Start an LLC in Idaho

Before you can file your Idaho formation documents, you’ll need to choose a unique name for your LLC. Idaho Statute § 30-21-301 contains the rules for naming an LLC. Basically, your LLC name must:

• Include either the words “limited liability company,” or an abbreviation like “L.L.C.” or “LLC.”
• Be unique among registered businesses in Idaho.
• Not use any words or abbreviations that suggest it’s a different entity type or government agency (for example: “Inc.” or “State Department.”)

To make sure no one else is using your desired LLC name, check to see if it’s available.

Note: Even if your desired name is available in Idaho, it may be federally trademarked, which means you could get sued if you use the name. Perform a Trademark Clearance Search just to make sure your bases are covered.

Your domain name is the address of your website (for example, ours is northwestregisteredagent.com). You may not be ready to start your business website just yet, but when you do, you’ll probably want a domain name that matches the name of your business. That’s why it’s a good idea to reserve a web domain at the same time you form your LLC.

Being in business means you need to be in contact with customers and vendors. Instead of using your personal email, you’ll be able to stay in contact using With a domain name, you’ll be able to use your professional business email address to contact customers and vendors instead of using your personal email. Plus, getting a domain name when you form your LLC means it won’t get scooped up by some other business.

Tip: Hire us to form your LLC and you’ll get a domain name, free for your first year.

The Certificate of Organization is the document you’ll to the Idaho Secretary of State to form your LLC. You can file this document online, by mail, or in person. The filing fee is $100. Keep in mind that Idaho charges a $20 processing fee for any forms that are not filed electronically.

Note: All of the information on the Certificate of Organization will be on the public record.

Here’s the information you’ll need to complete the Certificate of Organization:

How do you “file” Idaho Articles of Organization?

You can file your Certificate of Organization online, by mail, or in person. You’ll save $20 by filing online, but you’ll need to create an SOSBiz account.

Mail and in person:
Office of the Secretary of State
450 N 4th Street
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0080

Online:
Idaho SOSBiz

While not required by law in Idaho, most businesses choose to adopt an operating agreement because it outlines clear rules and regulations for how your LLC will operate. Operating agreements generally address issues like voting rights, ownership percentage, distributing profits and losses, and even dissolving the business. Failure to adopt and operating agreement could leave your personal assets vulnerable in the event the business gets sued or goes bankrupt.

Tip: Our attorneys drew up an Idaho LLC Operating Agreement for you to use.

An EIN (employer identification number) acts as your company’s social security number. You’ll put your EIN on tax filings so that the IRS can identify your business. You can apply for an EIN from the IRS for free, either online or by mail. The fastest way to get an EIN is to apply on the IRS website. However, if you do not have a social security number, you’ll need to mail in a paper form.

Tip: You can add EIN service when you hire us to form your LLC.

It’s important to set up a business bank account once you’ve formed your LLC. Why? LLCs have limited liability protection, which means the state considers them to be separate legal entities (with separate liability) from the people who own them. But the only way to maintain that limited liability is by keeping personal and business finances separate.

To open a business bank account in Idaho, here’s what you need to take to the bank:

• Idaho LLC Certificate of Organization (a copy is fine)
• the LLC’s operating agreement
• the LLC’s EIN
• an LLC Resolution to Open a Bank Account (unless it is a single-member LLC).

Tip: If your LLC has more than one member, use our free LLC Resolution to Open a Bank Account.

Idaho LLCs are required to file a state report every year. This annual report basically ensures that your business information is up to date and the state knows who to contact if they need to get in touch with you. Your annual report is due during the anniversary month of when your business was formed. For example, if you formed your LLC on March 12th, your annual report would be due by March 31st the following year.

Tip: Don’t feel like dealing with your Idaho annual report? We can file it for you.

Most Idaho LLCs need to complete an additional filing at the federal level. This is a new requirement called the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report. The BOI Report requires you to disclose identifying information about your company applicant and all beneficial owners to FinCEN. You can file online or hire us to do it for you ($9).

*This is informational commentary, not advice. This information is intended strictly for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel. This information is not intended to create, nor does your receipt, viewing, or use of it constitute, an attorney-client relationship. More information is available in our Terms of Service.