Start an LLC in Utah

Before you jump in, you’ll need to choose a name for your LLC. Utah’s rules for naming your LLC are outlined in UT Code § 48-3a-108. Here’s the gist. Your LLC’s name must:

• Include an indicator such as “limited liability company,” “L.L.C.,” or “LLC.”
• Not include words or abbreviations like “corporation” or “corp”—anything that may make your LLC sound like a different type of business entity.
• Be unique among other existing businesses in Utah.

Already have a business name? Check to see if it’s available.

Once you’ve chosen a business name, you’ll need to appoint a Utah registered agent. Utah requires all LLCs to have a registered agent—an individual or business entity that accepts legal and state mail on behalf of your company.

Utah is one of only a handful of states that distinguishes between a commercial registered agent (like us) and a non-commercial registered agent. Most individual and single-state agents will fall under the non-commercial category.

Learn why the pros use a registered agent service.

To form an LLC in Utah, you must file a Certificate of Organization with the Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. You can submit your certificate online, by fax, mail, or in person. The filing fee is $54.

Note: All of the information on this form will become part of the public record.

To fill out the form, you’ll need to provide the following information:

• Company name. Include an indicator like “limited liability company” or “LLC.”
• Principal address. Provide the street address where your LLC is located. A PO box can only be listed in addition to a physical address.
• Registered agent name. This is the person or company that will accept legal and state mail on behalf of your business.
• Registered address. If you appointed a non-commercial registered agent, list their Utah street address.
• Organizer signature. Whoever is filing the certificate—this doesn’t have to be someone within your LLC.
• Member information (optional). You may include each member’s name and address.
• Duration (optional). You may indicate whether your LLC will exist indefinitely or close on a specific date.
• Purpose (optional). You may include a brief description of your business activity (i.e., real estate or computer software) or a general business purpose stating that your LLC is organized for any lawful purpose in the state of Utah.
• Ownership information (optional). You may indicate whether your LLC is female or minority-owned.

An operating agreement is a legally binding document that details how your business will function. It’s the nuts and bolts of your LLC—everything from how voting works to handling internal disputes.

Check out our attorney-drafted Utah LLC Operating Agreement.

An employer identification number (EIN) is a unique, nine-digit number assigned by the IRS. It’s used to identify your LLC on tax filings. An EIN is like a social security number for your LLC. You can apply for an EIN online (through the IRS website) or file a paper form. There is no fee.

Learn How to get an EIN for your LLC.

In January 2024, a new law goes into effect requiring most Utah LLCs to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). For LLCs formed in 2024, the deadline to file the BOI Report is 90 days after company formation. Starting in 2025, new LLCs will only have 30 days after formation to file the report. If your LLC was organized prior to 2024, your deadline for the BOI Report is January 1, 2025.

Your BOI Report must include identifying information about your company applicant and all beneficial owners, as well as information about the LLC itself.

A Beneficial Owner is anybody with at least 25% membership interest in your LLC or with substantial control over its operations or finances (like a manager who may or may not also be a member).

A Company Applicant is the person who filed your Utah Certificate of Organization with the Department of Commerce, also called an LLC organizer.

It’s vital to open a business bank account once you’ve officially formed your LLC. Why? LLCs have limited liability protection—which means legally, your LLC is a separate entity from you (the owner) with its own liability. But maintaining your liability protection means keeping your personal and business finances separate.

To open a bank account for your Utah LLC, you’ll need to bring the following to the bank:

• Utah LLC Certificate of Organization (a copy is fine)
• the LLC’s operating agreement
• the LLC’s EIN
• an LLC Resolution to Open a Bank Account (if your LLC has more than one member).

If your LLC has more than one member, use our LLC Resolution to Open a Bank Account.

Your LLC is formed and you opened a company bank account—now, it’s time to fund it. Members should make an initial contribution to pay for their membership interest. In most cases, members pay for their membership by writing a check or depositing cash into the LLC’s bank account. But members can also make contributions via property or services. Keep in mind that these types of contributions can trigger tax events.

Utah requires all LLCs to file an annual report with the Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations and Commercial Code each year. Your annual report can be filed online or by mail. The filing fee is $18 with a $5 online surcharge.

Worried you’ll forget? Let us file your annual report for you.

*This is informational commentary, not advice. This information is intended strictly for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel. This information is not intended to create, nor does your receipt, viewing, or use of it constitute, an attorney-client relationship. More information is available in our Terms of Service.