Business finance / Iowa LLC Cost Calculator

Iowa LLC Cost Calculator

US rates · checked 18 Oct 2026

Whole number, 1–20

$

Enter a number of at least 0

Leave at $0 if you or someone with an address in the state acts as your registered agent.

Off: the first report or tax is counted from year 2. Check the state's due date; some bill it in the year you form.

$

Enter a number of at least 0

For example name reservation, publication, an operating agreement or a DBA.

Iowa LLC cost over 3 years
$80.00
$50.00to form
$15.00state fees a year
$0total $80.00
  • Filing fee
  • Biennial report
Iowa filing fee · Articles of Organization / Certificate of Formation$50.00
Biennial report × 1 · $30 every two years (biennial report)$30.00
Registered agent × 3$0.00
Other one-time costs$0.00
Total over 3 years$80.00

Biennial report is $30 online or $45 on paper, due by April 1 of odd-numbered years.

See breakdown

How the Iowa LLC cost calculation works

How much is an LLC in Iowa? $50 to file with the state, then $30 every two years (biennial report). With no paid registered agent, the first year costs $50 in state fees and three years cost $80. Add a registered agent or other costs to see your own total.

  1. File with the state: $50

    Iowa charges $50 for a standard LLC filing. Expedited processing costs extra.

  2. Keep it active: $30 every two years (biennial report)

    Miss it and the state can add late fees or dissolve the LLC, even when the filing is free. Most states let you file online.

  3. Registered agent: free if you act as your own

    Every LLC needs a registered agent with a physical address in Iowa. You can be your own, or pay a service a yearly fee; enter it above.

  4. Other costs depend on your business

    Biennial report is $30 online or $45 on paper, due by April 1 of odd-numbered years.

Worked example. Over 3 years, a Iowa LLC with no paid registered agent costs $80 in state fees: the $50 filing fee plus $30 in biennial report fees (1 × $30).

Iowa LLC Cost FAQ

How much is an LLC in Iowa?

$50 to form, then $30 every two years (biennial report). With no paid registered agent, the first year costs $50 in state fees and three years cost $80. A paid registered agent and any publication or license fees are on top.

What is the Iowa LLC filing fee?

$50 for a standard filing of the formation document, checked on the official Iowa site on 18 Oct 2026.

Does Iowa charge an annual fee for LLCs?

Yes: $30 every two years (biennial report). Biennial report is $30 online or $45 on paper, due by April 1 of odd-numbered years.

How much does a Iowa LLC cost per year?

$15 a year in state fees ($30 every two years), plus a registered agent if you pay one.

How does Iowa compare with other states?

Iowa's filing fee is $50. 3 of the 50 states and DC charge less to file, and 7 others charge the same $50. The median filing fee is $100, and fees run from $35 to $500.

Do I need to pay for a registered agent?

No. You can act as your own registered agent if you have a physical address in the state and are available in business hours. A service costs extra each year.

Are there other costs to start an LLC?

An EIN from the IRS is free. You may also need a local business license, a DBA, or a professional operating agreement.

Sources: Iowa official source · IRS: Get an employer identification number (free)

Related calculators

LLC cost in other states

Filing fee to form an LLC, checked on each state's official site.