The 4 Best LLC Services in South Dakota 2023
Ready to set up a limited liability company (LLC)? A business formation service will make sure all documents are properly filed, and you won’t have to navigate through confusing forms on your own.
We’ve identified some of the best LLC services in South Dakota; our choices take into account the pricing, features, and customer support of each.
Recommended LLC Formation Service: Northwest
Best South Dakota LLC Formation Services
 |
Best LLC Services |
|---|---|
Northwest 4.7/5 |
HIGHEST CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
|
TailorBrands 4.5/5 |
BEST PREMIUM, ALL-IN-ONE PACKAGE
|
ZenBusiness 4.2/5 |
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Incfile 4.0/5 |
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We reviewed and ranked the four best company formation services by actually forming separate limited liability companies with each service provider.
In this business formation services review, we’ll explore some of the best South Dakota LLC services in 2023 and share what makes them the top choice.
Best LLC Services in South Dakota:
Best LLC Service: Northwest
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent as the overall best online business formation service because of its affordability and knowledgeable customer support.
($29 + State Fees)
1. Northwest
Northwest's incorporation service starts at just $29 plus state fees; it includes LLC filing, premium registered agent services, customer privacy protection, online document dashboard, free mail forwarding, and more.
Northwest is known for its top-notch customer service; they provide their clients with Corporate Guides, who are highly trained US-based support agents. Every customer gets a Corporate Guide assigned to their specific account, so you can talk to the same person if you have any questions or concerns.
Pros
- Positive customer reviews
- User-friendly online ordering process
- No hidden fees or “free trials” that cost money later on
- Professional US-based customer service representatives
Cons
- You’ll need to pay extra fees for important LLC formation features such as an EIN. Another option is to get an EIN for free on your own.
Read our full Northwest Registered Agent review to learn more.
Northwest
Northwest provides personalized, knowledgeable customer service at an affordable price.
($29 plus state fees)
2. Tailor Brands
If you would like to form an LLC as well as start developing a brand for your new company, then the formation services from Tailor Brands are an excellent option. Specifically, it is Tailor Brands’ Elite package that empowers entrepreneurs to both file a company and establish an online presence for their new ventures.
With the Elite package from Tailor Brands (which costs $199 + state filing fees), you will receive standard LLC formation services as well as access to a broad range of helpful digital marketing tools. This includes tools such as a logo maker, website builder, social media post designer, and more.
Pros
- Great customer reviews
- Elite package includes powerful brand development tools
- High-quality customer support
Cons
- There are more low-cost options available if you only need standard LLC features
Read our full Tailor Brands review to learn more.
Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands provides the best premium, one-stop shop package for entrepreneurs to start a new venture and build their online presence.
($199 + state fees)
3. ZenBusiness
With a history of providing swift and reliable business formation packages, ZenBusiness is known as one of the top LLC services on the market today. New entrepreneurs who decide to work with ZenBusiness will have three different formation plans to choose from, and pricing ranges from $0-$299 (plus state fees).
ZenBusiness’s Starter package is an excellent choice for small business owners who aren’t in a rush to form their company. ZenBusiness’s paid packages, meanwhile, offer quicker filing speeds and additional perks such as a free domain and customizable business website, depending on the one that you choose.
Pros
- You can file your LLC for just $0 plus state fees with the Starter package
- Expedited filing options let you file your company in as little as 1-2 business days
- Positive customer reviews
Cons
- There is an additional fee for registered agent services
Read our full ZenBusiness review to learn more.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness provides essential services to help get your business up and running.
($0 + State Fees)
4. Incfile
Our final recommendation for the best LLC services in South Dakota is Incfile — a platform that has been helping new founders establish companies since 2004. If you choose Incfile for your LLC formation needs, you will have three different packages to choose from: Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
Incfile’s Silver package lets you file your company free of charge aside from state filing fees and is a great option for entrepreneurs on a tight budget. The Gold and Platinum packages, meanwhile, provide features such as expedited filing speeds, EIN registration, and a website.
Pros
- The Silver package from Incfile provides free company formation services
- Every Incfile package includes one year of free registered agent services
- Provides a convenient dashboard for tracking your LLC filing status
Cons
- Prone to lengthy turnaround times
Read our full Incfile review to learn more.
Incfile
Incfile is one of the best LLC services if you are working with a limited budget, and want a lot of added features.
($0 + State Fees)
How to Form an LLC in South Dakota
You can start an LLC in South Dakota on your own in five easy steps:
1. Name Your Company
You won’t be able to form your venture until you actually name it. Be sure to follow the LLC naming rules that are outlined in the South Dakota naming requirements.
Then, make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing a South Dakota LLC name search on the State's website.
We also recommend using our LLC Name Generator tool to help secure a domain name for your new enterprise.
2. Choose a Registered Agent
You are required to designate a registered agent for your South Dakota LLC, which is an individual or business entity in charge of receiving legal documents, government correspondence, and more on behalf of your company.
If you form your company online on the South Dakota Secretary of State website, your registered agent’s name and contact information will be requested when you file your LLC’s Articles of Organization.
If you form your company by mail, download the Articles of Organization form, fill out the required fields, and submit a physical copy to the South Dakota Secretary of State. You’ll be asked to provide your registered agent under Article III.
Learn more by reading our guide on South Dakota registered agents.
3. File the Articles of Organization
To register your LLC, you'll need to file the Articles of Organization with the South Dakota Secretary of State. You can apply online or by mail.
Learn more with our South Dakota Articles of Organization guide.
4. Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is a legal document that outlines the ownership structure and operating procedures of your venture.
Although an operating agreement is not required, it’s recommended. According to South Dakota Codified Law Section 47-34A-103, all members of an LLC may enter into an operating agreement to regulate the internal affairs of the company.
You can read more about South Dakota LLC operating agreements in our full guide.
5. Get an EIN
You can think of an Employer Identification Number as a Social Security number for your company. Get one for free through the IRS website.
FAQs
How much does it cost to start a South Dakota LLC online?
The cost to start a South Dakota LLC online is $150.
How do I file a South Dakota annual report?
You can file your annual report with the Secretary of State. You must use your state business ID to file, which you can find with a business information search.
What are some local resources to help me launch a company in South Dakota?
To help you start your new enterprise, we have identified the best resources across the state: