How to Start an LLC in Idaho

A limited liability company (LLC for short) is a way to legally structure a business. It combines the limited liability of a corporation with the flexibility and lack of formalities provided by a partnership or sole proprietorship. Any business owner who seeks to limit his or her personal liability for business debts and lawsuits should consider forming an LLC.

Here are the steps you need to take to form an LLC in Idaho. For more information on how to form an LLC in any state, see Nolo's article How to Form an LLC.

1. Choose a Name for Your LLC

Under Idaho law, an LLC name must contain the phrase "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company," or the abbreviation "L.L.C.," "L.C.," or "LLC."

Your LLC's name must be recognizably different from the names of other business entities already on file with the Idaho Secretary of State. Names may be checked for availability by searching the Secretary of State business name database. You may reserve a name for up to four months by filing a Reservation of Legal Entity Name with the Secretary of State. You may file online or by postal mail. The filing fee is $20 ($40 for filings by mail).

2. Appoint a Registered Agent

Every Idaho LLC must have an agent for service of process in the state. This is an individual or business entity that agrees to accept legal papers on the LLC's behalf if it is sued. A registered agent may be an individual who resides in Idaho, or a domestic or foreign business entity registered with the Idaho Secretary of State. The registered agent must have a physical street address in Idaho. A list of registered agents can be found online.

3. File Certificate of Organization

An Idaho LLC is created by filing a Certificate of Organization of Limited Liability Company with the Idaho Secretary of State. The Certificate must include:

• the LLC's name
• the street and mailing address of the LLC' s principal office
• address and the name and address of the LLC's registered agent,
• mailing address for future correspondence, and
• signature of LLC's organizer.

You must also include the name and address of at least one "governor," which is a manager in a manager-managed LLC or a member in a member-managed LLC.

The articles may be filed online or by postal mail. The filing fee is $100 ($120 for filings by mail).

4. Prepare an Operating Agreement

An LLC operating agreement is not required in Idaho, but is highly advisable. This is an internal document that establishes how your LLC will be run. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of the members and managers, including how the LLC will be managed. It can also help preserve your limited liability by showing that your LLC is truly a separate business entity. In the absence of an operating agreement, state LLC law will govern how your LLC operates.

For help creating an LLC operating agreement, see Form Your Own Limited Liability Company, by Anthony Mancuso (Nolo) or use Nolo's Online LLC. If an operating agreement is created, it need not be filed with the Articles of Organization.

5. Obtain an EIN

If your LLC has more than one member, it must obtain its own IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN), even if it has no employees. If you form a one-member LLC, you must obtain an EIN for it only if it will have employees or you elect to have it taxed as a corporation instead of a sole proprietorship (disregarded entity). You may obtain an EIN by completing an online application on the IRS website. There is no filing fee.

6. File Annual Reports

All LLCs doing business in Idaho must file an annual report with the Secretary of State. The annual report is due by the end of the LLC's anniversary month. The Secretary of State sends email reminders one to two months before the report is due. The report must be filed online. There is no filing fee. For more information on Idaho LLC annual reports, see Nolo's article Idaho LLC Annual Filing Requirements.