5 Best South Dakota LLC Services for 2025 (Formation & Help)

It is not tough to start an LLC in South Dakota if a professional hand is there to guide you. Companies that provide assistance to budding entrepreneurs and help them establish their businesses are everywhere today. If you’re lost about which one to choose for your business in South Dakota, then read this article.

The LLCBuddy team has made things easier for you. Check out the best LLC formation service in South Dakota and the features, plans, packages, and add-ons they offer on this page. You can watch the video shared here if you’re not a reader.

Best LLC Service in South Dakota

Best LLC Formation Services in South Dakota

Here is the list of the 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	Fastest filing: 1-day processing 4.8/5.0 Trustpilot & A+ BBB scores 700k+ new businesses formed	Start LLC Now
	4.5/5 $39 + State Fees	In-house corporate guides Standalone Registered Agent service DIY packages	Learn More

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

ZenBusiness – Known for its affordable packages and efficient service, ZenBusiness has become a favorite among new entrepreneurs.
Northwest Registered Agent – Praised for its top-notch customer service, Northwest ensures personalized assistance and detailed compliance guidance.
LegalZoom – With years of industry experience, LegalZoom offers comprehensive services and a vast array of legal resources.
Swyft Filings – Best for small business formation, Swyft Filings offers incredible customer support.
BetterLegal – Speed is BetterLegal’s forte, promising the fastest LLC formation process in the market.

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

1. 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 in South Dakota

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

2. 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	You must form South Dakota LLC to purchase only the service you need.
You must form South Dakota LLC to purchase only the service you need.	The operating agreement draft is not included in the Core services
Northwest offers a 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 ($125). If you have already formed your LLC in South Dakota and are willing to appoint a 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

3. 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	Fewer add-on options
Access to legal professionals	Some additional fees not included in plan prices
Customer support is available through phone or chat	Mixed customer reviews

LegalZoom Overview

LegalZoom is one of the oldest companies in the 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. However, 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 that it has access to legal documents and legal consultations. The registered agent service is a bit expensive. If you want to hire a 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

4. Swyft Filings

An online business formation service, Swyft Filings, is popular among budding entrepreneurs for its customer support and quick document processing. The company offers three types of formation plans for diverse benefits. Swyft Filings, like other close competitors, offers LLC formation at $0. Swyft Filings is an appropriate service for small businesses in South Dakota.

Swyft Filings Plans

Basic Plan at $0 + State filing fee
Standard Plan at $199 + State filing fee
Premium Plan at $299 + State filing fee

Swyft Filings Pros and Cons

Why to Choose Swyft Filings	Why Not to Choose Swyft Filings
Free LLC Formation ($0 + state filing fee)	Non-transparent cost, expensive add-ons
Quick processing time	Registered Agent is not included in any plans
Smooth customer support
Good for small business

Swyft Filings Overview

Swyft Filings is one of the services that are known best for a small business. It offers LLC formation at $0 and a 10-day processing and expedited option. However, they don’t include registered agent service with any of its packages. Besides, once you proceed to check out after selecting your package, many add-ons appear, leading to a bigger amount.

Swyft Filings offers three broad packages, Basic, Standard, and Premium, along with many expensive add-ons. Compared to other competitors, Swyft Filings’ add-ons are a bit expensive. If you want to start a small business (LLC, S-Corp, Corporation, Nonprofit, etc), Swyft Filings has everything you need.

Form an LLC in South Dakota with Swyft Filings

5. BetterLegal

BetterLegal is a comparatively new company compared to other competitors. However, 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 a 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, no refund is made upon cancelation. 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

How to Form an LLC in South Dakota

Forming an LLC in South Dakota takes a few steps. The first step is to get a clear idea about doing business in South Dakota. Before jumping into the pool of paperwork, make sure you have a thorough knowledge of taxes and the costs of starting any business in South Dakota.

In general, South Dakota, popularly known as The Mount Rushmore State, is a business-friendly state with a population of 908,414. The state has the nominal GDP is 68,327 (in millions). Hence, you can start any small or medium-sized business in South Dakota based on your budget. Forming an LLC in South Dakota can be a good option as it is less complicated than other forms of business. If you choose the state capital, Pierre, to start your LLC, you might get more tax and other benefits.

There are five most important steps to follow when you establish an LLC in South Dakota:

Step 1: Give a name to the LLC: Make sure the name is available to use in South Dakota. You can also get a DBA.
Step 2: Get a Registered Agent in South Dakota. The person will be responsible for all communications between your LLC and the State.
Step 3: File the South Dakota Articles of Organization.
Step 4: Draft an LLC operating agreement in South Dakota.
Step 5: Get an EIN in South Dakota

Now, these steps seem to be easy. But unfortunately, it is not that simple. Each business has to file different documents based on local licenses and permits. From January 1, 2024, all the LLCs and Corporations have to file the BOI Report with the FinCEN. If you start an LLC, you must file the BOI Report in South Dakota.

You can do that on your own. However, getting a professional on board is always recommended to guide you through the process. 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 the 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 asset protection, limited liability, and pass-through taxation.

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

The cost to form an LLC in South Dakota varies, but typically ranges from $150 to $200.

Can I form an LLC in South Dakota online?

Yes, you can form an LLC in South Dakota online through the Secretary of State’s website.

What is the processing time for forming an LLC in South Dakota?

The processing time for forming an LLC in South Dakota is typically 2-3 business days.

Do I need a registered agent for my South Dakota LLC?

Yes, every South Dakota LLC is required to have a registered agent who can receive legal documents on behalf of the company.

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

Yes, a non-resident can form an LLC in South Dakota as long as they have a registered agent with a physical address in the state.

What are the annual requirements for maintaining an LLC in South Dakota?

To maintain an LLC in South Dakota, you must file an annual report with the Secretary of State and pay the associated fee.

Can I change my South Dakota LLC’s name after formation?

Yes, you can change your South Dakota LLC’s name by filing a name change amendment with the Secretary of State.

What is a foreign LLC in South Dakota?

A foreign LLC in South Dakota is an LLC formed in another state that wishes to do business in South Dakota.

What is the difference between a domestic LLC and a foreign LLC in South Dakota?

A domestic LLC in South Dakota is one that is formed within the state, while a foreign LLC is formed outside the state but wants to do business in South Dakota.

Can I convert my existing business into an LLC in South Dakota?

Yes, you can convert your existing business into an LLC in South Dakota through a process known as conversion.

Are there any restrictions on the name I can use for my South Dakota LLC?

Yes, there are certain naming restrictions for South Dakota LLCs, such as the name must be distinguishable from existing business entities in the state.

Can I dissolve my South Dakota LLC if I no longer need it?

Yes, you can dissolve your South Dakota LLC by filing articles of dissolution with the Secretary of State.

What is the Members’ Operating Agreement for an LLC in South Dakota?

The Members’ Operating Agreement is a legal document that outlines the ownership and management structure of the South Dakota LLC.

Can I add or remove members from my South Dakota LLC after formation?

Yes, you can add or remove members from your South Dakota LLC by amending your operating agreement.

What is a series LLC in South Dakota?

A series LLC is a type of LLC that allows for the creation of separate series within the same entity, each with its own assets and liabilities.

Can I convert my existing LLC into a series LLC in South Dakota?

Yes, you can convert your existing South Dakota LLC into a series LLC through the proper filing with the Secretary of State.

Are there any special tax requirements for an LLC in South Dakota?

LLCs in South Dakota are typically subject to pass-through taxation, meaning profits and losses are passed through to the members for tax purposes.

Can I operate my South Dakota LLC from another state?

Yes, you can operate your South Dakota LLC from another state, but you must still comply with South Dakota’s laws and regulations.

What is the South Dakota LLC Annual Report and when is it due?

The South Dakota LLC Annual Report is a form that must be filed with the Secretary of State each year to update information about the LLC and is due by the anniversary date of the LLC’s formation.

Can I use a PO Box for my South Dakota LLC’s address?

No, a PO Box cannot be used as the primary address for a South Dakota LLC. You must have a physical street address within the state.

How can I find a reliable registered agent for my South Dakota LLC?

You can find a reliable registered agent for your South Dakota LLC by using a professional registered agent service or selecting an individual or entity to fulfill the role.

Can I form a professional LLC (PLLC) in South Dakota?

Yes, professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants can form a professional LLC (PLLC) in South Dakota to provide their services.

Are there any special requirements for forming a professional LLC (PLLC) in South Dakota?

Yes, professionals forming a PLLC in South Dakota must comply with additional licensing and regulatory requirements specific to their profession.

Can I operate multiple businesses under one South Dakota LLC?

Yes, you can operate multiple businesses under one South Dakota LLC by setting up separate DBAs (Doing Business As) for each business entity.

Can a South Dakota LLC be owned by another business entity?

Yes, a South Dakota LLC can be owned by another business entity, such as a corporation or another LLC.

Can I form a joint venture LLC in South Dakota with another individual or entity?

Yes, you can form a joint venture LLC in South Dakota with another individual or entity by outlining the terms in an operating agreement.

Do I need to obtain a business license for my South Dakota LLC?

Depending on the nature of your business activities, you may need to obtain a business license at the local, county, or state level in South Dakota.

Are there any ongoing reporting requirements for a South Dakota LLC?

In addition to the annual report, South Dakota LLCs may have other reporting requirements, such as filing for sales tax or employer registration depending on their business activities.

What are the best LLC formation services in South Dakota?

Some of the top LLC formation services in South Dakota include Incfile, ZenBusiness, and Northwest Registered Agent.

Conclusion

Starting a business in South Dakota is a big step. It’s really helpful to have experts on your side. When you use a professional LLC service, you’re making sure everything is done right without any headaches. We’ve given you a list of the top choices in this article. Take your time to look at each one. Check their prices, see what they offer, and think about what’s best for your business.

Remember, picking the right South Dakota LLC service can make things smoother and better for your business as it grows. If you want the best for your business, check out ZenBusiness. They’re our number one recommendation for their compelling offer of $0 + state fee for LLC formation, combined with an impressive array of 5-star Trustpilot reviews. Seize this exceptional opportunity for your business!