10 Best Alabama LLC Services of 2025
Launch Your LLC in AL in Less Than 10 Minutes
Not sure how to start an LLC in Alabama? Compare the top LLC filing services and avoid paying high lawyer fees. Protect your personal assets from liabilities & keep your business compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an LLC?
Should I register my LLC in Alabama?
What are the Alabama LLC filing requirements?
What are the LLC tax implications?
LLC benefits
An LLC offers business owners the simplicity of a general partnership in terms of formalities and taxes, but with the personal asset protection and shield against company debts and liabilities of a corporation. Otherwise, you could be held personally responsible for the mistakes your business might make.
Another huge benefit of forming an LLC is its flexibility. You get to choose whether you want to be managed as a partnership (member-managed LLC) or as a corporation (manager-managed LLC) with all its formalities, such as having a board of directors and annual meetings. You can also turn your LLC into a corporation down the road if the business takes that direction.
You also get to elect how your LLC will be taxed by the IRS; as a sole proprietorship (single-member LLC), as a partnership (multi-member LLC) or as a corporation. You also have the option to file your LLC as an S corporation which might have tax advantages as it allows business owners to split their income between their distribution as a partner and their status as an employee.
How to start an LLC in Alabama in 3 simple steps
Starting your LLC in Alabama is super easy and fast when using a trusted professional formation service. Once you’ve selected a filing service, complete the following 3 steps:
- Fill in your company name and address
- Designate a registered agent
- Pay for the filing service + state fees (and possible add-ons such as Operating Agreement, rush filing speed, etc…)
Domestic LLC vs. Foreign LLC
A domestic LLC means you file your LLC in the state where you live and do most of your business. This is the most common and cost-effective scenario. A foreign LLC is needed if you form your LLC in one state but run a business or have a physical location in another state. For example, if you file your LLC in one state but open a store in a different state, you’ll need to file a foreign LLC in that second state to do business legally.
Foreign LLCs usually cost more and might require you to appoint a registered agent in more then one state. If you file your LLC in a state that isn’t your home state, you will still need to file a foreign LLC in your home state to run your business there.
Cost of LLC in Alabama application online
How much is an LLC in Alabama (AL)? As we already mentioned, in most cases, it will be a lot cheaper and easier to form your LLC in your home state. The state of Alabama LLC filing fee is $236. If your home state is Alabama and you are looking to start an LLC, there are many advantages to starting your LLC in Alabama.
Additional LLC & business services
Do I need to appoint a registered agent in Alabama?
Yes, in most states, appointing a registered agent is mandatory. We highly recommend using a professional registered agent service. All brands listed on our charts offer professional registered agent services.
BOIR for business
Starting in 2024, new and existing U.S. businesses must submit the ‘Beneficial Ownership Information Report’ (BOIR) to FinCEN. This report includes personal information about key individuals in the company including the entity, its beneficial owners, and in some cases its company applicants. The top LLC filing services listed on our chart can help you with the BOIR requirement.
Business license
Many businesses might require licenses or permits. The license and permits requirements will depend on the type of business as well as the state in which you incorporate your business. Professional business formation services can help you obtain a business license in Alabama and all 50 states and assist with submitting your BOIR.
How long does it take to file an LLC in Alabama?
Rush LLC filing in Alabama is available in the Pro and Premium packages with most of our top business formation services or as an upgrade to the free LLC package. ZenBusiness offers a comprehensive service that includes everything you need to launch your business. Their Pro and Premium packages cover their “Process in 1 business day” service.