How To Form an Idaho LLC

By Bazal Razzaq

Chief Editor

Updated: August 24, 2023, 12:30pm

Editorial Note: We earn a commission if you use the services recommended on this page. Commissions do not affect our opinions or recommendations.

idaho llc

Looking to form an LLC in Idaho and wondering how? Don’t worry, your search ends here! The Gem State offers many benefits, including a thriving startup scene, a favorable business climate, and a robust support network. With advantages like these, who would miss out on forming an Idaho LLC? 

Ranked as the best state for entrepreneurs by AdvisorSmith and the 7th most state with a business-friendly environment, Idaho has one of the highest rates of new business per capita! Our step-by-step guide offers a detailed overview of the LLC formation process.

#1 Select a name for your Idaho LLC

When naming an LLC in Idaho, you need to follow certain requirements and guidelines. Here are some basic naming requirements for an LLC in Idaho:

  1. The name you choose for your Idaho LLC must be unique and distinguishable from other business entities registered in the state. This is to prevent confusion among consumers and businesses.
  1. Your LLC’s name must include a proper designator that confirms its limited liability status. You can use variations like “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”
  1. Don’t forget that certain words like “bank,” “insurance,” and “university” imply a connection to government authorities or entities that may require additional documentation or approval. 
  1. Words that suggest illegal activities or mislead the public are generally not allowed in LLC names. Similarly, you should avoid using vulgar or obscene words that may land you in a legal mess.
  1. Before officially registering your LLC’s name, you can use the Idaho Secretary of State’s business name database to check its availability. This will help you ensure that the name you want is not already in use. You can also check the US Patent and Trademark Office’s site for federal trademarks. 
  1. Depending on your business, you may need to include professional designations or other relevant information in your LLC’s name. For example, if your LLC provides legal or medical services, specific requirements might apply.

If you have a unique and legally compliant name in mind but aren’t ready to register your LLC officially just yet, you can consider reserving your name by filing a Reservation of Legal Entity Name form. The expected fee is $20, but there is an additional $20 fee for any manually filed paperwork.

While it isn’t a mandatory requirement in Idaho to use a fictitious name(more popularly known as “DBA”), you can still consider it. If you want to use a trade name, you need to officially register it with the Idaho Secretary of State. This registration is done by submitting a Certificate of Assumed Business Name either online or through the mail. The cost for filing is $25 if done online and $45 for mail submissions. It’s important to note that registering your assumed name is required, but it doesn’t grant you ownership rights over the name.

It’s essential to follow these naming requirements to ensure a smooth registration process for your Idaho LLC.

#2 Create a business plan

It goes without saying at this point, but creating a business plan provides new entrepreneurs an opportunity to specify their goals and figure out a strategy to reach them effortlessly. 

A well-crafted business plan offers several benefits, such as strategic decision-making, risk management, and scope for continuous improvement for entrepreneurs and businesses. 

Here’s a quick overview of what you can include in your LLC business plan,

  1. Highlight a brief overview of your LLC, its mission, goals, and objectives.

  2. Provide detailed information about your business, its products or services, and the target market.

  3. An industry and competition assessment to determine your market position.

  4. The structure of your LLC and the roles of key team members.

  5. Outline in-depth descriptions of what your LLC offers and how it addresses customer needs.

  6. This section will include how you plan to market your products or services and attract customers.

  7. If you need funding, mention the amount required and how you plan on using it.

  8. You must include projected financial statements, income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.

  9. Any additional information, such as resumes of key team members, product images, or market research data.

#3 Recruit a registered agent

Your immediate next step in this LLC formation process should be assigning a registered agent to accept and receive official government correspondence, lawsuits, financial documentation, and notices on behalf of your company. Then, the agent will forward all the notifications and paperwork to the appropriate owners/members or managers of the LLC. 

You have the following options when it comes to choosing a statutory agent for your Idaho LLC:

  • Be your own registered agent.
  • Pick another registered business entity.
  • Hire a registered agent service.
  • Choose an individual within the company(manager/employee/member)
  • Hire an Attorney, lawyer, or legal facility.

Not just this, there are various other requirements to be a registered agent in Idaho, such as,

  1. The registered agent should have a physical street address (not a PO Box) in Idaho where they can receive legal documents.

They also need to be 18 years of age or older.

  1. They need to be available during regular business hours to receive legal notifications and important documents.
  1. The individual or entity serving as the registered agent should give their consent to fulfill this role for the business entity.
  1. If an individual is chosen as the registered agent, they need to be a resident of Idaho or a business entity authorized to do business in the state.
  1. The agent should be reliable and responsible for handling legal and official documents on behalf of the business.
  1. Lastly, they need to remember that any changes in their contact or address information need to be promptly updated with the Idaho Secretary of State.

#4 Prepare and file the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State

To officially register your Idaho LLC, you will need to file the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State. You have the option to submit the form online on the Idaho Secretary of State Business Services website or to download the form and then mail it to the address listed below,

Office of the Secretary of State

450 N 4th Street

PO Box 83720

Boise, ID 83720-0080

The filing fee for online applications is $100 and $120 if you choose to file by mail or in person. 

  1. The name and address of your LLC.

  2. Registered agent’s name and address

  3. The main purpose of your LLC.

  4. The number of shares authorized

  5. The management structure of your company: member-managed or manager-managed?

  6. Management information

  7. Filing Fee

  8. Will the members/owners be liable for debts

  9. Check the boxes to indicate whether your business is a nonprofit, series, or professional LLC. 

  10. The signature of the organizer(person forming the LLC.)

  11. Effective date

  12. Duration of your LLC.

  13. Any additional information specific to your LLC, like ownership percentages or voting rights.

  14. Signature of LLC’s organizer.

After filing, the Idaho State authority will review your form, and once they confirm, your LLC will officially be a registered legal entity.

#5 Set an Operating Agreement

While it’s a fact that not all LLCs in the United States have an operating agreement in hand, it also stands true that most successful ones do! An agreement is basically a legal document that highlights the ownership and operating arrangements of a company. If an LLC doesn’t create an operating agreement in the state, the Idaho Uniform Limited Liability Company Act will automatically govern the business legally.

Here’s an idea of what you can include in your Idaho LLC operating agreement:

  1. Ownership: Specify the ownership percentage of each member in the LLC.
  1. Member Roles: Outline the roles and responsibilities of each member, including decision-making authority.
  1. Capital Contributions: Detail the initial investments made by each member to start the LLC.
  1. Profit and Loss Distribution: Explain how profits and losses will be divided among members.
  1. Management Structure: Define whether the LLC will be managed by members or appointed managers.
  1. Voting Rights: Describe how voting on important business decisions will work, including majority or unanimous decisions.
  1. Meetings: Outline how and when meetings will be held, including regular and special meetings.
  1. Adding or Removing Members: Detail the process for admitting new members or removing existing ones.
  1. Buyout and Transfer: Specify procedures for members selling or transferring their ownership interests.
  1. Dissolution: Explain the steps for dissolving the LLC and distributing assets if necessary.

     

  2. Dispute Resolution: Include methods for resolving disputes among members.
  1. Amendments: Describe how the operating agreement can be modified or amended.
  1. Signatures: Have all members sign the operating agreement to show their agreement and commitment.

Remember, an operating agreement is an important internal document that outlines how your LLC will be managed and operated. It’s best to tailor it according to your LLC’s specific needs and requirements and consult any legal advice if needed.

#6 Apply for the nine-digit EIN (federal employer identification number) from the IRS

An EIN is a unique nine-digit number used to identify your LLC for taxation purposes. It is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service(IRS), and you can obtain one by simply applying online or downloading the form and then mailing it to the address below,

Internal Revenue Service

Attn: E.I.N. Operation

Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax: (855) 641-6935

 You need a federal EIN if your LLC plans on,

  • Hiring employees
  • Opening professional business bank accounts
  • Applying for business licenses and permits
  • Meeting federal and state tax obligations
  • And generally smoothly conducting day-to-day business operations

Lastly, submit your periodic report annually.

Before winding up your formation process, there’s one other detail you need to attend to: filing your annual report with the Idaho Secretary of State. Every year, Idaho LLCs need to submit a periodic report. These reports can be filed online for free. 

Be informed and alert enough not to miss a deadline, as in Idaho, LLCs can be dissolved after 60 days for failure to file the report.

Final Word

Finally, once you’re done forming an LLC in Idaho, don’t just sit back and relax but focus on properly complying with the state and regulatory authorities. 

With your legally registered L.L.C., you can,

  1. Get needed permits and licenses, like health or zoning permits and pro licenses.
  2. Register with the state’s tax agency.
  3. Open a business bank account.
  4. Get a business credit card.
  5. Buy business insurance.
  6. Safeguard your name and logo with a trademark.
  7. Buy a web domain for your business.

And that’s a wrap! That was all you needed to know before pursuing your dream of opening an LLC in the Gem State.

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Frequently Asked Questions​

The main steps include choosing a unique name, appointing a registered agent, filing Articles of Organization with the Idaho Secretary of State, creating an operating agreement, and obtaining necessary licenses or permits.

While Idaho doesn’t require an operating agreement, having one is advisable. This document outlines ownership, management structure, profit distribution, and other important details.

Yes, Idaho LLCs need to file an annual report and pay a fee to keep their status active. The report updates the state on your LLC’s information.

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