If you live in Pennsylvania but formed your LLC elsewhere, you may want to consider a process called domestication. Here’s what to know:
What is domestication for a Pennsylvania LLC?
Pennsylvania state law allows for a process called domestication, which is a state-assisted process in which a business moves from one state to another (in this case: PA). Not all states offer domestication, but fortunately Pennsylvania does. In most cases, domesticating your business in a new state is easier and more cost-effective than other methods of moving a business, like foreign registration or starting an LLC from scratch.
For more on the domestication process, see Northwest’s page on How to Move Your Business to Another State.
How do I domesticate my LLC in PA?
An out-of-state LLC wishing to domesticate in Pennsylvania must file a Pennsylvania Statement of Domestication form. Attached to this form, you’ll also have to include a Docketing Statement, which essentially registers your LLC as a tax-paying entity in Pennsylvania. Finally, you’ll have to include the state filing fee of $70.
You can file these forms online using the state’s online filing system, PENN File. Or, you can fill-out the forms then print them and pop ’em in an envelope addressed to:
Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations
401 North Street, 206 North Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Do I have to domesticate my LLC in PA?
Not necessarily. You can still do business in Pennsylvania if your business was formed (and is still registered) in another state. To do so, you’ll need to file a Foreign Registration Statement with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Corporations. However, if you register as a foreign business in PA while still registered elsewhere, you’ll be paying state fees in two states and could face double taxation.
To make sure you’re doing what’s best for your business—and complying with the law—you might want to reach out to a business attorney or CPA.
Can I keep my business name if I domesticate in PA?
If your LLC name is available in Pennsylvania, then you can file for domestication with your unique LLC name. However, if your name is already taken in PA, you won’t be able to use it. You can check Pennsylvania’s Business Name Search to make sure your name is free and clear before you file for domestication in PA.