You can absolutely register a North Dakota LLC: $135 state filing fee, a low 2.5% income tax, and the efficient FirstStop portal. But if your real goal is to start trading now, most founders are better served by a ready-made Wyoming LLC that already has its EIN and transfers into your name within 24 hours.
North Dakota has a surprisingly strong, energy-driven economy and one of the lowest state income tax rates in the country — just up to 2.5%. Formation costs $135 with a modest $50 annual report, and the state's FirstStop portal makes online filing straightforward. The Bakken oil formation has driven significant economic growth, and the state is strong in energy, agriculture, technology and drone systems.
For a founder based in North Dakota, or operating in energy or agriculture, registering here makes good sense. But if you're a non-resident — or simply want to be invoicing this week rather than next month — there's a faster route worth weighing first.
| Form a North Dakota LLC yourself | Buy ready-made Wyoming (USLLCGlobal) | |
|---|---|---|
| Company exists | After state approval (3–5 business days) | Already registered |
| EIN issued | Apply after formation; days to several weeks (SS-4 by mail 4–6 weeks for non-residents) | Already issued |
| Ready to bank & take payments | Once EIN lands — typically 2–4 weeks total | Within 24 hours |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% (North Dakota) | 0% — Wyoming has no state income tax |
| Annual report | $50/year, due November 15 | Low Wyoming annual fee |
| Owner privacy | Organizer named on filing | Wyoming — no public owner register |
| Paperwork on you | Articles, EIN application, operating agreement | None — handed over signed |
Prefer North Dakota specifically? We can still register one for you — see our pricing below, or contact us. Otherwise, a ready-made Wyoming LLC is the fastest, most private way to start.
Complete fee breakdown for North Dakota LLCs. State fees are sourced from the North Dakota Secretary of State.
| Fee | Amount | When due |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $135 | One-time |
| Annual report | $50/year | Due November 15 |
| 24-hour expedited | $100 additional | Optional |
| Registered agent | $100–150/year | Ongoing |
| Name reservation | $10 | Optional — 365 days |
Your name must be distinguishable from existing entities and include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company." Check availability on the North Dakota business search. You can reserve a name for 365 days for $10 — the longest reservation period in the US.
Every North Dakota LLC needs a registered agent with a physical North Dakota address (not a PO Box). USLLCGlobal includes one year of registered agent service in all formation packages.
File with the North Dakota Secretary of State through the North Dakota filing portal or by mail. Required information:
Not legally required in North Dakota but essential. It defines ownership, profit distribution, management and exit provisions. Banks and the IRS expect to see it.
Your federal tax ID from the IRS. Required for bank accounts, hiring and taxes. Non-residents can apply via Form SS-4 (4–6 weeks). USLLCGlobal handles EIN applications in every package — or skip the wait entirely with a ready-made company whose EIN already exists.
With your Articles of Organization, EIN and Operating Agreement, open a US business account. Mercury, Relay and Wise Business allow remote opening for non-residents.
What you need each year to keep your North Dakota LLC in good standing:
| Tax type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal income tax | Up to 2.5% | Among the lowest in the US |
| Franchise tax | $0 | No franchise tax |
| Gross receipts tax | $0 | No gross receipts tax |
| State sales tax | 5% + local | If selling taxable goods |
Processing times: Standard formation runs 3–5 business days (included). 24-hour expedited processing is available for $100 additional.
Every North Dakota formation package includes:
No hidden fees. No upsells. The price listed is the price you pay.
Browse Wyoming companies that already exist and already have their EIN — yours within 24 hours. Or ask us to register your North Dakota LLC.