How to Form an LLC in Utah
Introduction
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of forming an LLC in Utah. We’ll start with choosing a name, then move on to filing your articles of organization and appointing a registered agent. We’ll also help you prepare an operating agreement and get your business bank account set up. Finally, we’ll talk about licensing and permits that may be required for your new business before wrapping it all up by telling you how one service can simplify the process for you!
Choose a name for the LLC.
Choose a name for the LLC.
- Make sure your LLC’s name is unique and easy to remember.
- It should not infringe on any trademarks in the state of Utah.
- The name must be distinguishable from other entities that are registered in Utah or other states (including corporations, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships).
File the Articles of Organization.
You must file the Articles of Organization with the Utah Division of Corporations. The articles can be filed online or by mail, but you will need to pay a filing fee. The current fee is $125 and will be due when you submit your completed application to add an LLC in Utah.
The articles must include the name of the LLC and its registered agent (who will receive official notices for your company). They also need to list any other required information about members and managers, as well as any restrictions on what kind of business can be done by the LLC.
Appoint a Utah registered agent.
Choosing a Registered Agent
You must appoint a registered agent in Utah, who will be your representative for receiving official notices and other documents on behalf of the LLC. You can appoint a Utah lawyer or business service to act as your registered agent. This person or company will handle mailings and post office box rent, so there’s no need for you to find an office location or open an additional PO box. The registered agent also serves as the designated point of contact if someone wants to serve legal papers on your LLC. Your registered agent is responsible for ensuring that all tax payments are made on time and keeping track of any changes in state law that affect their duties as well as those of members and managers within the company structure (if applicable).
Your annual fee will depend on how much work needs doing by this person or company; however, it should generally fall somewhere between $100-$150 per year depending upon how many filings have been made during that period—or whether any additional paperwork needs filing after initial setup has been completed!
Create an LLC operating agreement.
An operating agreement is a document that establishes the terms and conditions of how you’ll run your business. It should include provisions for any issues that may arise in the future, from finances to terminating ownership.
A good operating agreement should be clearly written, with details outlining each owner’s role in the company (such as managing partner), how profits will be divided, whether there are restrictions on who can sell their shares or not, etc. You can get help writing this document by hiring an attorney or accountant who specializes in small businesses.
The best way to ensure that you’re creating a solid system is to have your operating agreement reviewed by an attorney before signing on the dotted line—and again when it comes time for annual review meetings with partners or shareholders—to ensure that it’s legally sound and addresses issues such as:
Get an employer identification number (EIN).
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a tax identification number you can use to identify your business entity. An EIN is required by the IRS if you plan on opening a bank account, filing taxes, or hiring employees. It’s important to note that your LLC will not be able to operate until it has an EIN. You can obtain an EIN by filling out Form SS-4 and mailing it to the IRS at:
Open a business bank account.
Now that you’re ready to open a business bank account, it’s time to choose a bank. You can find one that is convenient for you—whether it be online or in person. If you go with an online option, they will likely have specific forms they need from your LLC before they open the account. They may also request some additional information, such as proof of identity and/or residency.
You should make sure the bank has locations near where you will operate from so that all of your accounts are in one place and easily accessible when needed.
Obtain licenses and permits.
In addition to forming an LLC, you may need additional licenses and permits depending on the type of business you plan to operate. For example, if you want to operate your business as a retail store, then you will need a seller’s permit from the state department of commerce. If you are planning on selling food or beverages (for example at a restaurant), then it is likely that your business will also require a license from the city office in order to sell these items. You can find out what licenses and permits are required for different businesses by contacting either the state department of commerce or your local city office.
If you’re having trouble obtaining these licenses/permits on your own, it’s best to seek help from a business formation service such as LegalZoom or Nolo who can guide you through this process step by step and ensure that everything goes smoothly with no problems along the way!
Forming an LLC in Utah is not difficult, especially if you have help from a business formation service that offers assistance with filing and more — like ZenBusiness.
- The first step in forming an LLC is to select a name for your business. You want to be sure that the name you choose is not already in use, so check with the state’s Office of the Secretary of State or do an online search.
- Next, research where the best location would be for your business. Consider how many people live and work nearby and how accessible it will be to them. If you plan on conducting business online, then location might not matter as much as it would if you were operating out of a retail store or service office. You also have some flexibility when choosing where to register your company since there are several options available in Utah: Salt Lake City, Ogden/Clearfield/Ogden Metro Area, St George Region (Dixie Ridge), Provo/Orem Metro Area and West Valley Region (West Valley City).
Conclusion
And that’s it! You’re now officially a Utah LLC. Now you can sit back, relax and get to work on your new business.
