How to Start an LLC in Utah (UT LLC 2023)

How to Start an LLC in Utah: If you’re looking to start a Utah LLC, you’ve come to the right page. Setting up an LLC is easy and cost-effective. To form an LLC, you must follow a few steps that include naming your LLC, hiring a registered agent, filing your formation documents, doing the operating agreement, and finally obtaining the EIN. You can easily set up your LLC at a very low cost in Utah. Though, you must pay the mandatory state filing fee. These fees and charges can be tax deductible, making the LLC formation cost almost negligible.

On this page, You’ll find all the steps that must be taken to ensure that your Utah LLC has been correctly formed. We recommend you read the whole article very carefully, word by word, don’t miss anything 🙂

How to Start an LLC in Utah

An LLC (aka Limited Liability Company) is a hybrid business entity combining a corporation’s characteristics with a partnership or sole proprietorship. It separates your personal assets from your business assets, thus giving you personal asset protection. For an LLC, members’ personal assets are not affected by business debts. However, in some cases, if the LLC is sued for business debts, courts might pierce the corporate veil and use the owner’s personal assets to meet their corporate liabilities.

If you wish to start an LLC in Utah, you must file your Certificate of Organization with the State and pay a filing fee of $70. While it’s the most important step, it’s not the only one. There are 4 other crucial steps to follow to get your LLC formed in Utah. Below are all 5 steps that explain everything you need to do to start a Utah LLC in 2023. Let’s get started! You can always hire a professional LLC formation service in Utah to set up your LLC instead of doing it alone; a Pro service will ensure everything is done properly.

Step 1: Decide a Name for Your Utah LLC

The first step while forming a limited liability company in Utah is to give a proper name to your LLC. Before you name your business, you must know that the name should be easy to remember, available in the state, and follows all the LLC naming guidelines.

Utah LLC Naming Guidelines

There are a few specific requirements all the LLCs in Utah have to follow while naming their Company. Some of the most important requirements are as follows:

• Your business name should be available and no other existing business in Utah can have the same name. ZenBusiness offers unlimited business name searches without any hassle.
• “Limited Liability Company”, “LLC”, and “L.L.C.” – any one of these has to be used as a suffix in your business name.
• You cannot use any name for your business that is confusing or misleading. Terms such as “Treasury”, “State Department”, “FBI”, “CIA”, etc. shouldn’t be included.
• Terms like “Bank“, “University“, “Attorney“, “Doctor“, etc can be added only after the additional requirements by Utah State Government are fulfilled.
• (Optional) It’s better to name your business something for which your desired domain is available.

Reserve Business Name for Future

If you do not wish to file your LLC right now but want to hold the name you have decided on, then you can reserve your LLC name for 120 days. To keep the name, you must file a name reservation application and pay $22 to reserve your name with the Utah Secretary of State.

Doing Business As (DBA) or Trade Name

Once you have a legal name for your LLC, you can register it. However, it is not mandatory. You can, instead, use DBA, Fictitious Name, or Trade Name. In that case, you must register your name with the Utah Secretary of State by submitting an Application to Register Trade Name in Utah and the filing fee of $22.

Apart from LLC formation, ZenBusiness offers customized website templates and business emails at a very reasonable price. If you plan to get a website, then it is wise to have a “.com” domain for your business, but these days you can also use other TLDs like “.io”, “.company”, “.xyz,” etc. Here you can get everything you need for your business in one dashboard.

Step 2: Assign a Registered Agent in Utah

The second step to forming an LLC in Utah is to appoint a Registered Agent. A registered agent is a person or business entity working on your LLC’s behalf. This person or business will receive important tax forms, legal documents, all notices of lawsuits, and other official government correspondence in Utah. Hence, hiring a competent Utah Registered Agent for your LLC is necessary. 

Make sure your registered agent is a resident of Utah or has a physical street address. This address will be used as the principal address of your LLC to receive any legal documents. Most LLC formation companies also provide registered agent services. Below are two great LLC formation services; even if you buy their cheapest plan (normally $0), you also get registered agent service and other services at a very reasonable price.

LLC Service	Our Rating & Pricing	Top Features	Learn More
#1 TOP PICK	4.5/5 $0 + State Fees	100% accuracy guarantee Worry-free service Great customer support	Learn More
	4/5	Established reputation Extras are bit more expensive Good customer support	Learn More

These two are our top recommendations for registered agent service, as they are competent and authorized to conduct business in Utah. Some LLC formation services also offer standalone Utah registered agent services. You can purchase only Registered Agent services without purchasing any other LLC formation services. This standalone service might become handy if you are doing it yourself and don’t want to disclose your home address or you don’t want to pierce the corporate veil.

Registered Agent Consent Application

In Utah, there is no separate Consent Letter to be produced to the Secretary of State. At the time of change of Registered Agent (or the name or address), the new Registered Agent has to sign the consent letter. It comes with the Application form to Change the Registered Agent. The filing fee of $15 should be paid for it. For more information on the same, read our guide on Utah Registered Agent.

Step 3: File Certificate of Organization in Utah

The third and most important step in forming a Utah LLC is to file the Certificate of Organization. This Utah Certificate of Organization is a legal document that is required to register your business with the Utah Secretary of State. It costs $70 to file your formation certificate in Utah.

The Certificate of Organization includes details like the name of the LLC, the registered agent’s name, address, employees’ details, and the company’s structure (member-managed or manager-managed). Before hiring employees in Utah LLC, one should know about the rules and regulations thoroughly. Also, if you are expanding your existing business (an LLC) in other states to Utah, you must register as a Utah Foreign LLC.

Processing Time: Normally, it takes around 7 business days (approx) to get your LLC formed in Utah. The processing time for online filing might be a little faster than offline filing. With an additional cost, you can get expedited filing as well. However, the document processing time can be changed due to various factors.

Every LLC owner has to pay the filing fees to register their business in Utah. This fee is mandatory but also tax deductible. If you’re doing it yourself (filing on your own), it will not cost you any additional service fee. However, it is not feasible to do that as the DIY process might be delayed, complicated, and messy, especially if you’re a novice entrepreneur. Hence, it is recommended to get professional guidance to get your LLC formed in Utah.

Step 4: Create Your Utah LLC Operating Agreement

Moving on to the fourth step, filing your operating agreement. An operating agreement is a document that legally outlines the proprietorship and operating procedures of your LLC. This document is vital as it ensures that all business owners are on the same page regarding how they operate, thus reducing future conflicts.

When it comes to filing a Utah LLC Operating Agreement, the state does not require you to have a comprehensive operating agreement, but it is ideal to have one that contains all the details of your business operation that helps in taking future business decisions, especially if you decide to dissolve Utah LLC later. Hence, having an operating agreement may not be necessary, but it is surely ideal.

The operating agreement draft can be created for free if you don’t hire a professional. However, there is an advantage to appointing a proficient person/service. You will get a businesslike quality operating agreement at a very cheap fee, which will help you in the future. Hiring a professional service means you can sleep well at night 🙂

Step 5: Filing a Utah LLC EIN

The Employer Identification Number (aka EIN) is a nine-digit number given by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to make it easier to identify the type of business for tax purposes and taxes in general. The EIN is necessary for any active business or any form of business. 

EIN is needed when the LLC hires employees. Hiring employees in Utah LLC requires following specific rules and regulations. On the other side, EIN for Utah foreign LLC should be obtained if your LLC is based in other states.

To obtain EIN (aka FEIN), one must fill up a form (Online or by mail) and submit it to the IRS. Enter details of your LLC, and finally, complete the form and send it to the address given. You can also get an EIN Assistant to help you with the process.

Mail to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax: (855) 641-6935 | Fee: Free

Note: You don’t need a Social Security number when getting an EIN. You can proceed to fill out I.R.S. Form SS-4 and leave section 7b blank. You must then call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete your application. Agents or employees will help you with that.

Congratulations, you are now done with all the necessary steps to form your Limited Liability Company in Utah. If you do it yourself, it should take you a long time to understand and do all the steps properly.

However, if you use ZenBusiness, it should be way faster. You will always have a live chat option and phone support with experts for any help you need. Their worry-free service will make things easier for you.

After Starting Your Utah LLC

After forming your LLC, there are still some things that you will need. The most important thing is to separate your business and personal assets. LLCs have limited liability protection that protects your personal assets from business liability. This is called a corporate veil. However, the corporate veil can be lifted or pierced by the court if the LLC is sued. In that case, the owners of the LLC become personally liable for their corporate debts. A few things like appointing a legit registered agent, having enough capital, and filing all the major documents with the state can save the LLCs from being pierced into the corporate veil.

Apart from that, there are a few things you need to take note of,

• Get a company business bank account
• File Utah business permits & licenses
• Get general liability insurance and professional liability insurance with coverage for employees.
• File a Utah LLC annual report or biennial report

This page has provided you with steps to LLC formation and filing processes. You now have to remember upcoming filing deadlines and filing fees or filing costs, including fees for late filings to make sure your LLC is up-to-date.

Cost of Utah LLC

LLCs can be formed by spending very less price. Apart from the mandatory state filing fees, you don’t have to bear additional service charges if you do it yourself. Following are the fees and taxes LLCs in Utah must pay to register and run a business in the state. Forming an LLC is no doubt cost-effective compared to other business structures. However, the fees and charges (tax-deductible) that you must pay to the state, such as name reservation fee, name filing fee, LLC filing fee, and Franchise Tax & Sales Tax (If applicable). Here are the main fees and taxes you must pay while forming your limited liability company in Utah,

In Utah, an LLC name reservation is not mandatory. You can register your LLC name at the time of registering your LLC. If you wish to hold the name for some time without registering your LLC, then you can do that online. Your LLC name will be reserved for 120 days without registering your LLC. It can be done by paying $22.

In Utah, an Annual Report has to be produced every year. It costs $20. Also, the State of Utah requires LLCs to pay a Sales Tax of 4.7% every year. Read our guide on LLC costs in Utah for more information.

Utah Foreign LLC

If you are interested in forming a Foreign LLC in Utah then you need to file the Certificate of Foreign LLC to the Utah Secretary of State. Foreign LLCs allow you to operate your business in more than one state. Along with the Certificate of Foreign LLC, you need to submit some more documents like the Certificate of Good Standing, etc. to the Utah SOS to form your foreign LLC in Utah. To know more in detail, check out our guide on Utah Foreign LLC.

Reasons to Start an LLC in Utah

Utah State, along with providing a business environment, focuses on giving up incentives to LLCs established in the state. These incentives include business funding options and tax liability reductions. Read more on Utah’s classification of LLC tax. These are enough to keep a business running actively. That is why before choosing any state, you must first go through the benefits of this state.

Foreign Trade Zones of Utah

If you are into the foreign trading business and have registered an LLC in Utah, you must know a foreign trade zone incentive program available in the state. Salt lake city, the crossroads of the west, is the main reason this trade zone is formed. It has several benefits for a business. They are as follows-

• There is some exportation requirement which is not easily fulfilled by a business, but the foreign trade zone program can help in fulfilling all the requirements.
• The storage of products is made easy by the foreign trade zone program, and the time constraint is also removed.
• The businesses save double the tariffs that they have to pay on the important products and machinery.
• Businesses have to bear the direct entry and weekly entry fees in other states, but due to the FTZ, this fee is also saved.
• The custom reporting also gets strong and easy with the help of foreign trade zone assistance.

Recycle Market Development Zone(RMDZ)

If we see the census reports published by the US government, then one fact is obvious that the growth of the use of recycled products use in the country has grown around 4 times since 1980. Due to this, the recycling market has seen steep growth. If an entrepreneur has a business idea related to the recycling of products, they can take the help of the RMDZ program. This program will help in the collection, processing, and distribution of the recycling material, which can again be used in manufacturing. Some benefits a Utah LLC will enjoy due to this program are:-

• On the cost that a business spends on machinery, a tax credit of 5% will be provided.
• On the operating expenses, 20% state tax credit is provided up to $2000.
• Discounts of license fees and assistance in some operation processes are also provided.
• Technical assistance is always open from the side of the government in this business.

Enterprise Zone 

Before you start an LLC in Utah, you will get the option of choosing the enterprise zone. A business can enjoy a tax credit of around $200-$750 based on a full-time position offered by the company in this zone.

Top Businesses in Utah

Before you form an LLC in Utah, you should gain overall knowledge regarding the state’s economy. You must at least consider the top business industries and their contributions to the state GDP for knowing the environment better.

Farming Businesses

Farming businesses are the most important from the point of view of Utah. People think that Utah is a dry land state, but still, it produces a fair amount of crops and earns good profit from them.  Crops like Barley that can tolerate low water levels are grown in the state along with livestock rearing. Around 26,000 people are employed in the sector, contributing $3.5 billion directly and $10.7 billion through its manufacturing.

Tourism Businesses

The reason behind tourism has become a vast business in the Utah state is its national parks. If we see the number of national parks available in the state, then the state ranks third. The Utah state is home to 7 national parks, 2 national recreational areas, 6 national forests, and various state parks.

In the previous year, the state has catered to around 136,000 tourists, with the help of which the sector can contribute around $9.75 billion to the GDP of Utah.

Mining Businesses 

The mining businesses in Utah are attracting many people to immigrate to the state and work in their mines. The mines of Utah, like the Bingham mines, are rich in metals like copper, gold, silver, zinc, and lead. Along with that, there is some fossil fuel deposition found in the state having coal, petroleum, and natural gases.  The contribution that is made by the mining businesses to the economy of Utah is $2.1 billion from metals and around $480 million from coal.

Some of the best small scale businesses that a person can opt for in the state are:-

• Real estate leasing
• Outpatient clinics
• Dental practices 

Utah LLC Formation Review

How Fast Can I Form an LLC in Utah

For business formation in Utah, the time taken is 5 to 7 business days through mail. The online filing procedures can be completed within 2 business days.

An LLC is a legal entity that carries certain tax benefits, flexible management structure, and reduced personal liability for its members. Utah, being a business-friendly state, ensures a seamless process for forming an LLC, allowing aspiring entrepreneurs to kickstart their ventures with minimal bureaucracy. Let us delve into the critical factors regarding how quickly one can form an LLC in Utah.

First and foremost, one must understand that the timeline for forming an LLC can vary depending on several factors such as preparation, the completeness of paperwork, and adherence to statutory requirements. By thoroughly acquainting oneself with the process beforehand, entrepreneurs can expedite the formation process considerably. While Utah has provided a streamlined process, it is essential to equip oneself with the knowledge required to navigate effectively.

The initial step towards forming an LLC in Utah begins with selecting a business name that adheres to the registered agent and satisfies the state’s specific regulations. This name must be unique, not misleading or infringing upon any existing businesses. Provisionally ensuring name availability before embarking on the formal procedure saves valuable time and prevents disappointment.

Next, entrepreneurs must complete and file the Articles of Organization with the Utah Secretary of State Office. This document contains pertinent details such as the LLC’s name, duration, principal address, registered agent’s details, and the desired management structure. It is essential to draft meticulous and error-free articles to avoid any complications during the review process, speeding up the LLC’s formation.

After submitting the Articles of Organization, prospective LLC owners must anticipate a processing time wherein the validity of the submitted information undergoes scrutiny. Typically, this review process in Utah takes around five business days. Ensuring all necessary documentation and requisite fees accompany the filing stimulates its swift adjudication.

Once the Articles of Organization gain approval, entrepreneurs are advised to draft a Comprehensive Operating Agreement (OA). Although Utah law does not demand a formal OA, it is highly recommended as it outlines the internal workings, ownership structure, and decision-making processes. Creating an OA tailored to the LLC’s exact needs helps prevent internal conflicts and contributes to efficient operations from the start.

Post giving the necessary attention to customized operating agreements, entrepreneurs should remember to obtain the employer identification number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Acquiring an EIN is beneficial, enabling an LLC to carry out essential tasks such as hiring and opening commercial bank accounts further down the line.

To recap, those looking to swiftly form an LLC in Utah can expedite the overall process by preparing adequately beforehand, selecting a unique business name, filing accurate Articles of Organization, promptly addressing any review queries, and creating a well-crafted Operating Agreement. Such a systematic approach helps entrepreneurs avoid unnecessary delays and ensures the foundation for their business is laid promptly for success.

Ultimately, entrepreneurs brave enough to embark on their business journey need every bit of assistance possible. By understanding the process details associated with how fast one can form an LLC in Utah, entrepreneurs can stay one step ahead and bring their visions to life. So let’s seize the opportunity this business-friendly state offers and create vibrant and successful enterprises in the picturesque valleys of Utah.

F.A.Qs

In Conclusion

LLCs are easier to establish than other business structures. Small businesses, especially start-ups can easily start their LLCs in Utah at a bare minimum cost. LLCs have a ‘pass-through taxation’ advantage for which they are excluded from certain taxes. The formation of limited liability companies requires much lesser documents and legal processes. Share your queries with us, and leave a comment below.