HOW TO START A BOISE LLC

Step 1: Name Your Boise LLC

Choosing a company name is the first and most important step in setting up your Boise LLC. Be sure to choose a name that complies with Idaho naming requirements and is easily searchable by potential clients.

1. Follow the Idaho naming guidelines for your Boise LLC:

• Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
• Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
• Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your LLC.

2. Is the name available in the state of Idaho? Perform an Idaho LLC name search on the Idaho Secretary of State website to ensure that your Boise LLC’s name is not already in use within the state.

To learn more about searching for an Idaho LLC name, read our full guide.

3. Is the URL available? We recommend that you check to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to start a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Now that you have verified your name and secured the URL you may select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you. We recommend using one of these professional services:

Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

LegalZoom ($79+ State Fees)

Step 2: Choose an Idaho Registered Agent

You are required to appoint a registered agent for your Boise LLC.

What is a registered agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. Think of your registered agent as your business's point of contact with the state.

Who can be a registered agent for your Boise LLC? A registered agent must be a resident of Idaho or a corporation, such as a registered agent service, authorized to conduct business in the state of Idaho. You may elect an individual within the company including yourself.

To learn more about Idaho registered agents, read our full guide.

Recommended: Northwest provides the first year of registered agent service free with LLC formation ($29 + State Fees)

Step 3: File the Idaho LLC Certificate of Organization

To register your Boise LLC, you'll need to file the Certificate of Organization with the Idaho Secretary of State. You can apply online, in person, or by mail. 

Now is also a good time to determine whether your LLC will be member-managed vs. manager-managed.

Step 4: Create Your Boise LLC Operating Agreement

Idaho LLCs are not required to have an operating agreement, but we recommend creating an operating agreement for your Boise LLC.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our Idaho LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Boise LLC

What is an EIN? EIN stands for Employer Identification Number. EINs are a nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help identify businesses for tax purposes. It is essentially a Social Security number for a business.

An EIN is sometimes referred to as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN).

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required to:

• Open a business bank account
• File and manage federal and state taxes
• Hire employees

What if I already have an EIN for my sole proprietorship? The IRS requires that sole proprietorships get a new EIN when converting to an LLC.

Where do I get an EIN? You can get an EIN for free from the IRS. Getting an EIN is an easy process that can be done online or by mail.

For International EIN Applicants: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. For more information, read our How to Get an EIN as a Foreign Person guide.

Boise Business Permits and Licenses

To operate your Boise LLC, you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. For example, restaurants likely need health permits, building permits, signage permits, etc.

The details of business licenses and permits vary from state to state. Make sure you read carefully. Don't be surprised if there are short classes required as well. What’s more, fees for business licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of license you are seeking to obtain. 

The City of Boise primarily supervises business licensing and permits within Boise city limits. Businesses that intend to serve or otherwise sell alcoholic beverages must also obtain an Alcohol Beverage License from the Ada County Clerk.

Boise orders its licenses and permits into six main categories:

Boise LLC Tax Filing Requirements

Depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to register for one or more forms of state tax.

Sales Tax

If you are selling a physical product, you’ll typically need to register for a seller's permit through the Idaho State Tax Commission website.

This certificate allows a business to collect sales tax on taxable sales.

Sales tax, also called "Sales and Use Tax," is a tax levied by states, counties, and municipalities on business transactions involving the exchange of certain taxable goods or services.

Read our Idaho sales tax guide to find out more.

Employer Taxes

If you have employees in Idaho, you will have to register for the Unemployment Insurance Tax through the Idaho Department of Labor. Employers will also need to sign up for the Employee Withholding Tax through the Idaho State Tax Commission on behalf of your employees.

Federal LLC Tax Filing Requirements

Most LLCs will need to report their income to the IRS each year using:

• Form 1065 Partnership Return (most multi-member LLCs use this form)
• Form 1040 Schedule C (most single-member LLCs use this form)

How you pay yourself as an owner will also affect your federal taxes. Visit our guide to learn more about how to pay yourself from your LLC.

File Your Idaho LLC Annual Report

Idaho requires Boise LLCs to file an annual report with the state. This form can be submitted online. 

Get Help Starting a Boise LLC

After forming your Boise LLC, you will likely encounter many challenges. Take a look at our Boise Small Business Resources page to find more information on resources for Boise entrepreneurs.

Additionally, learn more about current US business trends so you can make the most informed business decisions.

TRUiC’s Small Business Tools

TRUiC believes business tools should be free and useful. Our tools help solve business challenges, from finding an idea for your business, to creating a business plan, writing an operating agreement for your LLC, and more.

Check out TRUiC’s small business tools:

• Free Legal Forms
• Business Name Generator
• Business Idea Generator
• Free Logo Maker
• Operating Agreement Tool
• Business Plan Generator
• Entrepreneur Quiz