How To Start An LLC In West Virginia In 2025
Everything you need to know about forming an LLC in West Virginia, plus our expert-tested recommendations for the best formation services in the Mountain State.
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West Virginia offers an affordable and business-friendly environment for LLC formation. With a $130 total filing cost ($100 state fee + $30 business registration), competitive tax rates, and improving business climate rankings, West Virginia is an attractive state for entrepreneurs. The Mountain State has eliminated several business taxes and continues to reduce income tax rates, making it increasingly appealing for business formation.
Our top pick for West Virginia LLC formation is ZenBusiness. They offer fast processing for West Virginia LLCs, include a year of free Worry-Free Compliance, and their $0 formation package means you only pay the $130 West Virginia state and registration fees. With their expertise in multi-state business law and excellent customer support, they make forming your West Virginia LLC 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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia LLC Services
Best Overall for West Virginia ZenBusiness excels at West Virginia LLC formation with their streamlined filing process and knowledge of the state's specific requirements. They include their Worry-Free Compliance for the first year (saving you $199+), handle your Secretary of State registration, and provide ongoing compliance support. Their team understands West Virginia's annual report requirements and can help ensure you stay compliant with all state regulations.
Best For:
West Virginia entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and reliable filing
Pros
- Fast West Virginia LLC filing processing
- Free Worry-Free Compliance for 1 year
- Includes West Virginia annual report reminder service
- Expert support familiar with West Virginia requirements
- 100% accuracy guarantee on West Virginia filings
- Free EIN and operating agreement with Pro plan
Cons
- Premium features require upgraded plans
- Registered agent is $199/year
Fast West Virginia Formation Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers efficient West Virginia LLC formation with reliable processing. They provide a free West Virginia registered agent for the first year and their dashboard specifically tracks West Virginia's June 30th annual report deadline. Perfect for entrepreneurs who need their West Virginia LLC formed efficiently without complications.
Best For:
West Virginia businesses needing efficient formation
Pros
- Quick West Virginia processing
- Free West Virginia registered agent for first year
- Lifetime company alerts for West Virginia compliance
- Dashboard tracks West Virginia 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 WV LegalZoom brings decades of experience with West Virginia business formation. Their attorney network includes West Virginia-licensed lawyers who can provide state-specific legal advice. While their add-ons are pricier, they're ideal for West Virginia businesses with complex legal needs or those who want the security of professional legal backing.
Best For:
West Virginia businesses needing ongoing legal support and guidance
Pros
- Attorney consultations for West Virginia law
- Rush filing available for West Virginia
- Comprehensive West Virginia legal forms library
- Phone support with West Virginia expertise
- 30+ years serving West Virginia businesses
- Peace of mind guarantee
Cons
- West Virginia registered agent costs $249/year
- Operating agreement extra (+$99)
Best West Virginia Branding Package Tailor Brands combines West Virginia LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Perfect for West Virginia's growing creative and tourism sectors, they help establish your brand identity while handling the legal formation. Their packages include everything needed to launch a professional West Virginia business presence online and offline.
Best For:
West Virginia creative businesses and startups needing branding
Pros
- Logo design and branding included
- Website builder with West Virginia business info
- Business cards with West Virginia address
- Standard West Virginia processing
- EIN and operating agreement included
- Social media kit for West Virginia business
Cons
- Monthly subscription required
- No rush processing for West Virginia
Budget West Virginia Formation Inc Authority offers genuinely free West Virginia LLC formation where you only pay the $130 state and registration fees. They include a free West Virginia registered agent for the first year and handle all Secretary of State filings. While processing is slower than competitors, they're perfect for West Virginia entrepreneurs prioritizing cost savings over speed.
Best For:
Budget-conscious West Virginia entrepreneurs
Pros
- Truly free West Virginia LLC formation service
- Free West Virginia registered agent for first year
- Free tax consultation for West Virginia businesses
- Handles Secretary of State filing
- No hidden fees on basic package
- West Virginia business forms included
Cons
- Processing takes 7-10 business days
- West Virginia registered agent renews at $119/year
- Aggressive upselling reported
Privacy Focused Northwest Registered Agent takes a minimalist approach to West Virginia LLC formation, focusing on privacy and straightforward service without the bells and whistles. They handle your West Virginia Secretary of 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:
West Virginia entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and simple, no-frills service
Pros
- Strong privacy protection for West Virginia businesses
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Handles West Virginia Secretary of State filing
- No aggressive marketing or upselling
- Straightforward West Virginia LLC process
- Low-cost registered agent service
Cons
- Email-only customer support
- No rush processing for West Virginia filings
- Limited business tools and resources
- Basic operating agreement template
All-Inclusive & Fast BetterLegal offers a streamlined approach to West Virginia LLC formation with their comprehensive $299 service package plus West Virginia's $130 state and registration fees. With reliable turnaround times and transparent pricing, they're perfect for entrepreneurs who want efficiency and simplicity without hidden costs in their West Virginia LLC formation process.
Best For:
West Virginia businesses needing everything done quickly with transparent pricing
Pros
- Fast West Virginia formation processing
- Everything included: formation, EIN, operating agreement, registered agent
- Transparent flat-rate pricing structure
- West Virginia-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 West Virginia LLC formation to provide a comprehensive legal platform. With access to West Virginia-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 West Virginia business needs.
Best For:
West Virginia businesses anticipating ongoing legal needs and document creation
Pros
- Access to West Virginia-licensed attorneys
- Comprehensive legal document library
- Ongoing legal support beyond formation
- Rush West Virginia processing available (additional fee)
- West Virginia business law resources
- Attorney consultations included with membership
Cons
- Monthly membership required for best value
- West Virginia formation takes 5-7 business days
- Higher costs compared to formation-only services
- Complex pricing structure
Traditional Service Active Filings provides reliable West Virginia 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 West Virginia business owners appreciate, with knowledgeable representatives who understand West Virginia's specific LLC requirements and annual reporting deadlines.
Best For:
West Virginia entrepreneurs who prefer phone support and traditional business services
Pros
- Phone support with West Virginia expertise
- First year registered agent included
- Rush processing available for West Virginia
- Traditional, reliable service approach
- West Virginia 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 West Virginia business ownership. While their basic LLC formation is straightforward, their real strength lies in helping established West Virginia businesses navigate complex regulatory requirements, making them ideal for companies planning significant growth or those with specialized compliance needs.
Best For:
West Virginia businesses with complex compliance needs or planning to expand
Pros
- Specialized in ongoing West Virginia compliance
- Corporate services and advanced structures
- West Virginia 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
West Virginia LLC Requirements & Steps
What You Need to Form a West Virginia LLC
- ✓ Unique LLC Name: Must include "Limited Liability Company" or "LLC" and be distinguishable from other West Virginia businesses
- ✓ West Virginia Registered Agent: Required by law - must have a West Virginia street address (no P.O. boxes)
- ✓ Articles of Organization: Filed with West Virginia Secretary of State
- ✓ Business Registration Certificate: Required from West Virginia State Tax Department ($30)
- ✓ EIN (Federal Tax ID): Required to open a business bank account and hire employees
- ✓ Operating Agreement: Not required by West Virginia but highly recommended
- ✓ Annual Report: Due by June 30th each year after formation
West Virginia LLC Costs
- • State Filing Fee: $100 for Articles of Organization
- • Business Registration Certificate: $30 (required)
- • Total State Costs: $130
- • Registered Agent: $100-$300/year (or free first year with most services)
- • EIN: Free from IRS, $50-$150 through formation services
- • Annual Report: $25 per year (due by June 30th)
- • Name Reservation: $15 (optional, valid for 120 days)
West Virginia LLC Timeline
- • Name Check: Search available names online through Secretary of State
- • Processing Time: 5-10 business days standard
- • EIN Application: Instant online or 4 weeks by mail
- • Total Time to Launch: 1-2 weeks with professional service
Why Form Your LLC in West Virginia?
Tax Advantages
- • Competitive income tax rates
- • Low annual report fee ($25)
- • Ongoing tax rate reductions
- • Business-friendly tax structure
Business Environment
- • Growing energy sector
- • Expanding tourism industry
- • Strategic location for logistics
- • Access to major East Coast markets
- • Improving business climate rankings
Cost Advantages
- • Low formation costs ($130 total)
- • Lowest workers' compensation rates nationally
- • Competitive operating costs
- • Affordable commercial real estate
Legal Protections
- • Strong asset protection laws
- • Limited liability protection
- • Privacy for members
- • Flexible management structure
West Virginia LLC Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in West Virginia?
West Virginia requires a $100 state filing fee plus a $30 Business Registration Certificate, totaling $130 in mandatory state costs. 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 $25. Most West Virginia entrepreneurs spend between $130-$500 total to form their LLC.
Do I need a registered agent for my West Virginia LLC?
Yes, West Virginia law requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a West Virginia street address (P.O. boxes are not acceptable). The registered agent receives legal documents and official state correspondence on behalf of your LLC. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a West Virginia address, but most business owners use a professional service for privacy and reliability.
How long does it take to form an LLC in West Virginia?
West Virginia Secretary of State typically processes LLC formation documents within 5-10 business days. Professional formation services can often expedite this process and handle both the Articles of Organization and Business Registration Certificate simultaneously. Filing online through the One Stop Business Portal is generally faster than mail filing.
What is West Virginia's annual report requirement?
West Virginia LLCs must file an annual report by June 30th each year, starting the year after formation. The report costs $25 and can be filed online. It updates your business information including address, registered agent, and member/manager details. Missing the deadline incurs a late penalty. Most formation services provide reminders and some will file it for you.
Can I form a West Virginia LLC if I don't live in West Virginia?
Yes, you don't need to be a West Virginia resident to form a West Virginia LLC. However, you must have a registered agent with a West Virginia 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 West Virginia LLCs?
Your West Virginia 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 search name availability through the Secretary of State's website. Certain words may require additional approval. You can also reserve a name for 120 days for a $15 fee if you're not ready to form your LLC yet.
Popular West Virginia Cities for LLCs
- • Charleston
- • Huntington
- • Morgantown
- • Parkersburg
- • Martinsburg
- • Charles Town
- • Shepherdstown
- • Harpers Ferry
- • Wheeling
- • Fairmont
- • Clarksburg
- • Bridgeport
- • Beckley
- • Bluefield
- • Lewisburg
- • Hurricane
Ready to Start Your West Virginia LLC?
Join entrepreneurs who've successfully formed their West Virginia LLCs. Get started today with our top-rated formation services.