Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Perhaps you are hoping to form an LLC in West Virginia. People assume that starting an LLC is difficult and costly. However, it’s generally not difficult, and the cost would vary across states. We have all the info you need to know about the cost of forming an LLC, particularly the LLC cost in West Virginia.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
West Virginia LLC Cost of Filing
Here are the costs involved in forming an LLC in West Virginia.
Cost of Filing Formation Certificates
The West Virginia Certificate of Formation is responsible for the majority of the cost, which could also vary depending on whether you’re forming a domestic LLC or a foreign LLC. Still, you can file both at the West Virginia Secretary of State.
West Virginia Domestic LLC
- Online Filing costs $100.
- Annual Report filing costs $25
- Name Reservation fee costs $15
- By Mail: Fill out the application form, and send it to any of the following addresses:
- Charleston Office One-Stop Business Center 1615 Washington St. E. Charleston, WV 25311.
- Clarksburg Office North Central WV Business Center 200 W. Main St. Clarksburg, WV 26301.
- Martinsburg Office Eastern Panhandle Business Center 229 E. Martin St. Martinsburg, WV 25401.
- Costs $100.
West Virginia Foreign LLC
- Online Filing costs $150.
- Annual Report filing costs $25
- Name Reservation fee costs $25
- By Mail: Fill out the application form, and send it to any of the following addresses:
- Charleston Office One-Stop Business Center 1615 Washington St. E. Charleston, WV 25311.
- Clarksburg Office North Central WV Business Center 200 W. Main St. Clarksburg, WV 26301.
- Martinsburg Office Eastern Panhandle Business Center 229 E. Martin St. Martinsburg, WV 25401
- Costs $150.
Note that filing online is ideal, not only because you need to go to the Secretary of State office, but also it would be faster. You won’t have to wait in a queue in doing so.
West Virginia LLC Formation Service or Registered Agent Fee
You need a registered agent to form an LLC in West Virginia, hence, added costs for service fees. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.
LLC Service | Our Rating & Pricing | Top Features | Learn More |
#1 TOP PICK  | $0 + State Fees |
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 | $0 + State Fees |
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Business Permits and Licenses
The business licenses depend on your business’s activity and location and are renewed yearly. As such, the cost will vary. Check the West Virginia Department of Revenue for regulatory boards or agencies requiring licensing.
Taxes payable to the West Virginia Department of Revenue
To register an LLC in West Virginia, an LLC must pay several taxes to the federal and West Virginia governments. Let’s take a look at some of the main taxes that are to be paid by LLCs in West Virginia. An LLC in the state of West Virginia pays two types of taxes to the West Virginia State Department of Revenue:
State Income Tax
While representing your LLC in West Virginia, you pay yourself. These earnings are reflected in your personal Tax return & can be calculated at the time of paying the Income Tax.
The Standard West Virginia State Tax rate ranging from 3% to 6.5% applies to your earnings. You can claim all the standard allowances & deductions upon filing the tax return.
State Sales & Use Tax
The state of West Virginia levies Sales & use tax on tangible goods & services provided by an LLC. The State Sales & Use tax rate in West Virginia is 6%.
Federal Self-Employment Tax
All the members who run the LLC are self-employed members; because they pay themselves through the LLC. Federal Self Employment Tax, also known as Social Security or Medicare tax, is paid by all such members or managers. The Federal self-employment tax rate in West Virginia is 15.3 percent.
Federal Income Tax
If you are in the state of West Virginia, you must pay Federal Income Tax, in addition to the State Income Tax. The amount of the Federal Income Tax depends upon your earnings, the income tax bracket your LLC falls, the deductions, & the manner/ mode of filing.
You pay Federal Income Tax on all the profits your LLC makes after calculating the deductions & allowances such as Healthcare or Retirement Plans.
Employee & Employer Taxes
An LLC that has several employees on payroll has to pay the Employee-Employer taxes. These taxes are calculated on the basis of various factors, e.g., the amount earned, number of employees, etc.
Cost Comparison between states
West Virginia is surrounded by many states, namely Kentucky, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, etc. Each of these states has a different rate of taxes levied on LLCs. Let us take a look at this comparative chart.
| States | Filing Fee | Annual/Biennial Fee | Sales Tax |
| West Virginia | $100 | $25 | 6% |
| Pennsylvania | $125 | None | 6% |
| Virginia | $100 | $50 | 4.3% |
| Maryland | $100 | $300 | 6% |
| Kentucky | $40 | $15 | 6% |
Based on the kind of industry you LLC operated in, your LLC will be liable to some other taxes & duties. For Example, if your LLC is in the sector of import & export, you have to pay the import-export duty. You should consult with a professional to verify the tax rates or business costs of registering an LLC in West Virginia.
Other Costs
- West Virginia Name Reservation: $15 for either online fillings or by mail
- Doing Business As (DBA): $25 for online filling or if filing by mail
- Certified Document Copies: $15 + $5 for additional document filing.
- Certified of Good Standing: $10
- Business Domain Name and Website: depend on your preference, but domain name could be as low as $2.99/yr at NameCheap, and web hosting is at least $30/mo at Kinsta.
- Online workspace: at least $4.20/mo for GSuite.
- Business Insurance: would vary depending on insurance type–whether general liability insurance or professional liability insurance–and coverage.
- Dissolution of West Virginia LLC: $135
F.A.Qs
It is possible to form an LLC without professional help, but forms still have associated costs, regardless of where your LLC is formed.
It is difficult to say whether forming an LLC is expensive. Nevertheless, the cost could be anywhere from $40 to $500. If you refuse to hire professionals, you’ll still have expenses like form fees to cover.
The need to separate personal money from business funds, thus necessitating the creation of a business bank account for your LLC.
How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an LLC in West Virginia
To maintain an LLC in West Virginia you will need to pay an annual fee of $25 along with state income tax at 3% to 6.5%, sales & use tax at 6%, and federal taxes.
One of the primary costs associated with maintaining an LLC in West Virginia is the annual report filing fee. LLCs are required to file an annual report with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office, which comes with a fee that must be paid each year. This requirement helps to ensure that the state has accurate and up-to-date information about the LLC, including its members and managers.
In addition to the annual report filing fee, LLCs in West Virginia are also required to pay a business license tax. This tax is based on the total gross income of the LLC and must be paid annually. Failure to pay this tax can result in penalties and fines, so it is important for business owners to stay on top of this obligation.
Another cost that LLC owners may encounter is the need to hire a registered agent. A registered agent is a person or business entity that is responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the LLC. In West Virginia, every LLC is required to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state. Hiring a registered agent can be an additional cost for LLC owners, but it is an important requirement that must be met.
In addition to these ongoing costs, LLC owners in West Virginia may also need to consider the cost of other business-related expenses, such as taxes, insurance, and operating costs. These expenses can vary depending on the nature of the business and its size, so it is important for business owners to budget accordingly.
While maintaining an LLC in West Virginia can come with costs, it is important for business owners to view these expenses as necessary investments in the success of their business. By staying compliant with state laws and regulations, LLC owners can help protect their personal assets and ensure the long-term viability of their business.
Overall, the cost of maintaining an LLC in West Virginia can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and nature of the business. However, by understanding and budgeting for these costs, business owners can ensure that their LLC remains in good standing with the state and can continue to operate successfully.
In Conclusion
The cost of West Virginia is much lower compared to other forms of business. Apart from the state filing fees and annual taxes, you might bear the cost of the registered agent. Compare the price of professional LLC services and choose the most affordable one.