Business Formation in Alabama
LLC & Corporation formation in Alabama.
Alabama formation requirements, filing fees, registered agent rules, and ongoing compliance — for both LLCs and corporations, on one page.
Formation Overview
LLC Formation in Alabama
Alabama LLCs file a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State and are subject to the state Business Privilege Tax.
Corporation Formation in Alabama
Alabama corporations file a Certificate of Incorporation and must hold organizational meetings adopting bylaws.
Key Filing Requirements
- Filing agency
- Alabama Secretary of State
- LLC formation document
- Certificate of Formation
- Corporation formation document
- Certificate of Incorporation
- LLC state filing fee
- $200 total LLC formation filing
- Corporation state filing fee
- $200
- Annual / periodic report
- Alabama LLCs file a Business Privilege Tax return with the Department of Revenue; entities also file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State.
- Annual report fee
- Business Privilege Tax varies by entity; Annual Report fee is $50
- Registered agent requirement
- Must have a registered agent with a physical address in Alabama. We provide registered agent service statewide.
- Official state source
- Official Agency Website
Ongoing Compliance
Maintain a registered agent and file the annual Business Privilege Tax return and Annual Report to stay active.
LLC Management
Member-managed or manager-managed as stated in the operating agreement.
Corporation Directors & Officers
Requires at least one director and officer; directors elected annually by shareholders.
Foreign Qualification
Foreign LLCs and corporations may register with the Secretary of State to transact business in Alabama.
Learn about foreign qualificationExplore Other States
Alabama Formation
Ready to form your company in Alabama?
Initial formation is $495 plus Alabama state filing fees. Ongoing maintenance through Nationwide begins the following year at $495 plus applicable state fees. Call 1-888-498-5402.