How to Start an LLC in South Dakota

It’s easy to form an LLC in South Dakota online yourself. Just follow these steps:

Name Your LLC
Choose a Registered Agent
File the SD Articles of Organization
Create an LLC Operating Agreement
Get an EIN

Need help forming a South Dakota LLC? Use a professional service like ZenBusiness to start a South Dakota LLC.

Starting an LLC in South Dakota is Easy

You can form a South Dakota LLC online by registering the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. The cost of setting up an LLC in South Dakota is $150 online or $165 for paper filing.

Follow our How to Start an LLC in South Dakota guide below to get started.

To learn how to form an LLC in any state, visit our How to Form an LLC guide.

Step 1: Create A Name For Your South Dakota LLC

Before you register your LLC, you'll need to come up with a name. Your business name needs to be catchy for branding purposes and legitimate for legal purposes.

We go into depth on this topic in our LLC naming guide. We’ll go over the basics below.

Naming Your LLC

First, brainstorm some possibilities. Use our LLC name generator to get the ideas flowing.

Next, make sure your name meets South Dakota guidelines:

it contains the words limited liability company, limited company, LLC, or L.L.C.
it doesn't contain restricted words or phrases (these often include words like bank, attorney, and university) without approval
it's distinguishable from any other entity or trade name registered in South Dakota
full list of South Dakota naming guidelines

Next, do a South Dakota LLC name search with the Secretary of State to find out if your name is available in South Dakota.

If your business name is available and meets guidelines, you’ll be able to register it when you file your Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.

Is the URL available? Before you commit 100% to a name, check to see if there’s a good web domain available.

We recommend buying your domain right away because even if launching a business website isn’t on your radar right now, it will be soon.

Find a Domain Now

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Once you register a domain name for your LLC, consider setting up a business phone system to establish credibility and enhance your customer service. Nextiva provides a plethora of useful features and a quick, easy setup. Try Nextiva.

Step 2: Appoint a South Dakota Registered Agent

When you file your Articles of Organization, you'll need to list a registered agent.

A registered agent's job is to accept legal documents like service of process and tax notices for your LLC.

Your registered agent can be a person or a registered agent service. You can act as your own registered agent, but many business owners choose to use a registered agent service.

Here are a few things to think about before you decide to act as your own registered agent:

You’ll need to be available during normal (9 am - 5 pm) business hours at the address you provide
If you run your business from home, you’ll have to make your personal address public
You could be served with a lawsuit in front of your family or coworkers

Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent offers a free year of registered agent service when you form your LLC ($39 plus state fees).

Step 3: File the SD Articles Of Organization

It’s time to officially form your LLC by filing your Articles of Organization with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

You can file online with the South Dakota Secretary of State or fill out a hard copy of SD Articles of Organization and mail it in. The filing fee is $150 online or $165 by mail.

Recommended: Now is a good time to decide if your LLC will be member-managed vs manager-managed.

You'll need to know the following information to complete the form:

Entity Name
Business Purpose
Designated Office
Registered Agent Name and Registered Office Address
Organizers’ Names and Addresses
Duration
Governing Authority Type (LLC Management Structure)
Owner Liability

For more detailed help with completing the form, visit our South Dakota Articles of Organization guide.

Mail Your Articles of Organization:

Send the form and payment (payable to the Secretary of State) to:

Secretary of State Office
500 E Capitol Ave
Pierre, SD 57501

How long does it take to get an LLC approved? LLC processing is immediate after payment is received online, or 1 to 2 business days by mail.

Step 4: Create an LLC Operating Agreement

Creating a South Dakota LLC operating agreement is the only way to legally lock down your LLC’s management and ownership structure. Having this document in place will give you something to return to if a dispute or lawsuit arises.

Even single-member LLCs benefit from having an operating agreement.

Your operating agreement should outline the following:

Each member’s responsibilities
How new members will be admitted
How existing members may transfer or terminate their membership
How profits and dividends will be distributed

You can add as many provisions as you want, as long as they don't conflict with South Dakota business law. Take a look at our What is an Operating Agreement guide to learn more.

Download a template or create a custom Free Operating Agreement using our tool.

Step 5: Get an EIN

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a Social Security number (SSN) for your company. The IRS and the state of South Dakota will use this number to track your business activity.

Your EIN will come in handy when it’s time to:

Open a business bank account
File Federal and State taxes
Hire employees

The best way to get an EIN for your LLC in South Dakota is by using the free online application on the IRS website.

Read our Get an EIN guide for instructions.

Steps After Forming an LLC

After forming your LLC, it's important to:

Open a business bank account. A business bank account helps separate personal expenses and company expenses, which is required to maintain your LLC's corporate veil. A corporate veil protects your personal assets from creditors in potential lawsuits against your LLC or Business.

Learn more by reading this guide to Banking for Entrepreneurs. For a multi-member LLC, you'll also want to set up capital accounts for members. We also recommend checking out our review of the best business bank accounts.
Get a business credit card. A business credit card will help separate personal and business expenses while building your company’s credit history. A strong credit history will be useful for raising capital in the form of small business loans.
Hire a business accountant. A business accountant will help you save on taxes and avoid penalties and fines. An accountant makes bookkeeping and payroll easier. Find out how much you could be saving with a consultation with a business accountant.
Get business insurance. Business insurance helps manage risk. The most common forms of business insurance are general liability, professional liability, and workers’ compensation.

Find out the real cost of getting insurance for your business. Get a free quote or call 855-602-1925.

Keep Your Company Compliant

Research South Dakota business licenses and permits. For help, visit our How to Get a Business License in South Dakota guide. There are also business license services that will help with this.
File your South Dakota LLC annual report. File online with the South Dakota Secretary of State by November 15 each year after the first year of formation.
Understand South Dakota state tax requirements. Visit our South Dakota Sales Tax guide to learn more about seller’s permits and South Dakota sales tax.
Understand federal tax requirements. Most LLCs will need to report their income to the IRS each year using Form 1065 Partnership Return (multi-member LLCs) or Form 1040 Schedule C (single-member LLCs).

How you pay yourself will affect your federal taxes. Visit our guide to learn more about how to pay yourself from your LLC.

More LLC Resources

South Dakota Foreign LLCs: Forming a foreign LLC allows your company to operate as one entity in multiple states. Download the South Dakota foreign LLC form to get started.
South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing: A certificate of good standing verifies that your LLC was legally formed. To order, follow our South Dakota certificate of good standing guide.
Dissolving a South Dakota LLC: If you are ready to dissolve your LLC, follow the steps in our South Dakota LLC Dissolution Guide.
LLC Legal Forms: TRUiC offers a number of free LLC legal forms including operating agreements, LLC resolutions, and hiring documents.