How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Iowa

If you’re starting a business in Iowa, you may consider forming a limited liability company (LLC).  Before diving in, you should know that this comes with costs. 

To prepare you, this handy guide details all you need to know about the cost of launching an LLC in Iowa.

Iowa LLC Costs 

Requirement	Cost
Name Reservation Fee	$10
LLC Registration Fee	$50
Business License Fees	Vary by localities and type of business
DBA fee	Fees vary by county
Annual Report Fee	$30

Name Reservation Fee

One of your first decisions will be what to name your LLC. Once you’ve chosen the perfect name, you can reserve it with the state until you’re ready to form your LLC officially.

To do so, you’ll need to make sure the name is available. Here’s how:

1. Check for availability in Iowa

To ensure the business name is available, go to the Secretary of State’s website and enter the names you like as well as similar names. You don’t want a business name that can easily be confused with other Iowa businesses.

2. Check Iowa LLC name regulations

In Iowa, your LLC name must include the phrase “limited liability company,” or an abbreviation such as LLC or L.L.C., and you cannot include words that could confuse your Iowa LLC with any government agency. Your name also cannot include words like bank, insurance, or university without approval from state authorities. 

Additionally, your name must be distinguishable from all other business names in Iowa.

3. Check Trademarks

It’s a good idea to ensure the name has not been trademarked. Check with the US Patent and Trademark Office to ensure the name is available nationally. 

4. Check domain name availability

You’ll want to ensure the domain name is available. You can check at a site like GoDaddy.com and use .com or .org, as those give your business more credibility.

5. Google it

Do a Google search to ensure the name is not being used in the U.S. or internationally. This is particularly important if you plan to have a strong online presence for your business.  

Once you’ve done your due diligence and know your preferred business name is available, you can reserve the name with the state using this name reservation form.

Cost to Register Your LLC in Iowa

To officially form your LLC, you’ll file a certificate of organization with the state of Iowa by visiting the Secretary of State’s Fast Track Filing website. You’ll need to create an account to file the form. You’ll need the following information:

• Company name
• Registered agent name and address

Business Licenses and Permits

Your LLC may also need to obtain licenses and permits at the federal, state, and local levels. These, of course, come with varying fees. 

At the federal level, licenses and permits are generally industry-specific and may include health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).  

You may need a general business license to operate at the state level. If you sell tangible goods or services subject to sales tax, you’ll need a sales tax license, also known as a seller’s permit. 

Check the SBA guide for specific licenses required for your business. 

Here are some standard licenses and permits you may need:

• Industry-specific licenses for certain professions and industries such as construction, plumbing, electrical, childcare, food handling, liquor, architecture, and finance
• Building and zoning permits
• Doing business as (DBA) permit if you’re doing business using a name other than your LLC name
• Health licenses and permits at federal, state, and local levels
• Fire permits
• Sign permits

This is a significant step in the LLC formation process, so make sure to check with your state and local government offices to find out all the licenses and permits that you need and their costs. You could face steep fines and penalties if you operate without the proper licenses and permits.

If you need help, it’s a good idea to consult a business attorney to ensure you’re in full compliance. You can also use a service like MyCorporation to do the research and provide you with all the forms you need to license your business. 

Doing Business As (DBA) Name

If you plan to do business under a name that is not your LLC name, you’ll need to register a “doing business as,” or DBA, name, known as a trade name in Iowa.

In Iowa, LLCs must register their trade name with their county clerk’s office, not the state. Fees vary by county. 

Annual Reports

In Iowa, your LLC must file a biennial report to verify your business information and confirm you’re still doing business.

In Closing

Starting an LLC in Iowa is instead a complicated process that includes a handful of fees. There are several hoops to jump through, but the benefits of ensuring your LLC is properly registered, and fully compliant are huge, while the alternative risks significant penalties. LLC formation can be daunting, so many entrepreneurs prefer a professional service like ZenBusiness. This ensures the process is done correctly, saving time and giving you peace of mind.