How to Form an LLC in Utah (2026): Real Costs, Real Steps
Utah charges $54 to file Articles of Organization online—no publication requirement, no franchise tax. You'll file a $20 annual renewal (or $76 biennial) with the Division of Corporations. Utah LLCs pay a flat 4.85% state income tax on pass-through income, but the process is straightforward: file online, appoint a registered agent (Northwest at $125/year handles service of process), get your federal EIN, draft an operating agreement, open a business bank account (Mercury offers free LLC accounts with no minimums), and register for state tax accounts. Total first-year cost runs roughly $199 when you use Northwest as your registered agent. Your annual report is due the anniversary month of formation, and Utah's online portal makes compliance simple.
Before you file, two things drive cost the most in Utah: registered agent requirements and whether you open Mercury vs Bluevine business banking separately. The full breakdown below covers both.
Year-1 cost table
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (online filing) | $54 | cite |
| Annual Report (online, due anniversary month) | $20 | cite |
| Registered Agent (Northwest, first year) | $125 | cite |
| Biennial Report option (file every 2 years) | $76 | cite |
| Estimated Year-1 Total (with annual report) | $199 | cite |
The 6 steps
- Step 1: File Articles of Organization
Submit the formation document to the Utah Secretary of State. See the cost table above for the current filing fee.
- Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
Every Utah LLC needs a registered agent with a Utah street address. You can serve yourself, but most founders use a commercial RA — Northwest is our default pick.
- Step 3: Get an EIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)
Apply with the IRS using your stamped Articles of Organization. Free, takes 5 minutes online.
- Step 4: Adopt an Operating Agreement
Required by best practice — banks routinely request it before opening business accounts.
- Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account
Mercury for software/online businesses; a local credit union for cash-heavy retail. Keep personal and business finances separate from day one.
- Step 6: File State Tax Registrations
Register for Utah state taxes (sales tax permit, payroll registration if you have employees, etc.) before you transact.
Recommended tools
Northwest vs ZenBusiness for Utah LLCs
Verdict (as of 2026): Northwest Registered Agent is our default pick for Utah LLCs. They publish a Utah-specific registered-agent page (linked in the cost table) and do not upsell add-ons at checkout. ZenBusiness wins only if you want bundled formation in a single flow.
| Criterion | Northwest | ZenBusiness |
|---|---|---|
| Registered-agent only price (Utah) | $125/yr | $199/yr |
| Bundled formation | Optional add-on | Included in formation plans |
| Privacy (address shielding) | Strong | Strong |
| Upsells at checkout | None | Several |
| Annual-report filing service | $100/yr add-on | $199/yr add-on |
Frequently asked questions
Can I file a biennial report instead of an annual report in Utah?
Yes. Utah allows LLCs to choose between an annual report ($20, due every year) or a biennial report ($76, due every two years). You select your preference when filing. The biennial option reduces administrative burden if you want to file less frequently.
Does Utah charge a franchise tax or have a publication requirement?
No. Utah has no franchise tax and no newspaper publication requirement. You pay the $54 filing fee and $20 annual report fee—no hidden recurring taxes or publication costs.
What is Utah's state income tax rate for LLCs?
Utah has a flat 4.85% state income tax on pass-through LLC income. Single-member and multi-member LLCs report income on your personal return, and you pay the flat rate on net profit. There is no separate entity-level tax.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Utah?
Online filings through the Utah Division of Corporations typically process within 1–2 business days. Expedited 24-hour and same-day processing options are available for an additional fee if you need faster approval.
Do I need a Utah street address for my registered agent?
Yes. Your registered agent must have a physical Utah street address (no P.O. boxes). Northwest Registered Agent provides a Utah address and handles service of process for $125/year, satisfying the state requirement and keeping your home address private.
Annual filing deadline
Utah annual reports are due during the anniversary month of your LLC's formation and can be filed online for $20, or you may elect a biennial (every-two-years) filing for $76.
Authoritative sources
- https://corporations.utah.gov/
- https://corporations.utah.gov/fees.html
- https://tax.utah.gov/businesses
Other states
Updated 2026-05-12. Source quality: d1_hydrated. AthenAI is not a law firm; this page is informational.