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Alabama LLC Formation: How to Start an LLC in Alabama (2026)
Here is how to start an LLC in Alabama: you file Articles of Organization with the Alabama Secretary of State. After that, every Alabama LLC must stay compliant with its annual report and business privilege tax filing. We file it all for you, from anywhere in the world — no US visa, no SSN, no trip to the US.
Alabama LLC at a Glance
How to Start an LLC in Alabama: 6 Steps
- Check that your name is free in the Alabama Secretary of State business search. It must end with “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company”. Then reserve it ($28), which Alabama requires before filing.
- Appoint a registered agent in Alabama to receive legal papers for the LLC.
- File the Certificate of Formation with the Alabama Secretary of State. The state fee is included in our package price.
- Get the LLC’s EIN, its federal tax ID, from the IRS. No SSN is needed.
- Sign an operating agreement that sets out who owns and runs the LLC.
- Stay in good standing: an annual Business Privilege Tax return with the Alabama Department of Revenue, due by April 15 for calendar-year LLCs.
Our Alabama LLC Package
One clear price. It covers the state filing fee, your EIN, a registered agent and a US mailing address for one year, plus our service. There are no separate fees to work out.
- LLC formation and state filing (state fee included)
- Articles of Organization
- Alabama LLC certificate / formation documents
- EIN (federal tax ID) — with or without an SSN
- Registered agent for 1 year
- US mailing address for 1 year
- Operating agreement for banks and payment platforms
Optional add-ons: business bank account help (Mercury, Wise, Payoneer), Stripe setup, Amazon and Shopify setup. You choose them at checkout.
Forming Your LLC From Outside the US
You can form a Alabama LLC from any country, without a US visa, an SSN or a trip to the US. Our non-resident LLC guide lists the documents we need, realistic timelines and what to expect from US banks in your country.
How Your Order Works
Order online or send us your LLC name on WhatsApp. We confirm the total, file with the Alabama Secretary of State, apply for your EIN and send your documents by email and WhatsApp as each one is approved.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filing the Certificate of Formation without first reserving the name. Alabama rejects it.
- Using a borrowed or virtual home address on your application. Banks check it against your ID.
- Forgetting Form 5472 if the LLC is owned by a non-US person, even with no income.
Alabama Ongoing Filings: What You Must Know
Every Alabama LLC files an annual report and a business privilege tax return with the Alabama Department of Revenue. Both are due each year after formation. The amounts are set by the state and change periodically — we confirm the current figures with you before filing and remind you ahead of every deadline.
Do You Need a Registered Agent in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama requires every LLC to keep a registered agent with a physical address in the state to accept legal papers and official notices. A PO box is not enough. Our package includes a Alabama registered agent for the first year.
Is Alabama the Right State for Your LLC?
A good fit for businesses based in Alabama. Alabama requires a name reservation ($28) before you can file the Certificate of Formation, so the name step is not optional here. If you live outside the US and have no Alabama connection, compare it with Wyoming and New Mexico before deciding.
Alabama vs Other Popular States
| Alabama | Wyoming | Delaware | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual filing | Annual report + business privilege tax | $60 annual report | $400 annual tax |
| State income tax | Yes | None | Yes, for DE income |
| Best for | Living or doing business in Alabama | Low cost, privacy | Investors, Delaware law |
Compare in detail: Wyoming LLC · Delaware LLC
How LLCPronto Helps With Your Alabama LLC
We check your name, file the Certificate of Formation, act as your Alabama registered agent for a year, get your EIN and remind you before each state deadline. Price: $403, state fee included.
Yearly filing: see our Alabama LLC annual report guide for the deadline, fee and how to file.
Alabama LLC FAQs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Alabama?
After formation, you pay for an annual Business Privilege Tax return with the Alabama Department of Revenue, due by April 15 for calendar-year LLCs. Our package costs $403 and already includes the state fee, your EIN, a registered agent and a US mailing address for one year.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Alabama?
Online filings are usually approved within a few business days, though busy periods can take longer. Your EIN is ready within 24 hours of state approval, and bank account setup takes a few more days.
Can a non-US resident form an Alabama LLC?
Yes. You don’t need to live in the US or have an SSN. You need an Alabama registered agent, and we get your EIN from the IRS using Form SS-4.
Does Alabama require an operating agreement?
Alabama does not require you to file one, but you should have it. Banks and payment platforms often ask for it to confirm who owns the LLC.
Can I get an EIN for my Alabama LLC without an SSN or ITIN?
Yes. Owners without an SSN apply with IRS Form SS-4. The EIN is included in our package.
Compare Other States
Ready to Form Your Alabama LLC?
Send us your LLC name on WhatsApp. We confirm the full cost, file your Articles of Organization and set up your registered agent.