South Dakota
Articles of Organization

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hamza
• March 20, 2025
2025 LLC Guides:

CONTENTS

​Before legally establishing your South Dakota LLC, you must file the necessary documents with the state. This involves completing the articles of organization and submitting them to the South Dakota Secretary of State.​

For detailed information on the South Dakota articles of organization, continue reading. We’ll guide you on obtaining the form, filing procedures, and more.

Where to Obtain the South Dakota Articles of Organization

The South Dakota articles of organization form is accessible on the South Dakota Secretary of State’s website. You can download and print it for manual completion. Alternatively, the form can be filed online.​

How to Start an LLC in North Carolina: Step-by-Step Guide

To file by mail, send the completed form to:

Secretary of State Office

500 E Capitol Ave

Pierre, SD 57501

For online filing, utilize the South Dakota Secretary of State’s online portal.

Filing Fee for South Dakota Articles of Organization

The filing fee for the South Dakota articles of organization is $150 when filed online. If you choose to file by mail, the fee is $165, which includes an additional $15 paper filing fee.

Expedited services are available for an extra $50, ensuring processing sooner than the normal course of business upon request. ​

Accepted payment methods include:​

Completing the South Dakota Articles of Organization

Whether filing by mail or online, you’ll need to provide the following information:​

After completing the form, it must be signed by the organizer. If filing by mail, include a cover letter with your name, address, and contact information.

Does this sound like too much work for you? Then use our free business registration service. Just pay is the state fees, and you’ll get a free year’s worth of registered agent service.

Processing Time for South Dakota Articles of Organization

The processing time varies based on the filing method:​
For expedited processing, you can pay an additional $50 fee to have your documents processed sooner than the normal course of business upon request.
Read our guide to see how you can request a South Dakota EIN.

South Dakota Articles of Organization FAQs

Want to learn more about South Dakota articles of organization? Then read our FAQs.

Can I reserve a name for my LLC before filing the articles of organization?

Yes, you can reserve a business name with the South Dakota Secretary of State before filing your articles of organization. The name reservation lasts for 120 days and requires a $25 fee.

Yes, all LLCs in South Dakota must file an annual report with the Secretary of State. The report is due by the first day of the LLC’s anniversary month each year and costs $50 if filed online or $65 by mail.

If you fail to file the annual report, your LLC will be administratively dissolved by the South Dakota Secretary of State. You can reinstate your LLC within one year by filing the necessary paperwork and paying a reinstatement fee.

Yes, you can convert your LLC into a corporation or another entity type by filing a conversion document with the South Dakota Secretary of State. The process may also involve tax and regulatory implications, so consulting a legal professional is advisable.

To dissolve your LLC, you must file articles of termination with the South Dakota Secretary of State and ensure all state taxes and obligations are settled. There is a $10 filing fee for dissolution.

Step-by-Step Guide to
Forming a South Dakota LLC

1. South Dakota Name Search

Learn how to check the availability of your desired LLC name and ensure compliance with South Dakota naming rules.

2. South Dakota Registered Agent

Understand the role of a registered agent and how to choose one for your South Dakota.

3. South Dakota Articles of Organizati on

Find out how to file the Certificate of Formation, the official document that establishes your LLC.

4. South Dakota Operating Agreement

Discover why an Operating Agreement is crucial for defining the structure and management of your LLC.

5. South Dakota EIN Number

Learn how to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax and banking purposes.

6. South Dakota Business License

Get information on the required business licenses and permits for operating legally in South Dakota.

7. South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing

Find out how to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing to prove your LLC is compliant and active.