West Virginia LLC Cost (2026): $100 Articles, the $30 Registration Certificate, and a $25 Report
By Frédéric Deltour, Entrepreneur and Business Consultant, 22+ years forming and operating companies.
Published: September 12, 2026 · Last updated: October 10, 2026
West Virginia advertises a $100 LLC filing fee, but new LLCs pay $130 because the state also issues a Business Registration Certificate at the same time. After that, West Virginia is one of the cheapest states to maintain an LLC: $25 a year and no franchise tax. The Secretary of State and the State Tax Department share the process through the One Stop Business Portal.
$100 Plus $30: The Real Formation Cost
A West Virginia LLC is formed by filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. The filing fee is $100. At the same time, the state registers the LLC with the Tax Department and issues a Business Registration Certificate, which carries a one-time $30 fee. Both are paid together when you file online through the One Stop Business Portal, so budget $130.
The Business Registration Certificate must be displayed at your place of business. It does not need to be renewed each year, which is why it only appears in year one of the table below.
West Virginia's business search publishes your registered agent address. $39 formation + $130 state fees, free registered agent for year one, then $125/yr.
$39 formation fee · Free registered agent for 12 months · Your address stays off public records · No data selling · No hidden fees
Form Your LLC with Northwest ($39) →Lowest 3-year cost we found: Northwest $289 vs Bizee $298 vs ZenBusiness $497 (service fees; state fees extra). Northwest also puts its address on your public filings instead of yours where the state allows.The $25 Annual Report
West Virginia LLCs file an annual report between January 1 and June 30 each year, starting the year after formation. An LLC formed in August 2026 files its first report in the first half of 2027. The fee is $25, among the lowest annual charges of any state that requires a yearly filing, and the report is filed online with the Secretary of State.
The $50 Late Fee and Revocation
A report filed after June 30 adds a $50 late fee, tripling the cost to $75. If the LLC keeps failing to file, the Secretary of State can administratively revoke it. Reinstatement means filing the missing reports and paying the fees, so the cheapest approach is simply filing during the six-month window.
Fee Waivers for Veteran-Owned LLCs
West Virginia waives certain Secretary of State fees for eligible veteran-owned businesses, including the LLC formation fee and annual report fees. Eligibility depends on the veteran's ownership share and service record, and you apply with supporting documents. If you qualify, the state portion of the table below can drop sharply, so check the Secretary of State's veteran program before you file.
West Virginia 3-Year Cost
| Scenario | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | $169 ($130 + $39, RA free) | $150 ($25 report + $125 RA) | $150 (same) | $469 |
| ZenBusiness (Starter) | $229 ($130 + $0 + $99 RA) | $224 ($25 + $199 RA) | $224 (same) | $677 |
| DIY, self as registered agent | $130 ($100 Articles + $30 BRC) | $25 (annual report) | $25 (annual report) | $180 |
A DIY West Virginia LLC costs $180 in state fees over three years. The $289 extra with Northwest Registered Agent is registered agent service after year one, which is by far the largest ongoing cost here because the state's own fees are so low.
Form your West Virginia LLC for $39 + $130 state fee.
Northwest Registered Agent: $39 formation, free Year 1 registered agent, compliance reminders, and your home address kept off public records.
Prefer a $0 upfront starter plan? Compare ZenBusiness (registered agent $199/yr).
When a West Virginia LLC may not be worth it yet: with $25 annual reports, the state cost of keeping an LLC is minimal. The better question is whether you need it yet: if you have no contracts, employees, or liability exposure, you can wait, but the low upkeep means there is little reason to delay once you do.
Why I Choose Northwest Registered Agent
After forming 3 LLCs myself and helping clients through the process, I keep coming back to Northwest Registered Agent. Here is why:
- Remarkable Customer Support: Quick, human responses every time.
- Caring & Privacy-Focused: Genuine service with full respect for your privacy.
- Lightning-Fast Formation: Often faster than promised.
- Incredible Value: $39 includes a free business address, mail scanning, and more.
- Clear & Transparent: No hidden fees or surprises.
Ready to form your business? Choose Northwest today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in West Virginia?
$130: the $100 Articles of Organization fee plus a $30 one-time Business Registration Certificate. With Northwest Registered Agent the first-year total is $169, including a free first year of registered agent service.
How much is the West Virginia LLC annual report?
$25, filed between January 1 and June 30 each year, starting the year after formation.
What is the late fee for a West Virginia annual report?
$50, for a total of $75 when filed after June 30.
Does West Virginia waive LLC fees for veterans?
Yes. Eligible veteran-owned businesses can have the formation fee and annual report fees waived.
Related Guides
- West Virginia LLC Formation: Complete Guide
- Best LLC Service in West Virginia
- LLC Formation Cost: What You'll Actually Pay
- Cheapest States to Form an LLC
In his 22 years of entrepreneurship, Frédéric Deltour has founded, grown and managed seven NGO's and international companies across diverse industries, including 3 LLCs formed using Northwest Registered Agent. He is a recognized therapist trainer, a published author, and has been featured in Le Parisien, IMDb, Goodreads, and international encyclopedias.
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