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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 fee. Every year, LLC owners are required to file a report with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office and pay a fee to keep their business in good standing. This fee can vary depending on the state and the size of the business, but it is an essential expense to budget for each year.
Other expenses to consider when maintaining an LLC in West Virginia include the cost of registered agent services. In West Virginia, all LLCs are required to have a registered agent who can receive legal documents on behalf of the business. While business owners can serve as their own registered agent, many choose to hire a professional service to ensure compliance and peace of mind.
Maintaining an LLC in West Virginia also requires business owners to adhere to certain tax requirements. LLC owners may need to file annual tax returns and pay state and federal taxes depending on the nature of their business. It is important to work with a reputable accountant or tax professional to ensure compliance and minimize tax liabilities.
Another expense to consider when maintaining an LLC in West Virginia is insurance premiums. Business owners may choose to purchase general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, or other policies to protect their business and assets. While insurance can be a significant expense, it is a crucial investment to protect against unforeseen risks and liabilities.
In addition to these ongoing expenses, LLC owners should also be mindful of any legal or regulatory changes that may impact their business. Staying informed about changes in state laws or regulations can help business owners avoid costly fines or penalties that could jeopardize their LLC status.
Overall, the cost of maintaining an LLC in West Virginia will vary depending on the size and nature of the business. While there are certain expenses that all LLC owners will need to budget for, it is important for business owners to carefully assess their individual needs and financial resources to ensure they can afford to maintain their LLC status in the long run.
In conclusion, while the cost of maintaining an LLC in West Virginia may seem daunting at first, proper planning and budgeting can help business owners navigate the process without breaking the bank. By staying informed about state requirements, working with professionals, and budgeting for ongoing expenses, business owners can ensure their LLC remains in good standing and protected for years to come.
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.