LLC Formation Compared › Alabama
LLC formation services compared in Alabama (2026)
The Alabama filing fee is $236. With a registered agent, Mainstay Filing (our best overall pick) comes to $435 in year 1; the other four services range from $236 to $485.
- Official sources, checked October 20, 2026
- Prices verified October 2026
Year-1 cost of each service in Alabama
| Service | First-year price (with agent) | Year-1 total |
|---|---|---|
| Bizee | $0 Basic package, agent free the first year | $236 |
| Northwest Registered Agent | $39 package, agent included the first year | $275 |
| ZenBusiness | $0 Starter package plus $99 agent | $335 |
| Mainstay Filing | Included | $435 |
| LegalZoom | $0 Basic package plus $249 agent | $485 |
Alabama filing details
- State filing fee
- $236
Online total: $208 for the Certificate of Formation ($200 by mail) plus the required name reservation, $28 online ($25 by mail). - Formation document
- Domestic Limited Liability Company Certificate of Formation
- Filed with
- Alabama Secretary of State
- Yearly state report
- None with the state. Alabama LLCs file no annual report with the Secretary of State. The Department of Revenue's business privilege tax return (Form PPT) is required only when the tax, which is based on net worth, comes to more than $100, and it is due with the federal income tax return.
- Registered agent
- Required. An Alabama resident, or a business entity formed in Alabama or registered to do business there. The agent keeps a business office at the registered office address.
Mainstay Filing
$199 + $236 state fee = $435 in year 1
- LLC formation, prepared and filed
- Registered agent, all year
- EIN application (with an SSN or ITIN)
- Annual report filed every year it is due where the state requires one
- Compliance reminders and stored documents
Price from the Mainstay Filing pricing and FAQ pages, checked October 21, 2026. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before you pay.
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Alabama questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Alabama with a service?
In year 1, from $236 (Bizee) to $485 (LegalZoom), with a registered agent and Alabama’s $236 filing fee included. Mainstay Filing is $435.
What does Alabama charge to file an LLC?
$236, paid to the Alabama Secretary of State for the Domestic Limited Liability Company Certificate of Formation. Every service on this page adds that fee on top of its own price.
Do I need a registered agent for a Alabama LLC?
Yes. An Alabama resident, or a business entity formed in Alabama or registered to do business there. The agent keeps a business office at the registered office address.
Is the cheapest first year the cheapest LLC?
Not always. Bizee is lowest in year 1, but the agent price changes after the first year for Bizee, Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness, while Mainstay Filing stays at $199.
Sources
- Alabama formation fee: Filing fee, official source read 2026-10-01: alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=10A-1-4.31, checked October 1, 2026
- Alabama formation fee: Filing fee, official source read 2026-10-01: www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/form-files/FeeSchedule.pdf, checked October 1, 2026
- Alabama formation fee: Name reservation (required), official source read 2026-10-01: www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/domesticEntityNameReservation.pdf, checked October 1, 2026
- Alabama formation fee: Name reservation (required), official source read 2026-10-01: alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=10A-1-5.14, checked October 1, 2026
- Alabama Department of Revenue, 2024 business privilege tax filing changes: www.revenue.alabama.gov/notice-important-changes-to-the-2024-business-privilege-tax-filing-requirements/, checked October 1, 2026
- Alabama report due date (multira state research spine, due dates verified 714/714): www.sos.alabama.gov/business-entities, checked August 12, 2026
- Alabama registered agent statute (Ala. Code § 10A-1-5.31): alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/CodeOfAlabama/1975/10A-1-5.31.htm, checked October 20, 2026
Provider prices: each company’s own pages, checked October 2026 (see sources and method).