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Home > How to Incorporate In Your State > Pennsylvania (PA)
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Incorporate in Pennsylvania (PA)

Learn the basic facts about Pennsylvania corporations and Pennsylvania limited liability companies (LLCs). Compare the differences between Pennsylvania corporations and Pennsylvania LLCs and learn about Pennsylvania rules and regulations that relate to forming a corporation or LLC.

Forming a Pennsylvania Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC)

There are a number of business entity types to consider when you are deciding the structure of your Pennsylvania business. The most advantageous entities to form in Pennsylvania are typically corporations or LLCs. Although other entity options are possible, these are the entities that offer the highest level of liability protection in Pennsylvania. As you review the characteristics of incorporating or forming an LLC in Pennsylvania, be sure to keep in mind both the present and future needs of your business. Often, when you start a business it begins as a small organization.

Get Started

If you decide that a Pennsylvania corporation or LLC is the best option for your business, BizFilings will form your company in Pennsylvania, faster than anyone else, without costly legal fees. Our cost-saving offerings include:

$115 + State Fees
$250 + State Fees
$350 + State Fees
  • Preparation and Filing of Formation Documents
  • Preliminary Name Check with State
  • Free Registered Agent Service for 6 months
  • BizComply Online Compliance Tool
  • 24/7 Access to Online Corporate Status Center
  • Everything included with the Basic Package
  • Expedited Processing Service
  • Corporate Kit & Seal
  • Corporate Forms CD
  • Everything included with the Standard Package
  • Tax ID (EIN) Number Obtainment
  • Compliance DVD
  • Certified Copy of State Filed Documents
  • Overnight Shipping


State Fees Apply

Each state charges filing fees that apply separately from BizFilings' package pricing. These fees will be reflected when you generate a Fast Quote using any of the links above. You can also view our list of fees by state.


Incorporating in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Corporate Name Endings
Pennsylvania Corporation Requirements
Pennsylvania Corporate Taxes and Fees
Pennsylvania Business License Requirements


Pennsylvania Corporate Name Endings

The name shall contain the word "Corporation," "Company," Incorporated," "Limited" or an abbreviation thereof. The name may be in any language but must be expressed in English letters or characters or Arabic or Roman numerals.


Pennsylvania Corporation Requirements

Director Information

  • Minimum Number: One or more.
  • Residence Requirements: No provision.
  • Age Requirements: Directors must be a natural person at least 18 years of age.
  • Directors are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.

    Officer Information

  • Officers are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.

    Stock Information

  • An increase in shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.

    Corporate Records

  • The stock transfer ledger must be kept at the principal office of the corporation.


    Taxes and Fees

    Annual Statements

    The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.

    Taxes

    For more information on taxes, visit www.revenue.state.pa.us.

    S Corporation

    S Corporation status is recognized by the State of Pennsylvania. A separate state election from the federal election is required.


    License Requirements

    Pennsylvania requires that you obtain a license and pay a fee if operating certain types of businesses in the state. The following is a partial list:
  • Accountants
  • Bakeries
  • Charitable organizations (fund solicitation)
  • Damage appraisers
  • Dealers and salespersons
  • Eating and drinking places
  • Employment agencies
  • Fishing insurance agents and brokers
  • Motor vehicle manufacturers
  • Real estate
    Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

  • Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Pennsylvania

    Pennsylvania LLC Name Endings
    Pennsylvania LLC Requirements
    Pennsylvania LLC Taxes and Fees
    Pennsylvania Business License Requirements


    LLC Name Endings

    The LLC name must end with "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company" "Ltd.," "Co.," "LLC," or "L.L.C."


    Pennsylvania LLC Requirements

    Member/Manager Information

  • Minimum Number: one or more
  • Residence Requirements: no provision
  • Age Requirements: must be a natural person at least 18 years of age
  • Members/Managers are not required to be listed in the articles of organization


    Pennsylvania Taxes and Fees

    Annual Statements

    The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.

    Taxes

    For more information on taxes, visit www.revenue.state.pa.us.


    License Requirements

    Pennsylvania requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

  • Registered Agents in Pennsylvania

    Pennsylvania corporations and LLCs are required to have a registered agent located in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania registered agent is responsible for receiving important legal and tax documents including service of process (litigation) documents, franchise tax forms, and annual report forms.

    A Pennsylvania registered agent is an individual or company located at a street address in Pennsylvania. Post office boxes are not acceptable addresses for a registered agent in Pennsylvania.

    If a company, such as BizFilings, is acting as your registered agent they must be registered as a corporation in Pennsylvania. There are a number of advantages to using a registered agent service provider in Pennsylvania, but the advantages differ between large and small companies.

    Large companies in Pennsylvania benefit by having service of process and state documents send to their registered agent's office in Pennsylvania. The registered agent follows delivery instructions to ensure that important documents reach the correct individual. Smaller companies in Pennsylvania benefit by providing a consistent Pennsylvania address.

    Another advantage to using another company as your Pennsylvania registered agent is that the information of your Pennsylvania registered agent is public record.

    Learn how to select BizFilings as your registered agent in Pennsylvania.

    Questions? Please contact our customer service team Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM central time at 800-981-7183 or 608-827-5300. You may also email your questions to info@bizfilings.com, or take advantage of our Live Chat option. Live Chat hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM central time.

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    Did You Know?

    Did You Know?

    LLCs face fewer state-imposed annual requirements and ongoing formalities than do corporations.


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