✨ ZenBusiness ✨

If you’re looking for an excellent Iowa LLC service then choose ZenBusiness. We’ve already formed 700,000+ businesses since 2017!

  • Free LLC Service: We’ll form your LLC for free (plus your state’s required fee), while some competitors charge hundreds of dollars for similar services.
  • $5,000 Grant Program: As a ZenBusiness customer you’re eligible to enter our grant program which includes $5,000 and other special resources to help start your business. In 2023, 40 grants will be awarded. As a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) we’re focused on more than just profits – we strongly believe in giving back.
  • Stellar Reviews: With more than 12,900 ZenBusiness reviews available online and high average ratings, it’s clear that our customers are typically quite pleased with our services.
  • Quality Guarantee: We offer a 60-day money-back guarantee on our services. While some competitors have steep service charges or short windows of availability for refunds, our 100% satisfaction guarantee provides significant peace of mind.

If you want a socially conscious Iowa LLC service with a service discount, choose ZenBusiness.

Northwest

Northwest Registered Agent charges $225 (plus state fee) for LLC filing services. That said, Northwest’s personalized customer support is a feature that could make their prices worth paying for some entrepreneurs.

  • Higher Prices: Northwest charges $225 + state fee to form an LLC in Iowa. However, that $225 package does at least include a year of registered agent service.
  • Customer Reviews: Northwest receives mostly positive customer feedback, but with several hundred reviews instead of the thousands you’ll find with the other companies in this guide, they can’t match competitors like us for review volume.
  • Known for Service: While some competitors outsource customer service to third-party call centers, Northwest keeps its support team in-house.

Overall, Northwest does have some points in its favor. However, keep in mind that it charges $225 (plus your state’s required fee) for its LLC filing services.

Want to learn more? See this Northwest LLC review.

LegalZoom

LegalZoom is one of the biggest names in the industry, with millions of customers served and frequent advertising efforts. LegalZoom provides an LLC filing package for free (plus the state’s fee).

  • Higher Average Prices: While LegalZoom charges $0 (+ your state fee) for LLC service, it has higher price points for some other services. For instance, it typically charges a rate of $199 per year for registered agent service and at least $149 to form a corporation.
  • Features: LegalZoom sometimes excludes valuable features from its LLC filing service packages. For instance, its Basic LLC service package includes only a digital welcome packet and a trial for a third-party web design service.
  • Service Guarantee: Much like ZenBusiness, LegalZoom offers a 60-day, 100% satisfaction guarantee that is among the best in the industry.

LegalZoom is a huge company, so while it offers extended support hours, the quality of its customer support may vary a bit from representative to representative.

Want to learn more? See this LegalZoom LLC review.

Incfile/Bizee

Incfile/Bizee offers LLC formations for free, as long as you pay your state’s fee. Incfile and ZenBusiness have some similar characteristics, but there are also some significant differences that set the two apart.

  • Lots of Reviews: Incfile/Bizee has tens of thousands of customer reviews with strong average rating scores.
  • Customer Support: If you prioritize responsive customer support, Incfile/Bizee may not be your best option. At times, their responses can be slow and some customers complain that they don’t get a response at all to emailed support inquiries.
  • Upsells: Incfile/Bizee can also pile on the upsells, with lots of suggested add-on services sprinkled throughout the order form.

If you’re looking for a cheap LLC formation service in Iowa and ZenBusiness doesn’t feel right for some reason, Incfile/Bizee could be worth a closer look.

Want to learn more? See this Incfile/Bizee LLC review.

Compare Packages

Identify the LLC package and
services that fit your needs and
then get started.

Starter

Premium

Starter

$0

Premium

$299/yr

Starter

Process in 7-10 business days*

$0

PLUS STATE FEES

Premium

Processes in 1 business day*

$299/yr

PLUS STATE FEES

Top Features

Make it official
More InfoWe do everything needed to file your application with the state and make your business official. Standard LLC filing
More InfoWe’ll file your paperwork quickly and accurately. If there are any errors with your filing, our team will do what’s needed to make it right. 100% accuracy guarantee
More InfoKeeps you compliant with all state-required annual report and amendment filings to maintain LLC protections and avoid fines. Worry-Free Compliance
More InfoThis essential document is like the constitution for your business. Operating agreement
More InfoOur team will secure your EIN from the IRS so you can open a business bank account, hire employees, and pay taxes. Employer ID Number (EIN)
More InfoOur fastest service puts you to the front of our line of filings. Our fastest filing speed
More InfoIncludes over 25 templates for contracts, service agreements, waivers, and more. Business documents
Get customers
More InfoGet online with a website builder tool optimized for traffic and customers. Business website builder
More InfoBuild and protect your brand by registering a private domain name that matches your business name. Domain name with privacy
More InfoStay organized and give your business more credibility with a business email. Business email address
Manage finances
More InfoGet a business bank account with no minimum balance, opening deposit, or monthly activities required Business banking
More InfoManage finances in one place: maximize tax deductions, send invoices, and get paid fast. Money Pro bookkeeping
More InfoTax prep and filing for your business, and unlimited tax advice year-round. Unlimited tax advice
Guidance and support
More InfoAccess your online dashboard for all-in-one-place convenience. See your business docs, important reminders, and more. Online dashboard access
More InfoOur highly-rated customer support team is here to help. Reach out by chat, phone, or email with your questions. Customer service
More InfoGet personalized guidance from our Premium Support team to set up your new products and services quickly and without a hassle. Premium Support

Process in 7-10 business days*

 
1 year free, then $199/yr**
+$99
+$99
+$79
+$99
 
+$15/mo
+$35/yr
+$25/yr
 
+$5/mo
+$30/mo
+$49/mo
 

Processes in 1 business day*

 
 
 
+$5/mo
+$30/mo
+$49/mo
 

*Processing times are based on receiving complete information. ZenBusiness processing times do not include Secretary of State processing times, which can vary.
**SPECIAL OFFER – Get Starter for $0 plus state fees. Includes one optional free year of Worry-Free Compliance that renews at $199/yr.
† ZenBusiness is a financial technology company and is not a bank. Banking services provided by Thread Bank, Member FDIC.

How to Set Up an Iowa LLC on Your Own

Technically speaking, you don’t have to use an LLC formation service like ZenBusiness or LegalZoom. These services are incredibly helpful, but you can save money by completing the process yourself.

You can read our complete guide to DIY an LLC setup in Iowa, but here’s a quick look at the process: 

Choose a business name

Every LLC in Iowa needs a name that’s memorable and gives potential clients a good idea of what goods or services are available. The name also needs to be unique — both for legal reasons and so your business stands out from the competition.

Appoint an IA registered agent

As we’ve mentioned in this guide, every LLC needs an agent who can accept service of process on your behalf. In all states, you can act as your own registered agent as long as you have a physical address in the state. That said, we generally recommend that you appoint someone else (like an online service) to act as your agent.

File the Certificate of Organization

This document, once filled out and filed, officially forms your business in the state of Iowa. You’ll need to provide some important information, including your contact information, your business address, signatures for your LLC’s members, and more. Iowa has a $50 filing fee.

Setting up the LLC is as easy as 1-2-3; it’s the maintenance requirements that are a bit more complicated:

Register for and pay taxes

If you have employees, you’ll need to get an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. Then there are state-specific taxes, too. Iowa has corporate income tax rates ranging between 6% and 12%; the personal rates fall between 0.33% and 8.53%. You’ll also be responsible for the state sales tax, which requires a permit. Learn more about these and other miscellaneous taxes at the Iowa Department of Revenue.

Get licenses and permits

There’s no general state business license in Iowa, but that doesn’t mean you won’t need to get professional licenses, such as those listed on the Iowa Business License Information Center’s website.

Create an operating agreement

Even single-member LLCs should create a “master document” that sets out how the business will operate, both now and in the future.

File your biennial report

Each other year, your LLC will need to file a biennial report to update the state about the standing of your business. Some states require you to submit this report annually, but the requirement is every other year in Iowa. You should file by April 1; be sure to include your filing fee of $60.

Obtain business insurance

Every business with employees needs to maintain workers’ compensation insurance and a commercial vehicle policy for company-owned vehicles. You may also want to get a general business liability policy, too.

Get a business bank account

You should sign up for a business bank account so you can write checks and make purchases in the name of the business instead of pulling from your personal accounts (a legal no-no).

This is just the tip of the iceberg, though. For more detailed guidance, we recommend contacting an attorney or checking out the full Iowa LLC Formation Guide.

Iowa LLC Fast Facts

  • LLC Formation Speed: Most filings are processed within just one business day
  • Cost to File an IA LLC: $50, plus the service’s fee if you use one
  • How to File Your Certificate of Organization: Online or by mail
  • Biennial Reports: Due every other year (odd-numbered years only) by April 1; filing fee is $60 (higher if filing by mail)
  • State General Business License: Not required, but industry licenses may apply
  • PLLCs: Permitted in Iowa; requires a different form

Iowa Secretary of State Contact Information

Location:
First Floor, Lucas Building
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
Email: 
sos@sos.iowa.gov
Telephone:
515-281-5204
Website:
https://sos.iowa.gov/

What Is an Iowa LLC?

LLCs are formal legal entities that are typically taxed similarly to sole proprietorships and general partnership vs LLC, in that the owners include any company profits or losses into their personal returns — the LLC itself does not owe income taxes. An LLC may also elect to be taxed like a corporation, although this is not a very common option. For more a more in-depth description see: What is an LLC?

The Total Cost of Forming and Maintaining an LLC in Iowa

In addition to the costs of a business formation service or hiring an attorney (which are optional, as we’ve discussed), there are quite a few other required and optional expenses when forming and maintaining an Iowa business. You cannot form an LLC in Iowa without filing the Certificate of Organization, the document that officially registers your business within the state. Iowa only offers online filing for this, which keeps the filing fee at a minimal $50.

Your LLC will need to file the Biennial Report every other year. Most states require this filing every year, but Iowa keeps it every other year, saving you money. This form is pretty simple, but it keeps the state up-to-date regarding some basic but vital business information. It costs $60 to submit on paper or $45 online. Read more about Iowa costs – Iowa LLC costs.

FAQ's

  • We invite you to take a look at our comprehensive guide to forming a limited liability company in Iowa. This article walks you through the LLC formation process in this state step by step, ensuring that you don’t miss any crucial elements.

  • One of the most important steps in forming an Iowa LLC is choosing a business name. Once you come up with ideas for your name, you should search through the Secretary of State’s business entity search to make sure your desired name is available. For more information on conducting a business name search in Iowa, check out Iowa business search on the topic.

  • You can fill out the Iowa Certificate of Organization on the Secretary of State’s website.

  • All LLCs operating in the state of Iowa are required to submit a biennial report to the Secretary of State. It’s due by April 1 of odd-numbered years, and there is a $45 filing fee for online submissions ($60 on paper).

  • Chances are, you’ll require at least one license or permit to operate your LLC in compliance with Iowa state law. For more information about business licenses and more in this state, check out the state’s convenient Licenses and Permits webpage.

  • The Secretary of State should be able to process your LLC’s online formation within one business day at most. The majority of LLCs are formed immediately.

  • If you want more details about what these companies can offer in this state, or you’d like to take a look at some other options, check out our complete guide to Iowa registered agents.

  • Unfortunately, not all businesses last forever. If the time comes when you need to close your LLC’s doors, you’ll need to do so in a manner consistent with the state’s regulations. That’s why we wrote our guide to Iowa LLC dissolutions, so you can complete the process in a compliant manner.

  • If your LLC already exists in another state, you don’t actually need to “form” it in Iowa. Instead, you’ll need to foreign qualify the business in this state. This process is somewhat similar to LLC formation, but there are some crucial differences as well. Take a look at our guide to foreign qualifications in Iowa for more information.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.

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Written by Team ZenBusiness

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