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 |
| |
 | $299 + State Fees |
|
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
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.
Operating a limited liability company, or LLC, can be an excellent way to conduct business while protecting yourself from financial liability. However, as with any business structure, there are ongoing costs associated with maintaining an LLC in West Virginia. These costs can vary depending on a few factors, such as the type of business, the size of the company, and any additional maintenance requirements.
One significant ongoing cost associated with running an LLC is state fees. In West Virginia, it costs a fee each year to file your company’s report and pay your business registration renewal fees. Additionally, if a company has employees, there are employment insurance fees required by the state.
Some costs are optional, though prudent to entertain, such as business insurance. While it’s not legally required to have insurance for your LLC in West Virginia, it is highly recommended. Business insurance generally includes comprehensive general liability coverage, which helps protect you and your business in case of an accident, injury or high-priced legal issue. Policies can be rated by factors including coverage needed and how many employees a particular company has or does not have.
Another maintenance cost that business owners in West Virginia have to deal with is the cost of hiring an attorney or accountant. Although not required, it’s a good idea for small businesses to budget for the services of an attorney to review important legal documents like business registration or contracts.
Keep in mind that some businesses will have commission expenses or material costs unique to their industry with taxes potentially being affected.
Ultimately, it’s impossible to quote an exact sum for the ongoing expenses of maintaining an LLC in West Virginia. It ultimately depends on the particular business operation and communication, and intentional budgeting with elected business operational aspects.
While it may seem daunting, it’s necessary to plan budget becomes a reality that cannot be undervalued, particularly for a business who is genuinely “wholeheartedly devoted to quality” from all angles- compliance can become a stiff penalty if not attended to properly. By gaining a good understanding of what costs are involved and dedicating time and finances towards careful planning, any perceptive business owner can safely become licensed and eligible to our maintenance regulation in West Virginia. To reduce risk of omission, It bodes well to stay organized communicate, price compare, and critically inventory and/or expense tracking. This communication will have the best outcome if sensible and structured.
The takeaway is there isn’t a definitive answer to how much certain businesses should spend in this area because there is no a one-size-fits-all model. We can confidently surmise that invoicing an agreed figure for the comfort of overlooking compliance expense assumes a problem however remaining mindful to potential pitfalls, however improbable, will ultimately result in business operation smarts- That alone is telling proof justifying the expense. A thoughtful mind and sharp mind in budgeting proves- honest begets substantive dividends.
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.
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.
