5 Best South Dakota LLC Formation Services 2023 List (Updated)

Best LLC Formation Service in South Dakota

When you decide to start an LLC in South Dakota, you must thoroughly research and do your homework. Starting an LLC is relatively easy; with professional help, opening an LLC in South Dakota becomes even smoother. You will find many such companies when choosing the best LLC formation service in South Dakota. Surprisingly, every other company will claim to be the best. But who to trust? How do you know who is the best for your business?

LLCBuddy Editors have eased the task for you. We scanned the market and came up with a list of the best LLC formation services in South Dakota. You can compare their services, prices, and other information here before choosing the right one!

If you do not like reading a long article, you can watch the above video for the complete list of best LLC South Dakota LLC formation services. It is mandatory to choose the best LLC formation service in South Dakota, especially when you want to get rid of any hassle while forming your South Dakota LLC. You may start it on your own, but it will not be a wise decision, as missing out any step or even a small thing can lead to the cancellation of the process.

Best LLC Service in South Dakota

On this page, you’ll learn about the following:

Best LLC Formation Services in South Dakota
How to Form an LLC in South Dakota
How to Choose the Best LLC Formation Service in South Dakota
FAQs

Best LLC Formation Services in South Dakota

Here is the list of best LLC services available in South Dakota. The best thing about these services is starting your LLC for free. Some of the following services are offering LLC formation in South Dakota at $0. Other than the state fees and charges, you do not have to pay any charges to the service provider. You will get the basic formation package for free. Now, let’s check out the list of best LLC formation service providers in South Dakota-

LLC Service	Our Rating & Pricing	Top Features	Learn More
#1 TOP PICK	5/5 $0 + State Fees	Free LLC formation Access to Legal Support Trustworthy and established reputation	Learn More
	4/5 $299 + State Fees	Flat pricing for all services Basic business filing services A+ BBB Accredited	Learn More

Below is the list of best LLC formation services in South Dakota we picked for you.

LLCBuddy Editorial Team selects these companies through thorough research and market study. It is recommended that you must cross-check all the factors before choosing the right one for your business.

1. LegalZoom

LegalZoom is one of the service providers in South Dakota that offers free LLC formation services. If you want to avoid spending money to form your LLC, then LegalZoom is for you. It offers various formation packages that include all types of LLC services. Aside from LLC formation, LegalZoom offers C and S corp formation. With over thousands of customers, the company offers basic LLC formation services at $0.

LegalZoom Plans

Basic Package- $0 + State Filing Fees (Tax deduction may be applicable)
Pro Package – $249 + State Filing Fees (Tax deductible may be applicable)
Premium Package – $279 + State Filing Fees (Tax deduction may be applicable)

Apart from these packages, LegalZoom offers a bunch of add-on services as well. Add-on services include the following-

Registered Agent – $299 per year. Available as an add-on and not included in any packages
Trademark registration: Assisting with the US trademark application process
Copyright registration: Guidance on registering copyrights for creative works
Patent services: Support in obtaining utility, design, and plant patents
Estate planning: Offering personalized wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents
Legal advice: Access to a network of lawyers for consultations and legal guidance
Expedited Filing: With an additional $99, you can speed up your filing process.

LegalZoom Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get LegalZoom	Why You Shouldn’t Get LegalZoom
Free LLC formation	Expensive add-ons, such as Registered Agent
Trustworthy and established reputation	Higher pricing compared to some competitors
Quick turnaround time	Less number of add-on options
Access to legal professionals	Some additional fees not included in plan prices
Customer support available through phone or chat	Mixed customer reviews

LegalZoom Overview

LegalZoom is one of the oldest companies in USA. This company is a service provider offering LLC formation at $0. It offers three broad packages, Basic, Pro, and Premium. The Basic package costs $0. Though you must pay the South Dakota filing fee while filing the Articles of Organization with the South Dakota Secretary of State. The filing fee depends on which method, mail, online, or any other method you choose.

LegalZoom offers vast add-ones like others. Hence, the chances of getting diverse services are comparatively high. The best part about the company is there is an access to legal documents and legal consultation. The registered agent service is a bit expensive. If you want to hire Registered Agent from LegalZoom, you must purchase that service separately, it does not come with any formation plans.

Form LLC in South Dakota with LegalZoom

2. BetterLegal

BetterLegal is a comparatively new company than other competitors. But this company has successfully grabbed a large portion of the market in the United States. Serving in 51 states, BetterLegal has been in business since 2016. Unlike other experienced companies, it does not have a list of packages and plans for LLC formation.

BetterLegal Plans

BetterLegal offers one single plan at a flat $299 + state filing fees. It has a list of add-on services as well. BetterLegal is an online service that started off with a very small team. However, even after being in the business for so long, they didn’t increase their team size much. They have transparent pricing, and no hidden charge exists for any services they provide.

BetterLegal offers a list of add-on services. Following are the additional services they offer-

Registered Agent service – $10/month or $90/year
State Annual compliance services – $10/month or $90/year
Permit & License Search Service – $125
Amendment & document research – Free with the core formation service package

BetterLegal Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get BetterLegal	Why You Shouldn’t Get BetterLegal
No refund; all sales are final	The basic package does not include registered agent service
Quick Turnaround time	Additional charge for EIN
A+ BBB Accredited	The basic package does not include a registered agent service
Single plan for all incorporation

BetterLegal Overview

Even though the company is called BetterLegal, no attorneys or legal services are available. The company offers a single plan for all types of business formation. Hence, if you are planning to form a corporation, you can pay $299 + incorporation fee ($150 for online filing, and $165 for filing by mail in South Dakota). It offers comparatively better turnaround time at a reasonable price than other companies. You can file your LLC within 10 minutes with BetterLegal.

It offers a resource center for new entrepreneurs. They provide guidance to make things easier when it comes to filing your business. Their small team sometimes fails to cater to their customers on time. Reaching out to their customer support team is very difficult. Another disadvantage is it does not have a refund policy. All sales with BetterLegal are final, and at any stage, upon cancelation, no refund is made. However, basic LLC formation and registered agent services are much cheaper in BetterLegal than in other close competitors.

Form LLC in South Dakota with BetterLegal

3. TailorBrands

Do you want to create a brand for your business in South Dakota? Here is the LLC formation service provider, TailorBrands, for you. The company was established in 2015 in New York, and since then, it has offered several incredible services to set up your business. TailorBrands has a single LLC formation plan that starts at $49 a year. You can choose different other add-on services at an additional cost.

TailorBrands Services

TailorBrands offer a single plan for forming an LLC at $49. There are some basic services that TailorBrands offer, including starting an LLC, filing it, South Dakota name availability search, priority support, and so on. You can use their add-on services as and when required. Add-ons are-

Registered Agent Service – $199/year
Employment ID Number (EIN) – $99 (one-time pay)
Annual Compliances – $299/year
Operating Agreement – $29
Expedited Filing – $49
Business bank account – Free

TailorBrands Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get TailorBrands	Why You Shouldn’t Get TailorBrands
Low-cost LLC formation	Not BBB Accredited
Free business bank accounts	No business domain packages
Hassle-free LLC formation	Additional charges to obtain EIN
Additional services like logo, website, domain

TailorBrands Overview

TailorBrands does not have vast LLC formation packages. Instead, it has a single package that includes the formation of LLCs. The name availability search is unlimited, and you don’t have to pay any additional fees. The state filing fee of $165 (by mail and $150 online) must be paid apart from the charges you pay for add-ons.

TailorBrands offers other business services such as logo making, domain, website, business bank account, merchandise, and other business services. As a small or start-up business, you must go for TailorBrands.

Form LLC in South Dakota with TailorBrands

4. ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is a Texas-based company that provides services from formation to annual compliance to an LLC. It offers three plans, Starter, Pro, and Premium. The Starter plan starts from $0. That means you can form your LLC for free in South Dakota, though you must pay the state filing fee of $165 (by mail and $150 online) to the South Dakota Secretary of State. But, the company charges nothing to form your business in the state.

ZenBusiness Plans

Starter Plan at $0 + state filing fee
Pro Plan at $199/year + state filing fee
Premium Plan at $299/year + state filing fee

ZenBusiness Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get ZenBusiness	Why You Should Not Get ZenBusiness
100% accuracy rate	Does not form South Dakota nonprofit
Free LLC formation in South Dakota	Additional cost for EIN
User friendly
Standalone Registered Agent services

ZenBusiness Overview

ZenBusiness is one of those top-rated companies that provide business formation in South Dakota at a minimum cost (currently at $0). There is no charge to be paid to the company for forming your LLC in South Dakota. The state filing fee and other necessary fees must be paid, including the registered agent fee.

ZenBusiness offers three plans, among which the Pro plan is recommended. The Pro plan has everything you need to start an LLC in South Dakota. Obtaining EIN, operating agreement drafting, name search, and all other services are available with the rush filing feature.

Form LLC in South Dakota with ZenBusiness

5. Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent is a family-owned business based in Spoken, Washington state. The company offers LLC formation, registered agent service, annual compliances, and other business-related services in all 50 states, including South Dakota. It offers LLC formation at $ 39+ state fees and registered agent service at $125 yearly.

Northwest Plans

Northwest does not have conventional packages. It offers Core, Business maintenance, and business development services. Under these categories, various services are available at a flat rate. Some of the services offered by Northwest in South Dakota are listed below-

LLC formation in South Dakota at $39 + state filing fee
Registered Agent at $125 yearly
Annual report filing at $100 + state filing fee
Obtaining EIN at $50
Northwest offers National Agent Service. If you operate your LLC Registered Agent in 5 or more states, you can pay $100 + state fees (if applicable) to get a single agent for all states.

Northwest Registered Agent Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get Northwest	Why You Should Not Get Northwest
DIY Packages for your LLC in South Dakota	Not BBB accredited
No plans, flat rate for all services	Additional charges to obtain EIN in South Dakota
Purchase only the service you need to form South Dakota LLC.	The operating agreement draft is not included in the Core services
Northwest offers standalone Registered Agent service in South Dakota

Northwest Registered Agent Overview

Northwest is one of those service providers that offer DIY packages. Northwest is not for you if you want a wholesome formation package in South Dakota. It does not have conventional LLC formation packages. It is simply like a departmental store for you. You don’t need to buy everything, but the only thing you need.

Northwest has in-house corporate guides to guide you through the formation process. It offers LLC formation at $39 plus the state filing fee ($165 (by mail and $150 online)). If you have already formed your LLC in South Dakota and are willing to appoint Registered Agent only, then Northwest can provide a standalone registered agent service at $125 per year.

Northwest offers single flat rates for all services in South Dakota and other states. The best part about the company is it does not outsource any of its services. Northwest offers corporate guides to help you through the steps of LLC formation.

Form LLC in South Dakota with Northwest Registered Agent

How to Form an LLC in South Dakota

South Dakota, popularly known as The Mount Rushmore State, is a business-friendly state with a population of 908,414. The Nominal Gross Domestic Product (in millions) of South Dakota is $68,327 according to a 2022 study, which has been said to be increased over the past year. Hence, starting your business in South Dakota will always be a good option. If you choose the state capital, Pierre, to start your LLC, you might get more tax and other benefits.

To form an LLC in South Dakota, you need to follow some basic steps, including getting an LLC name, appointing your South Dakota Registered Agent, filing the South Dakota Articles of Organization, creating South Dakota LLC operating agreement, and finally getting an EIN for filing required taxes.

You can do that on your own. However, it is always recommended to get a professional person on board to guide you through. These steps are crucial and sensitive. You must complete everything to avoid canceling your formation process. Hence, having a professional LLC formation service for your LLC is better.

How to Choose the Best LLC Formation Service in South Dakota

It is important to choose the best service for your business carefully. Before you select the best one, make sure you thoroughly research on following points-

Reputation: Look for a company with a good reputation. Check reviews and ratings from previous clients to see how they feel about the services offered.
Experience: Choose a company with years of LLC formation experience. This ensures that they have knowledge of the process and can provide quality services.
Cost: Compare prices between different companies. Choose a company that offers affordable pricing for the services you need.
Customer Service: Ensure that the company has good customer service. They should be responsive, helpful, and willing to answer any questions.
Services Offered: Look for a company that offers a range of services, including entity formation, registered agent services, and ongoing compliance support to ensure your LLC remains in good standing.
Ease of Use: Choose a company with a user-friendly website and easy-to-use online platform. This makes the process of forming an LLC simple and straightforward.
Guarantees: Check if the company offers a satisfaction guarantee or a refund policy. This gives you peace of mind that you are getting the best possible service.

FAQs

What are the benefits of forming an LLC in South Dakota?

Some benefits of forming an LLC in South Dakota include no income tax, low filing fees, and asset protection.

Do I have to be a resident of South Dakota to form an LLC there?

No, you don’t have to be a resident of South Dakota to form an LLC there.

How much does it cost to form an LLC in South Dakota?

The filing fee for forming an LLC in South Dakota is $150.

What is the minimum number of members required to form an LLC in South Dakota?

There is no minimum number of members required to form an LLC in South Dakota.

How long does it take to form an LLC in South Dakota?

It typically takes about 1-2 weeks to form an LLC in South Dakota.

Can I form an LLC online in South Dakota?

Yes, you can form an LLC online in South Dakota.

What is the registered agent requirement in South Dakota?

An LLC in South Dakota must have a registered agent with a physical street address in the state.

Do I need an operating agreement for my South Dakota LLC?

While not required by law, it is highly recommended to have an operating agreement for your South Dakota LLC.

Can I change the name of my South Dakota LLC after formation?

Yes, you can change the name of your South Dakota LLC after formation by filing articles of amendment.

Can I operate my South Dakota LLC in multiple states?

Yes, you can operate your South Dakota LLC in multiple states by filing for foreign qualification in each additional state.

What is the annual report requirement for South Dakota LLCs?

South Dakota LLCs are required to file an annual report each year with the Secretary of State’s office.

Can I dissolve my South Dakota LLC online?

Yes, you can dissolve your South Dakota LLC online using the Secretary of State’s website.

Is a business license required for LLCs in South Dakota?

Specific business licenses may be required depending on the type of business conducted, but no general business license is required for LLCs in South Dakota.

Do I need an attorney to form an LLC in South Dakota?

While not required, it is highly recommended to consult with an attorney when forming an LLC in South Dakota.

Can I reserve a name for my South Dakota LLC before forming it?

Yes, you can reserve a name for your South Dakota LLC for 120 days by filing a name reservation application.

Can I form a series LLC in South Dakota?

Yes, South Dakota allows the formation of a series LLC.

What are the personal liability protections of an LLC in South Dakota?

Members of an LLC in South Dakota are generally not personally liable for the company’s debts and obligations.

Can I have a single-member LLC in South Dakota?

Yes, South Dakota allows for the formation of a single-member LLC.

Can I operate my South Dakota LLC as a nonprofit?

Yes, you can form a nonprofit LLC in South Dakota by including specific language in the articles of organization.

Can I change the registered agent for my South Dakota LLC?

Yes, you can change the registered agent for your South Dakota LLC by filing a statement of change with the Secretary of State’s office.

How do I obtain an Employer Identification Number for my South Dakota LLC?

You can obtain an EIN for your South Dakota LLC by applying online with the IRS.

Can I convert my South Dakota LLC into a corporation?

Yes, you can convert your South Dakota LLC into a corporation by filing articles of incorporation.

Can I convert my corporation into an LLC in South Dakota?

Yes, you can convert your corporation into an LLC in South Dakota by filing articles of organization.

What is the processing time for an amendment to my South Dakota LLC?

The processing time for an amendment to your South Dakota LLC can take up to 10 business days.

Is an annual meeting required for South Dakota LLCs?

No, an annual meeting is not required for South Dakota LLCs.

Can I form an LLC without including my name in the business name in South Dakota?

Yes, you can form an LLC without including your name in the business name in South Dakota.

What is the minimum number of people required to form an LLC in South Dakota?

Only one person is required to form an LLC in South Dakota.

Can a non-resident of South Dakota form an LLC in the state?

Yes, non-residents can form an LLC in South Dakota as long as they appoint a registered agent within the state.

Is it expensive to form an LLC in South Dakota?

South Dakota has a low formation and maintenance cost making it affordable for small business owners to form an LLC.

Can an LLC be formed online in South Dakota?

Yes, South Dakota allows online registration of LLC formation.

Should I hire a registered agent for my South Dakota LLC?

Yes, hiring a registered agent is mandatory for LLC formations in South Dakota.

What are the mandatory compliance requirements for an LLC in South Dakota?

The filing of a biennial report is mandatory for all LLCs in South Dakota

Do I need to file Articles of Organization to form an LLC in South Dakota?

Yes, Articles of Organization must be filed to form an LLC in South Dakota.

Is an operating agreement mandatory for LLCs in South Dakota?

It is not mandatory, but having an operating agreement is recommended for LLCs in South Dakota.

What are the taxation laws for LLCs in South Dakota?

LLCs in South Dakota are exempt from tax returns and requirements of payment in the state.

Can I change my registered agent service for my LLC in South Dakota?

Yes, the option to change the registered agent is open to any LLC owner at any point of time.

How can I legally amend my LLC in South Dakota?

You can seek the help of an LLC formation service in South Dakota, or mail the forms to the Secretary of State.

Can a sole proprietorship be converted to an LLC in South Dakota?

Yes, sole proprietorships can be converted to LLCs through the Secretary of State or via an LLC formation service in South Dakota.

Can I have my LLC name include South Dakota?

Yes, the name you select for your LLC can include ‘South Dakota,’ if such an inclusion conforms with state law and restrictions.

Is it possible to form a Series LLC in South Dakota?

Yes, South Dakota allows a business owner to create an LLC that manages multiple units or interests at once.

How can I dissolve my South Dakota LLC?

Filing the Articles of Termination officially indicates the dissolving of your South Dakota.

Can the Secretary of State help me to form an LLC in South Dakota?

Yes, the office of the Secretary of State of South Dakota allows LLC formation and filings.

Does the operating agreement have to be filed in South Dakota?

An operating agreement does not need to be filed at the time of business formation or anytime after.

Can minors form an LLC in South Dakota?

South Dakota does not restrict the age of individuals allowed to form llc, meaning minors can form an llc.

Can I create a foreign LLC in South Dakota?

Yes, out-of-state businesses can form foreign LLCs by doing filings through the Secretary of State of South Dakota.

Is there an Accelerated Filing Process in South Dakota?

Yes, the South Dakota Secretary of State offers an optional ‘Priority Dispatch’ service for faster business formation process.

Is it possible to file documents offline for the creation of LLCs?

Yes, printing the appropriate documents and mailing them to the Secretary of State after payment offer an alternative way of registration at South Dakota.

Can my South Dakota LLC own property in another state?

Yes, South Dakota LLC owners can opt to transfer property rights and interests at other states different from South Dakota.

Are multiple LLCs allowed under one business owner in South Dakota?

Yes, there is no ownership restriction defined for operating, owning or investing interest in other LLCs in South Dakota.

Can individual owners of an LLC be liable?

LLC owners have limited liability protections available which keep individual owners from being generally liable for LLC debts or obligations.

Can the South Dakota state help in finding reliable LLC formation services?

The direction and naming of privately owned LLC formation businesses usually employees that help connect visitors with these businesses.

Can LLC owners include non-US citizens or nonresidents of South Dakota?

LLC ownership features only person requirement with no regional impacts or requirements, therefore, nonresidents and non-US citizens can be owners of a South Dakotan LLC.

Conclusion

Having a professional service to form your LLC in South Dakota is much better than doing it yourself. It is hassle-free, and there is no chance of making mistakes while filing your business. This article lists the best LLC formation services in South Dakota. Before you select one, make sure you compare the price, services, and features properly.