- Filing fee
- $101
- Annual Report
- $25
- First-year gov. cost
- $131
- Publication
- Not required
The steps, in order
Pick a name West Virginia will accept
Must be distinguishable and contain a required designator such as Limited Liability Company, L.L.C., or LLC. Certain terms implying government affiliation or regulated industries are restricted.
Search existing West Virginia business names before you commit. West Virginia naming rules in detail.
Appoint a registered agent
Secretary of State acts as the default agent, though listing a private agent is highly advised. If appointed, the agent must maintain a physical West Virginia street address (no PO boxes).
You can serve as your own agent, but your address will be public. Compare West Virginia registered agent options.
File the Articles of Organization (Form LLD-1)
Submit it to the West Virginia Secretary of State, Business and Licensing Division through the official filing portal and pay $101. $100 for paper filings, plus a $1 convenience fee for online filings.
Processing: online 1 to 2 business days; by mail 5 to 10 business days. Expedite: 24-hour processing for $25, two-hour processing for $250, and one-hour processing for $500.
Write an operating agreement
Strongly recommended by statute to establish internal governance but is strictly internal and does not need to be filed.
Get an EIN from the IRS
An Employer Identification Number is free from IRS.gov. You'll need it for a business bank account and, if you hire, for payroll.
Stay in good standing
File the Annual Report ($25), due January 1 to June 30. $50 late penalty West Virginia report deadlines.
Every West Virginia LLC fee
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Form LLD-1) | $101 | $100 for paper filings, plus a $1 convenience fee for online filings. |
| Annual Report | $25 | annual, January 1 to June 30 |
| Name reservation (optional) | $15 | 120 days |
| Change of registered agent | $15 | Requires filing Form AAO. |
| Amendment | $26 | |
| Certificate of good standing | $10 | |
| Certificate of Authority | $150 | For LLCs formed in another state |
| Articles of Termination (Form LLD-9) | $25 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $25 | state |
How West Virginia compares nationally
- West Virginia's filing fee of $101 is the 23rd lowest of 51 jurisdictions (median $104).
- West Virginia's first-year government cost of $131 is the 20th highest of 51 jurisdictions (median $125).
- West Virginia's yearly cost after that of $25 is the 18th lowest of 51 jurisdictions (median $45).
See every state side by side in our LLC cost by state table.
File it yourself or use a service?
Filing directly with the West Virginia Secretary of State, Business and Licensing Division costs $101 and nothing else, but you'll need a registered agent with a West Virginia street address, and that address goes on the public record. A formation service files for you and acts as your agent. Here's what that adds over three years, before West Virginia's own fees:
| Route | Year one with West Virginia fee | 3-year service fees |
|---|---|---|
| File yourself, be your own agent | $101 | $0 |
| Northwest | $140 | $289 |
| Bizee Basic | $101 | $298 |
Bizee vs Northwest, compared · All LLC services ranked
State taxes to plan for
No annual franchise or privilege tax on standard pass-through LLCs. Mandatory Business Registration Certificate costs $30. Top personal income tax rate is 4.58%.
What's different about West Virginia
- Waives the $100 formation fee and the first four years of annual report fees for veteran-owned LLCs.
- Waives the initial formation fee for young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 29.
- No mandatory private registered agent requirement.
More West Virginia LLC guides
West Virginia LLC questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in West Virginia?
The West Virginia Secretary of State, Business and Licensing Division charges $101 to file the Articles of Organization (Form LLD-1). Counting mandatory first-year items, expect about $131 in government fees (Includes the $100 Articles fee, the $1 online surcharge, and the mandatory $30 Business Registration Certificate.).
How long does it take to form an LLC in West Virginia?
Online: 1 to 2 business days. By mail: 5 to 10 business days. Expedited: 24-hour processing for $25, two-hour processing for $250, and one-hour processing for $500.
Does a West Virginia LLC have to file an annual report?
Yes. West Virginia requires the Annual Report, which costs $25, filed annual. Due: January 1 to June 30. $50 late penalty
Can I be my own registered agent in West Virginia?
Yes. Secretary of State acts as the default agent, though listing a private agent is highly advised. If appointed, the agent must maintain a physical West Virginia street address (no PO boxes). Your agent's address becomes public record.
Does West Virginia require publishing a notice for a new LLC?
No. West Virginia has no newspaper publication requirement for LLCs, based on our latest check.
Is an operating agreement required in West Virginia?
Strongly recommended by statute to establish internal governance but is strictly internal and does not need to be filed.
What taxes does a West Virginia LLC pay to the state?
No annual franchise or privilege tax on standard pass-through LLCs. Mandatory Business Registration Certificate costs $30. Top personal income tax rate is 4.58%.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.