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How to form an LLC in Alabama

File a Certificate of Formation with the Alabama Secretary of State, Business Services. State filing fee $200.

Start my Alabama LLC → Search names on the state site ↗

Due to form

$200

State filing fee

How to file

Online or by mail

Not published on SOS LLC page; online filings typically faster than mail. No expedite service listed.

Keeping it active

Business Privilege Tax Return and Annual Report (Form PPT; CPT if taxed as corporation)

Same date as the federal income tax return · $0

The steps in Alabama

  1. 1

    Choose a name

    It must be distinguishable from other businesses on file and end with “Limited Liability Company”, “L.L.C.”, “LLC”. Name reservation is required before filing (Ala. Code 10A-1-4.02(f)); attach the reservation certificate. 'Professional'/'Series' may precede the designator, or use PLLC/SLLC. Must comply with 10A-1-5.06. You can reserve a name first for $25 (optional).

  2. 2

    Appoint a registered agent

    One agent; Alabama street address for registered office (no P.O. box); county of address and Alabama mailing address if different.

  3. 3

    File the Certificate of Formation

    File with the Alabama Secretary of State, Business Services. You can file online or by mail. Fee: $200.

  4. 4

    File the Business Privilege Tax Initial Return (Form BPT-IN), Dept. of Revenue

    Within 2.5 months after formation

  5. 5

    Sign an operating agreement

    Not filed with the state, and not required by Alabama law, but banks and partners often ask for one. LLCPros prepares one from your answers.

  6. 6

    Get an EIN and keep up with reports

    Get a free Employer Identification Number from the IRS, open a business bank account, then file the Business Privilege Tax Return and Annual Report (Form PPT; CPT if taxed as corporation) (same date as the federal income tax return).

Fees

Filing fee — Certificate of Formation$200
Optional: name reservation$25
Later: Business Privilege Tax Return and Annual Report (Form PPT; CPT if taxed as corporation)$0

Name reservation $25 by mail, $28 online. SOS remits $100 of the fee to the county of the registered office. Card payments: 3% + $2 convenience fee. Dishonored check $30.

State taxes to know about

Business Privilege Tax on net worth (rate starts .00025); exempt if $100 or less; max $15,000.

Questions about Alabama LLCs

›How much does it cost to form an LLC in Alabama?

The Alabama filing fee for the Certificate of Formation is $200. Optional expedited processing costs more.

›What document forms an LLC in Alabama?

You file a Certificate of Formation with the Alabama Secretary of State, Business Services.

›Does Alabama require a registered agent?

Yes. One agent; Alabama street address for registered office (no P.O. box); county of address and Alabama mailing address if different.

›Does a Alabama LLC file an annual report?

Yes: the Business Privilege Tax Return and Annual Report (Form PPT; CPT if taxed as corporation), same date as the federal income tax return.

Double-check with the state

We could not confirm these on an official Alabama page when we last checked (November 12, 2026). Your filing plan lists them too.

  • Whether Alabama accepts a formation document you prepare yourself — if not, use the state’s own form with your worksheet
  • The newspaper publication rules and deadline
  • The registered agent rules, including whether the agent must sign a consent
  • The link to the state’s business name search
  • The current filing fee and any service charge
Self-help, not legal or tax advice. LLCPros is not a law firm, does not give legal or tax advice, and is not affiliated with any state or federal agency. We prepare documents from your answers and your state’s published rules; you file them and pay the state’s fees directly. Rules and fees change — check the official state links before filing, and talk to a lawyer or accountant about your situation.