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Form Your Alabama LLC

State filing fee: $183 Processing: 5-10 business days

Launch Your Alabama LLC in the Heart of Dixie

Alabama offers entrepreneurs a business-friendly environment with no annual fees for LLCs and a growing economy. With strong manufacturing sectors, competitive costs, and strategic southeastern location, Alabama provides excellent opportunities for business growth.

No annual fees or reports required
5-10 business day formation
Growing aerospace and automotive industries
Low cost of living and operations

Compare Top 5 LLC Formation Services

ServicePriceProcessing TimeRegistered Agent
ZenBusiness
Best Overall Value
$0
+ state fees
7-10 days
Expedited: 1 day
$199/yr
Bizee
Fastest Formation
$0
+ state fees
3 weeks
Expedited: 1 day
Free Year 1
Then $119/yr
Inc Authority
Free Formation
$0
+ state fees
7-10 days
Expedited: 2 days
Free Year 1
Then $119/yr
LegalZoom
Best for Legal Support
$0
+ state fees
5-14 days
Expedited: 1 day
$249/yr
Rocket Lawyer
Legal Documents
$99.99
+ state fees
5-7 days
Expedited: Not available
$149/yr

Top 3 Recommended Services for Alabama

Best Overall
#1
ZenBusiness logo
$0 + state fees
★★★★⯨ 4.9/5

ZenBusiness

Entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and compliance tools at an affordable price

ZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. With formation starting at $0 plus state fees, you can rest easy with their worry-free compliance service, award-winning customer support, and 100% accuracy guarantee. The Pro and Premium packages add even more value with 1-day processing, an employer ID number, operating agreement, and services to get your business online like domain name registration, AI business website builder, and more.

Pros:

  • Starter package is $0 plus state fees
  • Registered agent and compliance services
  • Free worry-free compliance for 1 year
  • Fast 1-day processing time available
  • 100% accuracy guarantee
  • Award-winning customer support

Cons:

  • Some features require upgraded plans
  • More expensive Registered Agent service
Fastest Formation
#2
Bizee logo
$0 + state fees
★★★★⯨ 4.6/5

Bizee

Budget-conscious startups needing fast formation

Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast LLC formation with their $0 package. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC quickly and affordably. With same-day processing in many states and a year of free registered agent service, Bizee provides exceptional value for basic LLC formation needs.

Pros:

  • $0 basic formation package
  • Same-day processing available
  • Free registered agent for first year
  • Compliance alerts included
  • Dashboard for document management
  • Free business tools and templates

Cons:

  • Operating agreement not included in basic package
  • Limited customer support hours
Best for Branding
#3
Tailor Brands logo
$49 + state fees
★★★★☆ 4.3/5

Tailor Brands

Creative businesses wanting formation plus branding

Tailor Brands combines LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Their unique approach includes AI-powered logo design, website creation, and marketing materials. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to establish their brand identity alongside their legal structure.

Pros:

  • Includes logo design and branding
  • Website builder included
  • Business card designs
  • Mobile app available
  • Operating agreement included
  • EIN service included

Cons:

  • No rush processing available
  • Monthly subscription required
  • Customer service via chat/email only

Alabama LLC Formation Costs

Alabama LLC Cost Breakdown

State Filing Fee
$183
Total First Year Cost $183

Additional Costs to Consider:

  • Formation service fees: $0 - $299 (depending on provider)
  • Registered agent service: $99 - $299/year
  • EIN from IRS: Free (or $99+ if using a service)
Standard Processing Time: 5-10 business days

Frequently Asked Questions

The Alabama LLC formation fee is $183 when filed with the Alabama Secretary of State. One of Alabama's major advantages is that it requires no annual reports or annual fees for LLCs, making it very cost-effective for ongoing operations. This makes the total cost of ownership lower than many other states despite the higher initial filing fee.

Standard processing time for Alabama LLC formation is 5-10 business days when filed online through the Alabama Secretary of State's website. Paper filings typically take 10-15 business days. Alabama does not offer expedited processing services directly through the state, though some formation services may provide priority handling through established relationships.

Yes, Alabama requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent with an Alabama street address. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents and official state correspondence. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have an Alabama address, or hire a professional service for privacy protection and reliability.

Alabama LLCs have minimal ongoing requirements:
  • No annual reports or fees required
  • Maintain a registered agent at all times
  • No franchise tax for LLCs
  • Keep basic company records and operating agreement
  • File federal tax returns as required
Alabama's lack of annual reporting requirements makes it one of the most low-maintenance states for LLC operations.

Alabama attracts businesses with its combination of no annual fees, strategic southeastern location, and growing industrial base. The state has been successful in attracting major manufacturing companies, particularly in aerospace and automotive sectors. Alabama offers competitive labor costs, business incentives, and access to major southeastern markets.

Alabama offers several business advantages:
  • No annual reports or fees for LLCs after formation
  • Growing aerospace industry (Boeing, Airbus)
  • Strong automotive manufacturing presence
  • Competitive labor and operational costs
  • Strategic location with access to Gulf Coast ports
  • Business-friendly regulatory environment
  • Access to skilled workforce through technical colleges

Alabama doesn't legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement, but it's highly recommended. An operating agreement establishes ownership structure, management procedures, and operational guidelines. Without one, Alabama's default LLC statutes will govern your business, which may not reflect your specific intentions. Banks typically require an operating agreement to open business accounts.

Alabama has a diverse economy with several key sectors:
  • Aerospace and defense manufacturing
  • Automotive manufacturing and assembly
  • Steel and metals production
  • Agriculture and forestry
  • Chemical and plastics manufacturing
  • Energy production (coal, natural gas, hydroelectric)
  • Technology and research (Huntsville tech corridor)
  • Tourism and hospitality
The state's growing reputation in aerospace and automotive manufacturing has attracted numerous suppliers and related businesses, creating a robust industrial ecosystem.

Ready to Start Your Alabama LLC?

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Formation starting at $0 + state fees