You can form a Utah LLC for $59, and that’s the whole state bill to get started. If you’re wondering how to start an LLC in Utah without overpaying, the answer is to file the Certificate of Organization yourself with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. After that, the state asks for an $18 annual renewal.
A formation service is optional. This guide walks through the do-it-yourself route first, then shows where a paid service might save you time.
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Last updated: October 11, 2026
Key Takeaways
- The Utah state filing fee for the Certificate of Organization is $59, according to the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code fee schedule.
- The annual renewal is $18 (including a $5 surcharge). Late renewals add $10.
- An EIN is free from the IRS. You never have to pay for one.
- A formation service is optional. You can file everything yourself.
Utah LLC Costs at a Glance
| Item | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Organization (formation) | $59 | One time, when you form |
| Annual renewal (annual report) | $18 (includes a $5 surcharge) | One year after you register, then every year |
| Late annual renewal | +$10 | If you miss the deadline |
| EIN from the IRS | $0 | One time, when you need it |
Sources: Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code fee schedule; IRS. Figures current as of October 11, 2026.
What “Free” Really Means When You Form a Utah LLC
The state fee is unavoidable. “Free” on this site means no middleman fee.
You file directly with the state and skip paying a company to submit the same paperwork. The $59 goes to Utah either way.
Step-by-Step: How to Start an LLC in Utah
1. Choose and check your business name
Your LLC’s name has to stand apart from businesses already registered in Utah. Use the business name search on the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code’s website to see what’s taken. Check the division’s site for naming rules, such as which words your name must or must not include, and for any option to reserve a name before filing.
Also search the federal trademark database at USPTO.gov and see if a matching web domain is open. A name that’s available at the state level doesn’t automatically keep you out of trademark trouble.
2. Appoint a registered agent
A registered agent is the person or company that receives official legal and state mail for your LLC. You’ll name one on your filing. Your options:
- Yourself, if you have a physical address in Utah and are available there during business hours.
- Someone you trust, such as a business partner or family member who meets the same requirements.
- A registered agent service, a paid option often chosen for privacy or when you travel or work from home.
Check the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code’s website for the exact registered agent requirements before you name someone.
3. File the Certificate of Organization
The Certificate of Organization is the document that legally creates your LLC. Many states call it “articles of organization.” In Utah, you file it with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code, and the state filing fee is $59.
You’ll typically provide your LLC’s name, its registered agent, and basic information about who runs it. Use the division’s online filing system so you’re working from the current form. For current processing times, check the division’s website.
Say you’re forming a one-person LLC to run a freelance design business. Your cost to get legally formed is the $59 filing fee. The EIN is $0, and there’s no service fee if you file on your own.
4. Create an operating agreement
An operating agreement is an internal document that spells out how your LLC is owned and run. It names the members (the owners), explains how profits are split, and sets how decisions get made. Some LLCs are manager-managed, meaning designated managers run things. Others are member-managed, meaning the owners run it directly.
Check the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code’s website to see whether you must file this document with the state. Even for a one-person LLC, writing one is smart. It documents that your business is separate from you, which supports the liability protection an LLC is meant to provide. The SBA’s guidance on business structures is a free place to learn more.
5. Get your free EIN from the IRS
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a federal tax ID for your business. According to the IRS, you can get one directly from the IRS online in minutes for free, and you never have to pay a fee for it.
Apply only at IRS.gov. Sites that charge for an EIN are charging for something you can do yourself at no cost.
You’ll generally need your LLC to exist first, so apply after your Certificate of Organization is accepted. For tax setup choices after that, see our guide on LLC vs. S corp differences.
6. Open a business bank account
Keep business money separate from personal money. Bring your Certificate of Organization, your EIN confirmation, and your operating agreement to the bank.
Many banks and online providers offer accounts for small LLCs. One option is Novo, an online business checking account. Compare fees and features with your local bank or credit union before you choose.
7. File your annual renewal on time
According to the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code, Utah LLCs file an annual renewal one year from the date of registration and every year after. The fee is $18, which includes a $5 surcharge.
Put the date on your calendar now.
Do It Yourself vs. a Formation Service for Your Utah LLC
Do it yourself:
- State fee: $59
- Service fee: $0
- First-year cost at the state level: $59, plus the $18 annual renewal when it comes due one year after registration.
With a formation service:
- State fee: $59
- Service fee: varies by company and package, so check current pricing
- First-year cost: $59 plus the service’s fee
What a service can add: guided questionnaires, document preparation, a registered agent for a period of time, and reminders for your annual renewal. Some founders value that convenience, especially if they’re forming several entities or want a registered agent included. Bizee is one such service. To weigh your options, see our guide to the best LLC formation services.
What you can skip: you don’t need a service to file the Certificate of Organization, get an EIN, or write an operating agreement. The state’s website and IRS.gov cover the essentials.
Keeping Your Utah LLC in Good Standing
The main ongoing task is the annual renewal:
- Fee: $18 (includes a $5 surcharge)
- Due: one year after your registration date, then every year after
- Late fee: $10 added if you file late
Source: Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. Your due date follows your registration date, so it may differ from a friend’s LLC formed in another month. Set a reminder a few weeks ahead.
Check the division’s website for what happens if renewals are missed for an extended period. Also keep your registered agent information current and your business finances separate from personal ones.
Want the full picture? Our 7-step start-here guide gives you the overview, and LLC filing fees by state shows how Utah’s costs compare elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting an LLC in Utah
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Utah?
The state filing fee for the Certificate of Organization is $59, according to the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. An EIN is free from the IRS. A formation service, if you choose one, adds its own fee.
Do I have to pay a service to form a Utah LLC?
No. You can file the Certificate of Organization yourself with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. A service is optional and mainly adds convenience.
How much is the Utah LLC annual renewal?
The fee is $18, which includes a $5 surcharge, according to the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. It’s due one year from your registration date and every year after.
What happens if I file my annual renewal late?
According to the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code, late renewals add a $10 fee. Check the division’s website for other consequences of missed filings.
Do I have to pay for an EIN?
No. The IRS says you never have to pay a fee for an EIN. Apply directly at IRS.gov.
Your Next Step
Ready to move? Open the 7-step start-here guide, then pull up the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code’s website and run your name search today.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Business formation rules, fees, and deadlines vary by state and change often. Always consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or tax professional before making decisions about your business.
