filing the required documents. If you already have an LLC formed in another state and want to operate in Pennsylvania, you must register it as a foreign LLC.
- Do I have to pay taxes for an LLC in Pennsylvania if it has no income?
No, you don't have to pay taxes if your PA LLC has zero income, and you didn't make money from other sources. However, you might have to file your tax return if you have incurred losses in the LLC.
Bottom Line
At this time, only veterans and reservists can start an LLC in Pennsylvania for free.
But if you're willing to handle the process yourself or take advantage of free services, you can keep the costs to a minimum.
Just remember to also budget for any business licenses or permits you might need after your LLC is formed.
References
- ^ Pennsylvania General Assembly. Act No. 135 of 2016, Retrieved 4/24/2025
- ^ Bizee. Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent for an LLC?, Retrieved 3/13/2025
Penelope Besana is a research analyst at CreditDonkey, a business formation services comparison and reviews website. Write to Penelope Besana at penelope.besana@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
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