How To Start An LLC In Pennsylvania In 2025
Everything you need to know about forming an LLC in Pennsylvania, plus our expert-tested recommendations for the best formation services in the Keystone State.
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Pennsylvania offers a straightforward and affordable path to LLC formation. With a $125 state filing fee and pass-through taxation benefits, Pennsylvania provides an excellent environment for starting your LLC. Whether you're in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, or anywhere else in the Keystone State, you can have your Pennsylvania LLC up and running quickly.
Our top pick for Pennsylvania LLC formation is ZenBusiness. They offer expedited processing for Pennsylvania LLCs, include a year of free Worry-Free Compliance, and their $0 formation package means you only pay the $125 Pennsylvania state fee. With their expertise in Pennsylvania business law and excellent customer support, they make the entire process simple and stress-free.
Featured Partners
- Best filing & protections
- Fastest processing
- Free compliance for 1 yr
- Award-winning support
On ZenBusiness's Website
- Best for standard filing
- Fast processing options
- Free yr registered agent
- Lifetime company alerts
On Bizee's Website
- Best legal services
- Fast processing options
- AI legal forms
- Trusted since 1999
On LegalZoom's Website
- Best branding services
- Fast processing options
- Logo & website builder
- Establish your brand
On Tailor Brands's Website
Compare the Best Pennsylvania LLC Services of 2025
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and capabilities
| Feature | ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | Bizee Fastest Formation |  Inc Authority Free Formation | Tailor Brands Best for Branding | LegalZoom Best for Legal Support |  Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents |  BetterLegal Speed & Simplicity |  Active Filings Traditional Service |  Filenow Budget Option |  Northwest Basic Formation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $99.99 + state fees | $299 all-inclusive | $199 + state fees | $99 + state fees | $39 + state fees |
| Our Rating | 4.9 /5 | 4.6 /5 | 4.4 /5 | 4.3 /5 | 4.2 /5 | 4.0 /5 | 3.9 /5 | 3.8 /5 | 3.6 /5 | 3.4 /5 |
| Standard Processing | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 5-14 days | 5-7 days | 2 days | 5-10 days | 7-10 days | 7-10 days |
| Rush Processing | 1 day +$79 | 1 day +$49 | 2 days +$99 | 1 day +$99 | Standard speed | 2 days +$100 | 3 days +$50 | |||
| Compliance Tools | Worry-Free Compliance Free 1st year | Alerts only Basic monitoring | Basic tools Included | Basic alerts Included | Premium only Extra cost | Document library With membership | Limited Basic support | Basic tools Limited | None Not available | None Not included |
| Registered Agent | $199/yr Not included | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | Free Year 1 Then $199/yr | $119/yr Not included | $249/yr Not included | $149/yr Not included | Included In base price | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | +$125/yr Not included | $125/yr Available |
| Operating Agreement | +$99 | +$99 | +$50 | Included | +$99 | Included | Included | +$99 | +$40 | +$39 |
| EIN Service | +$99 | +$70 | +$70 | Included | +$159 | +$99 | Included | +$70 | +$50 | +$70 |
| Customer Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Limited | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Chat | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Email | Email only | Email only |
| Mobile App | ||||||||||
| Attorney Access | ||||||||||
| Get Started | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → |
Note: State filing fees are additional for all services except where noted. Features and pricing may vary by state.
Our Top Picks for Pennsylvania LLC Services
Best Overall for Pennsylvania ZenBusiness excels at Pennsylvania LLC formation with their expedited filing option and deep knowledge of Pennsylvania's specific requirements. They include their Worry-Free Compliance for the first year (saving you $199+), handle your state registration, and provide ongoing compliance support. Their team is well-versed in Pennsylvania's new annual report requirements starting in 2025 and can help ensure you stay compliant with all state regulations.
Best For:
Pennsylvania entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and reliable, accurate filing
Pros
- Expedited Pennsylvania LLC filing available
- Free Worry-Free Compliance for 1 year
- Includes Pennsylvania annual report reminder service
- Expert support familiar with Pennsylvania requirements
- 100% accuracy guarantee on Pennsylvania filings
- Free EIN and operating agreement with Pro plan
Cons
- Premium features require upgraded plans
- Registered agent is $199/year
Fast Pennsylvania Formation Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers efficient Pennsylvania LLC formation with quick processing options. They provide a free Pennsylvania registered agent for the first year and their dashboard specifically tracks Pennsylvania's September 30th annual report deadline (starting in 2025). Perfect for entrepreneurs who need their Pennsylvania LLC formed quickly and affordably.
Best For:
Pennsylvania businesses needing quick formation at low cost
Pros
- Fast Pennsylvania processing available
- Free Pennsylvania registered agent for first year
- Lifetime company alerts for Pennsylvania compliance
- Dashboard tracks Pennsylvania annual reports
- Free business tools and templates
- No hidden fees on basic package
Cons
- Operating agreement costs extra
- Limited phone support hours
Best Legal Support in PA LegalZoom brings decades of experience with Pennsylvania business formation. Their attorney network includes Pennsylvania-licensed lawyers who can provide state-specific legal advice. While their add-ons are pricier, they're ideal for Pennsylvania businesses with complex legal needs or those who want the security of professional legal backing.
Best For:
Pennsylvania businesses needing ongoing legal support and guidance
Pros
- Attorney consultations for Pennsylvania law
- Rush filing available for Pennsylvania
- Comprehensive Pennsylvania legal forms library
- Phone support with Pennsylvania expertise
- 30+ years serving Pennsylvania businesses
- Peace of mind guarantee
Cons
- Pennsylvania registered agent costs $249/year
- Operating agreement extra (+$99)
Best Pennsylvania Branding Package Tailor Brands combines Pennsylvania LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Perfect for Pennsylvania's diverse business landscape, they help establish your brand identity while handling the legal formation. Their packages include everything needed to launch a professional Pennsylvania business presence online and offline.
Best For:
Pennsylvania creative businesses and startups needing branding
Pros
- Logo design and branding included
- Website builder with Pennsylvania business info
- Business cards with Pennsylvania address
- Quick Pennsylvania processing
- EIN and operating agreement included
- Social media kit for Pennsylvania business
Cons
- Monthly subscription required
- No rush processing for Pennsylvania
Free Pennsylvania Formation Inc Authority offers genuinely free Pennsylvania LLC formation where you only pay the $125 state fee. They include a free Pennsylvania registered agent for the first year and handle all state filings. While processing is slower than competitors, they're perfect for Pennsylvania entrepreneurs prioritizing cost savings over speed.
Best For:
Budget-conscious Pennsylvania entrepreneurs
Pros
- Truly free Pennsylvania LLC formation
- Free Pennsylvania registered agent for first year
- Free tax consultation for Pennsylvania businesses
- Handles state filing
- No hidden fees on basic package
- Pennsylvania business forms included
Cons
- Processing takes 7-10 business days
- Pennsylvania registered agent renews at $119/year
- Aggressive upselling reported
Privacy Focused Northwest Registered Agent takes a minimalist approach to Pennsylvania LLC formation, focusing on privacy and straightforward service without the bells and whistles. They handle your Pennsylvania state registration efficiently and provide registered agent services at competitive rates, making them ideal for business owners who prefer a simple, direct approach to LLC formation.
Best For:
Pennsylvania entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and simple, no-frills service
Pros
- Strong privacy protection for Pennsylvania businesses
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Handles Pennsylvania state filing
- No aggressive marketing or upselling
- Straightforward Pennsylvania LLC process
- Low-cost registered agent service
Cons
- Email-only customer support
- No rush processing for Pennsylvania filings
- Limited business tools and resources
- Basic operating agreement template
All-Inclusive & Fast BetterLegal offers a streamlined approach to Pennsylvania LLC formation with their comprehensive $299 service package plus Pennsylvania's $125 state filing fee. With guaranteed 2-business-day turnaround and transparent pricing, they're perfect for entrepreneurs who want speed and simplicity without hidden costs in their Pennsylvania LLC formation process.
Best For:
Pennsylvania businesses needing everything done quickly with transparent pricing
Pros
- Guaranteed 2-business-day Pennsylvania formation
- Everything included: formation, EIN, operating agreement, registered agent
- Transparent flat-rate pricing structure
- Pennsylvania-specific compliance guidance
- No hidden fees or surprise costs
- Streamlined single-package approach
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than budget options
- State filing fees are additional cost
- Limited ongoing support after formation
- Fewer customization options
Legal Platform Rocket Lawyer goes beyond simple Pennsylvania LLC formation to provide a comprehensive legal platform. With access to Pennsylvania-licensed attorneys and an extensive library of legal documents, they're ideal for businesses that need ongoing legal support. While formation takes longer than specialized services, the added legal resources make it worthwhile for complex Pennsylvania business needs.
Best For:
Pennsylvania businesses anticipating ongoing legal needs and document creation
Pros
- Access to Pennsylvania-licensed attorneys
- Comprehensive legal document library
- Ongoing legal support beyond formation
- Rush Pennsylvania processing available (additional fee)
- Pennsylvania business law resources
- Attorney consultations included with membership
Cons
- Monthly membership required for best value
- Pennsylvania formation takes 5-7 business days
- Higher costs compared to formation-only services
- Complex pricing structure
Traditional Service Active Filings provides reliable Pennsylvania LLC formation with a focus on personal service and phone support. While their pricing is higher than newer competitors, they offer a traditional approach that many Pennsylvania business owners appreciate, with knowledgeable representatives who understand Pennsylvania's specific LLC requirements and annual reporting deadlines.
Best For:
Pennsylvania entrepreneurs who prefer phone support and traditional business services
Pros
- Phone support with Pennsylvania expertise
- First year registered agent included
- Rush processing available for Pennsylvania
- Traditional, reliable service approach
- Pennsylvania annual report reminders
- Basic compliance tools included
Cons
- Higher starting price than competitors
- Limited online tools and resources
- Standard processing takes 5-7 days
- Fewer modern business features
Compliance Specialists Harbor Compliance specializes in the ongoing administrative and compliance aspects of Pennsylvania business ownership. While their basic LLC formation is straightforward, their real strength lies in helping established Pennsylvania businesses navigate complex regulatory requirements, making them ideal for companies planning significant growth or those with specialized compliance needs.
Best For:
Pennsylvania businesses with complex compliance needs or planning to expand
Pros
- Specialized in ongoing Pennsylvania compliance
- Corporate services and advanced structures
- Pennsylvania annual report filing services
- Business licensing assistance
- Registered agent services statewide
- Focus on regulatory requirements
Cons
- Higher fees for premium services
- Complex pricing for basic formation
- Longer processing times (7-10 days)
- Limited customer support hours
Pennsylvania LLC Requirements & Steps
What You Need to Form a Pennsylvania LLC
- ✓ Unique LLC Name: Must include "Limited Liability Company" or "LLC" and be distinguishable from other Pennsylvania businesses
- ✓ Pennsylvania Registered Office: Required by law - must have a Pennsylvania street address (no P.O. boxes)
- ✓ Certificate of Organization: Filed with Pennsylvania Department of State
- ✓ EIN (Federal Tax ID): Required to open a business bank account and hire employees
- ✓ Operating Agreement: Not required by Pennsylvania but highly recommended
- ✓ Annual Report: Due by September 30th annually (starting 2025)
Pennsylvania LLC Costs
- • State Filing Fee: $125 (waived for veterans and reservists)
- • Registered Agent: $100-$300/year (or free first year with most services)
- • EIN: Free from IRS, $50-$150 through formation services
- • Annual Report: $7 per year (due by September 30th, starting 2025)
- • Business License: Varies by city/county and industry
Pennsylvania LLC Timeline
- • Name Check: Instant online check via Pennsylvania Department of State
- • Processing Time: Several weeks standard, same day expedited ($100)
- • EIN Application: Instant online or 4 weeks by mail
- • Total Time to Launch: 2-5 business days with expedited service
Why Form Your LLC in Pennsylvania?
Tax Advantages
- • Pass-through taxation (no double taxation)
- • Low annual report fee ($7 starting 2025)
- • Special tax incentives for Opportunity Zones
Business Environment
- • Strong manufacturing sector
- • Growing healthcare and biotech industries
- • Major East Coast transportation hub
- • Access to major metropolitan markets
Legal Protections
- • Strong personal liability protection
- • Flexible management structure options
- • Member privacy protection
- • Established business law framework
Special Benefits
- • Free filing for veterans and reservists
- • Job Creation Tax Credits available
- • Opportunity Zone tax benefits
- • Reasonable filing and maintenance fees
Pennsylvania LLC Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania state filing fee is $125, which is waived for veterans and reservists. Additional costs include a registered agent ($100-$300/year, though many services offer the first year free), EIN application (free from IRS or $50-$150 through a service), and the annual report fee of $7 starting in 2025. Most Pennsylvania entrepreneurs spend between $125-$500 total to form their LLC, depending on which services they choose.
Do I need a registered agent for my Pennsylvania LLC?
Pennsylvania requires every LLC to maintain a "registered office" with a Pennsylvania street address (P.O. boxes are not acceptable). While the state refers to this as a registered office rather than a registered agent, the concept is similar. You can use your own Pennsylvania address if available during business hours, or hire a professional service for privacy and reliability. Most formation services include the first year free.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Pennsylvania?
Standard processing in Pennsylvania takes several weeks. However, you can expedite processing for an additional $100 for same day processing. Many formation services can coordinate expedited filing to get your Pennsylvania LLC approved quickly. Online filing is generally faster than mail filing.
What is Pennsylvania's annual report requirement?
Starting in 2025, Pennsylvania LLCs must file an annual report by September 30th each year. The report costs $7 and can be filed online. This is a significant change from the previous requirement to file reports only every 10 years. There's a transition period until 2027 to prevent penalties, but from 2027 onwards, failure to file can result in administrative dissolution.
Can I form a Pennsylvania LLC if I don't live in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you don't need to be a Pennsylvania resident to form a Pennsylvania LLC. However, you must maintain a registered office with a Pennsylvania street address. This is where professional registered agent services become essential for out-of-state business owners. Keep in mind you may also need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state if you're conducting business there.
What name requirements exist for Pennsylvania LLCs?
Your Pennsylvania LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in the state. It must include "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC" at the end. You can check name availability through the Pennsylvania Department of State website. Certain restricted words may require additional approval. You can reserve a name for 120 days for a $70 fee if you're not ready to form your LLC yet.
Popular Pennsylvania Cities for LLCs
- • Philadelphia
- • Chester
- • Norristown
- • King of Prussia
- • Pittsburgh
- • Greensburg
- • Washington
- • Uniontown
- • Harrisburg
- • Lancaster
- • York
- • Altoona
- • Scranton
- • Wilkes-Barre
- • Bethlehem
- • Allentown
Ready to Start Your Pennsylvania LLC?
Join thousands of entrepreneurs who've successfully formed their Pennsylvania LLCs. Get started today with our top-rated formation services.