Important Notice: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Jurist-Diction is not a law firm. For legal representation, contact a licensed Pennsylvania attorney or Community Legal Services — 215-981-3700.
A Pennsylvania LLC is governed by the Pennsylvania Uniform Limited Liability Company Act (15 Pa.C.S. §§ 8801–8862), known as the Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act (RULLCA). Pennsylvania is one of only a few states that requires LLCs to publish notice of their formation in local newspapers — a step that catches many new business owners off guard.
Despite the publication requirement, Pennsylvania LLC formation is straightforward. The state filing fee is $125 and the process can be completed online. The publication step costs an additional $75–$300 depending on your county and adds a 90-day window to your formation timeline. Total costs are well within reach for most new businesses.
What You Need to Form a Pennsylvania LLC
How to Form Your Pennsylvania LLC
Choose and Clear Your LLC Name
Your LLC name must include "company," "limited," "LLC," or a similar designation under 15 Pa.C.S. § 202. Check name availability through the Pennsylvania Business Entity Search at dos.pa.gov/BusinessCharities. If the name is available, you can reserve it for 120 days for $70 by filing a Name Reservation Request. Confirm the name is also available as a domain and on social media before committing. Names that suggest a government agency (FBI, State, Treasury) or regulated profession (Law Group, Medical) require additional approvals.
Establish a Registered Office in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires a registered office — a physical street address in Pennsylvania where legal documents can be served during business hours. A P.O. box alone is not sufficient. If your business has a physical PA location, use that address. If you work from home and prefer privacy, a registered agent service (approximately $50–$150/year) provides a registered address and forwards documents to you. The registered office address appears on your Certificate of Organization and is public record.
File the Certificate of Organization
File a Certificate of Organization (DSCB:15-8821) with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. File online at file.dos.pa.gov or by mail to PO Box 8722, Harrisburg PA 17105. The filing fee is $125. The Certificate requires: the LLC name, registered office address, and organizer's name and address. You can file online for faster processing (typically 7–10 business days; expedited processing available for additional fees). You will receive a stamped copy of the Certificate confirming the formation.
Complete the Publication Requirement (90-Day Deadline)
Pennsylvania requires new LLCs to advertise their formation in two newspapers in the county of the LLC's registered office within 90 days of filing the Certificate of Organization. One newspaper must be a general-circulation paper and one must be the county's legal journal. The newspapers will provide you with an Affidavit of Publication. You must then file a Docketing Statement (DSCB:15-134A) with the PA Department of State as proof of compliance. Failure to publish does not void the LLC but creates administrative complications. Philadelphia County: Philadelphia Inquirer (general) + The Legal Intelligencer (legal). Allegheny County: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (general) + Pittsburgh Legal Journal (legal).
Draft the Operating Agreement
The Operating Agreement is not filed with the state but is the most important internal document for your LLC. It establishes: each member's ownership percentage and capital contribution, how profits and losses are allocated (default is by ownership percentage), management structure (member-managed or manager-managed), decision-making and voting procedures, what happens when a member exits, how new members are admitted, and dissolution procedures. Even a single-member LLC should have an Operating Agreement to document the business structure and support limited liability protection.
Obtain EIN and Register for PA Taxes
Apply for an EIN at IRS.gov at no cost — you receive it immediately online. Register your LLC with the PA Department of Revenue if you will collect sales tax, hire employees, or engage in activities subject to PA taxes. Use the PA myPATH online portal (mypath.pa.gov) for business registration and tax setup. Pennsylvania LLCs are subject to a Capital Stock / Foreign Franchise Tax as well as the pass-through income taxes for members. Open a dedicated business bank account immediately after formation — this is critical for maintaining the corporate veil and protecting your personal liability protection.
Related Resources
Pennsylvania Specific
Pennsylvania LLC Formation Kit
Complete LLC formation package for Pennsylvania. Includes the Certificate of Organization (DSCB:15-8821), customizable Operating Agreement, publication compliance guide with county-specific newspaper lists, EIN Application Guide, PA myPATH tax registration walkthrough, and Docketing Statement instructions.
Get the LLC Formation Kit — $349Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Jurist-Diction is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. For questions about your specific business situation, consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney or CPA.