How to Start

Within the state of Utah, business owners can take advantage of several corporate incentives, provided your LLC meets the specific criteria. In addition to the incentives provided by the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development (mentioned above), Utah also offers a microloan to small businesses requiring access to capital. The Utah Micro Loan Fund was started to provide business training and small business loans of up to $50,000 to entrepreneurs in start-up & existing businesses.

Creating a Utah limited liability company (LLC) is generally the fastest and easiest way for entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Utah. With more simplified rules and regulations, an LLC is an ideal business entity for startups and small to medium-sized businesses, granting you the advantages and protections from which larger Utah corporations benefit.

Learn more about the benefits of the LLC business structure.

In this guide, you’ll find information on naming your LLC, getting a Registered Agent, the fees you’ll need to pay, Utah business taxes, and much more. We also cover your registration needs, filing your Utah LLC, and how you'll correspond with the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations and Commercial Code (DCCC).

Step 1: Complete a Utah LLC Search and Choose a Unique Business Name

To start the process, you’ll need a name for your LLC that’s unique and stands out, but one that’s not used by any other business or formed entity in the state. If you’re having trouble coming up with a name, try using Bizee’s Business Name Generator to brainstorm ideas. You'll also need to follow a few naming rules, which you can read about in detail on the Utah Business Names page.

Once you’ve chosen a name, you’ll need to make sure it’s available in Utah. To find out whether another company in the state is already using your preferred business name, use our tool to do a business name search. You can also carry out a name search on the Utah Department of Commerce, DCCC online business entity search.

Step 2: Provide an Official Business Address for your LLC

Regardless of whether your business is in an office building, a home (if the company is run from a residence), or any other physical location, every Utah LLC must have a designated street address. It can be located outside the state of Utah, but it cannot be a P.O. Box.

Step 3: Assign a Registered Agent

A Registered Agent is someone who receives official legal and tax correspondence and is responsible for filing reports with the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations, and Commercial Code. Every LLC in Utah is required to have a Registered Agent.

This position can be filled by you, another manager in your business, or a dedicated Registered Agent service. If your Utah Registered Agent is a person, they must have a physical street address in Utah and must be present during business hours to receive important documents on behalf of your business.

In Utah, you appoint your Registered Agent when you file your Certificate of Organization and formally create your business.

All of Bizee’s packages include Registered Agent service. It’s free for the first year and just $119 per year after that. You can also log in to our dashboard and easily view any document we've received on your behalf.

Step 4: File Your Certificate of Organization With the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations, and Commercial Code (DCCC)

Once you've gathered all the information for your Utah LLC, you’ll need to file your Certificate of Organization with the Utah Department of Commerce, DCCC.

Your Certificate of Organization can be filed online by using a one-stop system provided by the Utah Department of Commerce, DCCC, or in person, by mailing or faxing a printed form to the DCCC. The Utah LLC filing fee is $54.

What Are the Fees and Requirements to Form a Business in Utah?

Annual Report

Step 5: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service

You’ll need an EIN to identify your business to the IRS. You use this number when filing and paying taxes or when submitting payroll information and payments for your employees. An EIN is also required to open a business bank account. You can obtain one directly from the IRS, or you can have Bizee obtain one for you as part of the Utah LLC formation process.

Step 6: Create an Operating Agreement

A kind of "instruction manual" that explains how you'll run your business, an LLC Operating Agreement details key components of your business - how decisions will be made, how the business is divided among members, and what will happen if a member leaves the company.

Although some states require that a company have this document in place, you're not legally required to have a Utah LLC Operating Agreement. We think it’s still a good idea to have one regardless.

Other Utah LLC Types

Professional LLC

Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs) are different from professional corporations in that they typically have licensing requirements applicable to certain fields, such as law and medicine. In order to form a PLLC, you may need a state license to practice.

Learn more about PLLC vs. LLC and which one is right for your business.

Foreign LLC

If your business is already operating in another state and expanding to Utah — or vice versa — you’ll need to form a Foreign LLC.

Learn more about Utah Foreign LLC registration.

Helpful Resources from the State of Utah

More Information in This Guide

You’ll find plenty more insight and guidance on the other pages of this guide, including: