How to Start an LLC in Iowa (2026)

From The Business Formation Podcast · 9:00

Show by The Business Formation Podcast

To start an LLC in Iowa, you file a Certificate of Organization with the Iowa Secretary of State, and pay $50. Every step for 2026, including who can be your registered agent, the $30 biennial report due in odd-numbered years, and the three best ways to have it filed for you. The 3 best ways to file in Iowa (2026) Mainstay Filing (our pick): $199/yr + state fee ($249 at checkout with Iowa's $50 fee). Includes your Certificate of Organization filed, your EIN application, your registered agent every year and your biennial report filed every odd year. Renews at $199/yr. https://www.mainstayfiling.com/iowa/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-iowa IA Registered Agent.org: $199 + state fee ($249 at checkout). Prepares and files your Certificate of Organization, with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.iaregisteredagent.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-iowa Iowa Registered Agent.co: $199 + state fee ($249 at checkout). Forms your Iowa LLC with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.iowaregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-iowa Chapters 0:00 The short answer0:24 Step 1: Choose a name0:53 Step 2: Name a registered agent1:14 Step 3: File the Certificate of Organization1:53 Step 4: Write an operating agreement2:17 Step 5: Get a free EIN2:44 Step 6: File the biennial report3:28 What it costs3:57 Paper or online4:18 Expedite options4:41 If a report is missed5:09 The name rules5:46 Picking your registered agent6:01 First-year checklist6:25 The 3 best ways to file in Iowa8:00 Three years of service fees8:26 Recap Iowa LLC facts (checked October 7, 2026) Filing: Certificate of Organization with the Iowa Secretary of State through Fast Track Filing: $50. Iowa has no fill-in form for paper filers. No standard turnaround is published; expedite costs $15 (five business days) to $200 (one hour). Name: must contain "limited liability company," "limited company," "L.L.C.," "LLC," "L.C." or "LC." Reservation: 120 days, $10. Registered agent: must have a place of business in Iowa; designating one affirms the agent consented. Change: no fee. Operating agreement: not filed. EIN: free from the IRS at IRS.gov. Biennial report: odd-numbered years, January 1 to April 1, starting the first odd year after formation; $30 online, $45 on paper. No late fee; 60 days late is a ground for administrative dissolution; reinstatement $5. No beneficial ownership (BOI) report for U.S. companies (FinCEN). Sources Iowa Secretary of State, business entity forms and fees: https://sos.iowa.gov/businesses/business-entity-forms-and-fees Iowa Secretary of State, expedited services: https://sos.iowa.gov/businesses/preclearance-and-expedited-services Iowa Code 489.112 (name): https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/489.112.pdf Iowa Code 489.115 (registered agent): https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/489.115.pdf Iowa Code 489.212 (biennial report): https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/489.212.pdf IRS, Get an EIN: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number FinCEN, BOI: https://www.fincen.gov/boi Company prices from each company's own page and checkout, October 7, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.

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