LLC Formation Compared › Iowa
LLC formation services compared in Iowa (2026)
The Iowa filing fee is $50. With a registered agent, Mainstay Filing (our best overall pick) comes to $249 in year 1; the other four services range from $50 to $299.
- Official sources, checked October 20, 2026
- Prices verified October 2026
Year-1 cost of each service in Iowa
| Service | First-year price (with agent) | Year-1 total |
|---|---|---|
| Bizee | $0 Basic package, agent free the first year | $50 |
| Northwest Registered Agent | $39 package, agent included the first year | $89 |
| ZenBusiness | $0 Starter package plus $99 agent | $149 |
| Mainstay Filing | Included | $249 |
| LegalZoom | $0 Basic package plus $249 agent | $299 |
Iowa filing details
- State filing fee
- $50
- Formation document
- Certificate of Organization
- Filed with
- Iowa Secretary of State
- Yearly state report
- Biennial Report, every two years: $30
- Registered agent
- Required. Any individual or business with a place of business in Iowa that has agreed to serve.
Mainstay Filing
$199 + $50 state fee = $249 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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Iowa questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Iowa with a service?
In year 1, from $50 (Bizee) to $299 (LegalZoom), with a registered agent and Iowa’s $50 filing fee included. Mainstay Filing is $249.
What does Iowa charge to file an LLC?
$50, paid to the Iowa Secretary of State for the Certificate of Organization. Every service on this page adds that fee on top of its own price.
Do I need a registered agent for a Iowa LLC?
Yes. Any individual or business with a place of business in Iowa that has agreed to serve.
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
- Iowa Code § 489.201 (multira state research spine): www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/489.201.pdf, checked August 12, 2026
- Iowa formation fee: Filing fee, official source read 2026-10-01: www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/489.122.pdf, checked October 1, 2026
- Iowa Secretary of State, Business Services Division (multira state research spine): help.sos.iowa.gov/how-do-i-file-biennial-report, checked August 12, 2026
- Iowa Secretary of State, Business Services Division (multira state research spine): help.sos.iowa.gov/what-cost-my-filing-fee, checked August 12, 2026
- Iowa report due date (multira state research spine, due dates verified 714/714): www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/489.212.pdf, checked August 12, 2026
- Iowa registered agent statute (Iowa Code § 489.115): www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/489.115.pdf, checked October 20, 2026
Provider prices: each company’s own pages, checked October 2026 (see sources and method).