2026 Guide

How to Start an LLC in Alabama

The complete guide to filing fees, Secretary of State forms, and requirements.

The American LLC Research Team

Formation, Compliance and Tax Research

Last reviewed September 2026

Filing Fee

$200

Processing Time

3–7 business days

Compliance

Privilege Tax Return

Alabama filing fee verified September 2026 against the Alabama Secretary of State. Other fees on this page are being re-verified; confirm them on the official fee schedule before you file.

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Step 1: Choose Your Business Type

Select your industry to see a custom guide for Alabama.

Home Improvement & Construction

Handyman→Electrician→Plumbing→HVAC→Roofing→Solar Panel→Construction→Painting→Fencing→Flooring→

Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning→Pressure Washing→Car Detailing→Pool Cleaning→Pest Control→Landscaping→Home Inspection→Junk Removal→

Digital & Technology

Web Design→App Development→Cybersecurity→Digital Marketing→Graphic Design→Freelance Writing→Virtual Assistant→Dropshipping→YouTuber→

Professional & Business

Real Estate→Accounting→Bookkeeping→Consulting→Notary Public→Logistics→Trucking→Travel Agency→Airbnb→

Food, Retail & Events

Food Truck→Catering→Bakery→Coffee Shop→Vending Machine→Clothing Brand→Candle Making→Event Planning→Photography→

Personal Care & Education

Personal Training→Gym→Life Coaching→Daycare→Tutoring→Dog Walking→Interior Design→

1Name Your Alabama LLC

The first listing requirement is ensuring your business name is unique. It must be distinguishable from other entities registered with the Secretary of State. You must also include a designator like "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to comply with state statutes.

2Assign a Registered Agent

Every Alabama LLC must appoint a Registered Agent. This individual or business entity agrees to accept legal documents (Service of Process) on behalf of your company. They must have a physical street address in Alabama (not a P.O. Box) and be available during regular business hours.

3File Articles of Organization

To officially create your entity, you must file the Articles of Organization with the state. The filing fee is $200. This fee is non-refundable. Most entrepreneurs choose to file online for faster approval, which typically takes 3–7 business days.

4Get Your EIN & Bank Account

Once your LLC is approved, apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS. This nine-digit number is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. Keeping your business finances separate from personal accounts is critical for maintaining your liability protection.

Alabama LLC Cost Breakdown

The cost to open an LLC in Alabama includes both the initial filing fee and ongoing compliance fees. Here is the breakdown:

ItemEstimated Cost
State Filing Fee (LLC)$200
Annual Report FeeUsually $0
Report Due DateMar 15 (multi-member) / Apr 15 (single-member)
Notes & Hidden CostsBusiness Privilege Tax — $0 if liability is $100 or less

* Fees are payable to the Secretary of State and are subject to change.

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Common Questions in Alabama

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Alabama?
The state filing fee for a Alabama LLC is $200, paid once to the Secretary of State. If you use a formation service, you pay this state fee plus the service's own charge.
How long does it take to get an LLC in Alabama?
Standard processing in Alabama takes about 3–7 business days, though it varies with filing volume.
Does Alabama require an Annual Report?
Alabama LLCs don't file a separate annual report. Instead they file a Business Privilege Tax return, due March 15 for multi-member LLCs and April 15 for single-member LLCs. Since the 2024 tax year, any privilege tax liability of $100 or less is exempt from both filing and payment, so most new small LLCs owe nothing.
Do I need to file a BOI report with FinCEN for my LLC?
No — not if your LLC was formed in the United States. FinCEN's interim final rule of March 2025, made permanent by a final rule on August 14, 2026, exempts all U.S.-created companies, including LLCs, and their U.S. owners from Beneficial Ownership Information reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act. Only entities formed under foreign law that register to do business in a U.S. state must still report. Be wary of mailers or emails demanding a BOI filing fee.
Can I be my own Registered Agent?
Yes. You can serve as your own registered agent in every state as long as you have a physical street address in that state and are available there during normal business hours to accept legal papers (service of process). The trade-off is privacy: that address goes on the public state record. Many owners hire a registered agent service to keep their home address off public filings.
View all Alabama FAQs & Legal Data →

Sources

Alabama filing fee verified September 2026 against the Alabama Secretary of State. Other fees on this page are being re-verified; confirm them on the official fee schedule before you file.

Cost ranges for startup, insurance, job rates and revenue are estimates, not figures from these sources. Fees change; confirm with the agency before you file.