1. What is a North Dakota LLC?
A North Dakota Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a legal business entity that separates personal assets from business liabilities. It combines the flexibility of a partnership with the liability protection of a corporation. North Dakota LLCs are widely used by startups, online businesses, and international founders.
2. Why Form an LLC in North Dakota?
North Dakota offers a clear business registration process and predictable compliance steps, making it a solid choice for founders who want a straightforward state setup.
Key Advantages
- Limited liability protection for members
- Flexible ownership and management rules
- Clear annual report requirements
- Option to structure as single-member or multi-member
- Works well for online and service-based businesses
3. Legal Structure of North Dakota LLCs
A North Dakota LLC becomes legally active once the Articles of Organization are filed with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
Legal Highlights
- Members are not personally liable for business debts
- Operating Agreement is private and flexible
- Single-member and multi-member LLCs allowed
- Foreign and non-US owners permitted (subject to compliance)
- Recognized and respected across all US states
4. Choosing a Name for Your North Dakota LLC
North Dakota has clear naming rules that must be followed before filing your LLC.
- Name must include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company”
- Must be unique in North Dakota business records
- Certain restricted words may require approval
- Name reservation is optional but available
- DBA (trade name) can be registered separately
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Let our experts handle your North Dakota LLC registration accurately and fast.
Start North Dakota LLC Registration5. Registered Agent Requirements
Every North Dakota LLC must appoint a Registered Agent with a physical North Dakota address to receive legal notices and official state correspondence.
Eligible Registered Agents
- North Dakota resident (18+ years old)
- Authorized registered agent service
Why Use a Professional Agent?
- Enhanced privacy for owners
- Compliance and filing reminders
- Reliable handling of lawsuits and notices
| Feature | FormLLC | Provider A | Provider B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built for non-US founders | ✅ Deep non-resident focus | ➖ Limited support | ➖ Generic templates |
| End-to-end guidance (LLC → EIN → BOI → Tax) | ✅ Included / add-ons | ➖ Partial | ➖ Formation only |
| Transparent pricing | ✅ No surprise upsells | ⚠️ Hidden add-ons | ⚠️ Tiered upsells |
| Human support (WhatsApp / email) | ✅ Dedicated support | ➖ Ticket-based | ➖ Slow response |
*Sample stats for illustration. Add your real numbers and link to verified reviews.
Always look beyond just the “formation price”. The real cost includes annual reports, registered agent renewals, tax filings, and mistake-correction. A slightly higher, more complete package can save thousands of dollars (and a lot of stress) later.
6. How to Register an LLC in North Dakota
Step 1: Appoint a Registered Agent
Every North Dakota LLC must appoint a registered agent with a physical street address in North Dakota to receive legal and state documents.
Step 2: File the Articles of Organization
File the Articles of Organization with the North Dakota Secretary of State to officially form your LLC.
State filing fee: $135 (online)
Step 3: Register for State Taxes
Depending on your business activities, you may need to register with the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner for income tax, sales tax, or employer taxes.
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
North Dakota does not legally require an Operating Agreement, but having one helps define ownership, management, and profit distribution.
Step 5: Obtain an EIN
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes.
Step 6: Open a Business Bank Account
Opening a dedicated business bank account helps protect your limited liability and keeps finances organized.
- Approved Articles of Organization
- Operating Agreement
- EIN confirmation letter
- Valid government-issued photo ID
7. Tips to Stay Compliant
- Maintain an active registered agent in North Dakota
- File your annual report on time
- Keep accurate financial and ownership records
8. North Dakota LLC Fees & Costs
North Dakota offers a simple and business-friendly LLC structure with predictable compliance costs and no publication requirements.
| Filing or Service | When Due | State Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | At formation | $135 |
| Annual Report | Every year (by Nov 15) | $50 |
| Registered Agent Service (optional) | Ongoing | $50–$150 per year |
| Employer Identification Number (EIN) | After formation | Free |
All LLC filings are submitted through the North Dakota Secretary of State .
9. Federal Requirements
1. Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Most North Dakota LLCs must obtain an EIN from the IRS for federal tax filings, banking, and payroll purposes.
2. Federal Tax Classification
By default, LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities unless they elect S Corporation or C Corporation status.
- Single-member LLC: Files Schedule C
- Multi-member LLC: Files Form 1065
- S Corp election: Form 2553
10. Conclusion
North Dakota LLC registration offers a straightforward, affordable option for entrepreneurs seeking a stable and compliant business structure. With reasonable filing fees and clear regulations, it’s well-suited for both local and remote business owners.
By following state and federal requirements and filing your annual report on time, your LLC can remain in good standing year after year. FormLLC simplifies the process from formation to ongoing compliance.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
The North Dakota LLC registration cost is $135 for filing the Articles of Organization. In addition, North Dakota requires an annual report filing fee of $50 to keep your LLC active and compliant.
North Dakota LLC filings submitted online are generally processed quickly, but timelines can vary depending on state processing volume.
Yes. Every North Dakota LLC must appoint a registered agent with a physical street address in North Dakota to receive legal and official documents.
North Dakota does not require you to file an Operating Agreement with the state, but it is highly recommended to define ownership, management, and internal business rules.
Most North Dakota LLCs need an EIN. It is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes with the IRS.
North Dakota does not charge a flat “LLC franchise tax” like some states. However, LLCs must file an annual report each year and pay the required $50 fee to remain in good standing.
Depending on your business type and location, you may need local, county, or state licenses or permits to legally operate in North Dakota.
