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Forming an LLC in Iowa takes one filing, the Certificate of Organization, and one state fee of $50. The legal basis is Iowa Code 489.201. The forms and fees page lists it as a filing you can complete online. Start at filings.sos.iowa.gov, where the state's Fast Track Filing system handles many forms. For the record search and certificates, see our Iowa business guide.
What goes in the Iowa Certificate of Organization?
Three things are required. The name of the LLC, which must follow section 489.112. The street and mailing addresses of its principal office. And the name, street address and mailing address in Iowa of its registered agent. Anything else is optional.
That is a short list, and it means you decide the agent first. Read our Iowa registered agent page before you file, because the agent needs a place of business in the state.
The LLC is formed when the certificate becomes effective. One person acting as organizer is enough.
Which name will Iowa accept?
End the name with Limited Liability Company, Limited Company, L.L.C., LLC, L.C. or LC. The name has to be distinguishable on Secretary of State records (Iowa Code 489.112).
A dissolved company's name stays protected for five years after administrative dissolution, so a name that looks free in daily life can still be blocked. Check it with our name availability guide.
Reserving a name costs $10 and lasts 120 days under Iowa Code 489.113.
How long does the Iowa filing take, and can I speed it up?
The state sells expedited handling per document. Fees run from $15 for a five-day turnaround up to $200 for one hour. The expedited services page has the full ladder, so pick the tier that fits your deadline.
The state's pages we read do not state a standard processing time. If timing matters, pay for a tier rather than guess.
What happens after the certificate is filed?
Draft an operating agreement. It stays with the company, since Iowa does not collect member details. Apply for a free EIN with our EIN guide. Open a bank account once you have both, and keep a copy of the filed certificate for the bank.
Sole proprietor trade names go to the county recorder, which is a separate record. An LLC that wants to trade under another name files a fictitious name with the state, and the fee is $5.
Should I watch my own record?
Yes. The Secretary of State describes itself as a filing repository and says it does not vouch for what is filed. It tells businesses to watch their own filings for unauthorized ones. If one turns up, an Affidavit of Unauthorized Use can be filed with no fee.
Social Security numbers are redacted from document images, and you can print a Certificate of Existence for $5 from the business summary page. Our Iowa business guide shows the search steps.
The first year is simple to budget. Count $50 to form, plus $10 if you reserve the name first. LLCs report in odd-numbered years, at $30 online.
What does an Iowa LLC file, and when?
A biennial report. LLCs file in odd years, from January 1 to April 1, and the fee is $30 online or $45 on paper. Your registered agent receives the notice in January of the filing year, which is another reason to keep the agent record current.
The state lists no late fee. Instead, an entity that misses the report goes inactive. Domestic LLCs can apply for reinstatement for $5. For how this compares with other states, see annual report deadlines.
Ready to start? Use our start-an-LLC form.
After approval, check the rules in our Iowa business license guide.