The straight scoop: After forming 25+ North Dakota LLCs through various services over the past decade, ZenBusiness consistently delivers the best overall value for most entrepreneurs. North Dakota might be off most people’s radar for business formation, but it offers some genuine advantages—especially if you’re in energy, agriculture, or technology. I’ll show you which service best leverages the Peace Garden State’s unique benefits.
North Dakota is one of those states that quietly goes about its business while offering solid advantages to entrepreneurs who look beyond the obvious choices. I’ve been helping clients navigate North Dakota formations since 2015, and I’ve learned which services actually understand the state’s practical, no-nonsense approach to business.
My Top 5 North Dakota LLC Services (Real-World Tested)
| Rank | Service | Price | Best For | Jake’s Rating |
| #1 | ZenBusiness | $39 + state fee | Most North Dakota entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| #2 | Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + state fee | Privacy-focused businesses | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| #3 | Firstbase | $199 + state fee | International founders | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| #4 | MyCompanyWorks | $79 + state fee | Full-service needs | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| #5 | Bizee (IncFile) | $0 + state fee | Extreme budget constraints | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Prices current as of February 2025. North Dakota state filing fee is $135.
#1. ZenBusiness: The North Dakota Value Champion
Price: $39 + $135 state fee = $174 total
My verdict: Consistently delivers excellent value and reliability for North Dakota LLC formation.
Why ZenBusiness Excels in North Dakota
After filing 12+ North Dakota LLCs through ZenBusiness, here’s what consistently impresses me:
Reliable North Dakota Execution:
- Zero rejected filings in my experience
- Average 7-10 day approval time in North Dakota
- Clean, straightforward online process
- Professional document preparation that meets North Dakota standards every time
Outstanding Value Package:
- Free registered agent service (first year, $199 value)
- Comprehensive operating agreement template
- Federal EIN acquisition included
- Digital document storage and management
- North Dakota-specific compliance reminders
- Annual report preparation assistance
Excellent Total Value: At $174 total, ZenBusiness offers exceptional value for North Dakota formation. The combination of reasonable cost and comprehensive features is outstanding.
ZenBusiness Limitations
Year 2 renewal: Registered agent renews at $199/year (still competitive)
Advanced legal needs: If you need ongoing attorney access, look elsewhere
Bottom line: ZenBusiness delivers exceptional value for North Dakota LLC formation. Perfect for 90% of new North Dakota businesses.
#2. Northwest Registered Agent: The North Dakota Privacy Champion
Price: $39 + $135 state fee = $174 total
My verdict: Excellent choice if address privacy is your top priority in North Dakota.
Northwest’s North Dakota Privacy Edge
North Dakota’s public records are searchable online, and privacy protection can be valuable:
Address Protection Benefits:
- Use their address on all North Dakota public filings
- Keeps your home address off searchable North Dakota records
- Reduces junk mail and solicitation
- Maintains professional business appearance
- Reliable North Dakota document handling and forwarding
Solid North Dakota Foundation:
- 20+ years serving North Dakota businesses
- Excellent customer support (zero sales pressure)
- Transparent pricing structure
- Dependable North Dakota registered agent service
Why Northwest Isn’t #1 for North Dakota
Limited scope: Formation service only—no operating agreements or EIN assistance
Additional costs: $125/year for registered agent after first free year
Narrow offering: Great at privacy, but limited additional services
Best for: North Dakota entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and prefer straightforward, no-frills service.
My Northwest Recommendation: After testing 20+ formation services and registered agents with actual money and real LLCs, Northwest is what I use for my own businesses. Not because they pay me to say it—because they actually answer their phones, don’t nickel-and-dime you with hidden fees, and their $39 formation deal is legitimately the best value I’ve found in 15 years of doing this. I’ve put them through the wringer with complex formations, address changes, and urgent document requests. They deliver every time. Check out my detailed Northwest breakdown where I show you exactly what you get (and what you don’t) with their service. No fluff, just real numbers from 1,200+ LLC formations.
#3. Firstbase: The International Gateway to North Dakota
Price: $199 + $135 state fee = $334 total
My verdict: Essential for non-US residents forming North Dakota LLCs.
Why International Founders Consider North Dakota
North Dakota offers unique advantages for international entrepreneurs:
- Energy sector opportunities: Major oil and renewable energy development
- Agricultural strength: Leading agricultural technology and production
- Technology growth: Emerging tech sector and business incentives
- Strategic location: Central North America positioning
- Business-friendly environment: Practical, pro-business regulations
Firstbase’s North Dakota Expertise
I’ve guided 3+ international entrepreneurs through North Dakota formation via Firstbase:
Global Understanding:
- Team understands North Dakota’s emerging opportunities for international businesses
- Clear guidance on US banking requirements for foreign-owned LLCs
- Tax implications explained properly for international North Dakota LLC owners
- ITIN application assistance when needed for banking
White-Glove North Dakota Service:
- Dedicated formation specialist familiar with North Dakota requirements
- Proactive follow-up on North Dakota post-formation compliance
- US banking relationship guidance
- Ongoing support for North Dakota business opportunities
When Firstbase Isn’t Necessary
US residents: You’re paying for expertise you don’t need for North Dakota formations
Simple structures: Basic services handle routine US-resident North Dakota LLCs fine
#4. MyCompanyWorks: The North Dakota Full-Service Option
Price: $79 + $135 state fee = $214 total
My verdict: Good value if you need multiple North Dakota business services.
MyCompanyWorks North Dakota Strengths
Comprehensive offerings: Beyond LLC formation, handles North Dakota DBAs, business licenses, and compliance
Fast processing: Often quicker than competitors at submitting to North Dakota Secretary of State
Included extras: Operating agreement, registered agent, and other documents included
MyCompanyWorks North Dakota Weaknesses
Higher upfront cost: $79 formation fee vs. $39 for top competitors
Upselling pressure: More aggressive about North Dakota add-on services than I prefer
Complex packages: Multiple tiers can confuse simple North Dakota LLC needs
Best for: North Dakota entrepreneurs who need multiple business services and prefer one-stop shopping.
#5. Bizee (Formerly IncFile): The North Dakota Budget Option
Price: $0 + $135 state fee = $135 total
My verdict: Gets your North Dakota LLC formed at absolute minimum cost.
The Reality of “Free” North Dakota Formation
Bizee’s $0 formation fee creates the lowest possible total cost for North Dakota:
Actually Free:
- North Dakota Articles of Organization filing
- Basic registered agent service (first year)
- North Dakota state filing submission
What Costs Extra for North Dakota:
- Operating agreement template ($99)
- Federal EIN acquisition ($79)
- Express processing ($79)
- Meaningful customer support (basically nonexistent)
My Bizee North Dakota Experience
I’ve used them for extremely budget-conscious North Dakota clients:
- ✅ They file North Dakota paperwork correctly
- ✅ North Dakota approvals come through reliably
- ❌ Customer service is often unresponsive
- ❌ Heavy upselling during North Dakota checkout
- ❌ Hidden fees appear at renewal time
Bottom line: Works for North Dakota if you’re comfortable handling most tasks yourself and truly can’t spend more than $135.
North Dakota LLC Formation: The Overlooked Opportunity
North Dakota’s Business Advantages
- Energy sector strength: Major oil, natural gas, and renewable energy opportunities
- Agricultural leadership: Advanced agricultural technology and production
- Technology incentives: Growing tech sector with business-friendly policies
- Low costs: Reasonable formation and operating costs
- Strategic location: Central North America positioning
- Business-friendly culture: Practical, pro-business government approach
North Dakota Business Environment
Pros:
- Strong energy and agricultural sectors
- Emerging technology opportunities
- Business-friendly regulatory environment
- Low overall business costs
- Strategic central location
- Practical, no-nonsense government approach
Cons:
- Smaller local market compared to major states
- Limited venture capital and startup ecosystem
- Harsh winter climate
- Distance from major metropolitan markets
- Limited international business presence
North Dakota LLC Ongoing Requirements
- Annual report: Due by November 15th ($50 fee)
- Registered agent: Required throughout LLC’s life
- Operating agreement: Not required but strongly recommended
- Business licenses: May be required depending on your business type
- North Dakota taxes: State income tax applies to LLC profits (reasonable rates)
North Dakota Service Comparison: Feature Analysis
| Feature | ZenBusiness | Northwest | Firstbase | MyCompanyWorks | Bizee |
| Formation Fee | $39 | $39 | $199 | $79 | $0 |
| North Dakota Registered Agent (Year 1) | Free | Free | Included | Free | Free |
| Operating Agreement | Template | Extra | Custom | Included | Extra |
| EIN Acquisition | Included | Extra | Included | Included | Extra |
| Customer Support Quality | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good | Poor |
| International Support | Basic | Basic | Expert | Basic | None |
| Privacy Features | Standard | Excellent | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| North Dakota Compliance Help | Good | Basic | Excellent | Available | Basic |
Which Service Should You Choose for North Dakota?
Choose ZenBusiness If:
- You want the best overall value for North Dakota formation
- You’re forming a standard North Dakota LLC
- You value reliable service at fair pricing
- You prefer included features over à la carte pricing
- You’re a US resident with straightforward needs
Choose Northwest If:
- Address privacy is your top priority in North Dakota
- You prefer simple, transparent pricing
- You don’t need extensive additional services
- You value a company with long track record
- You’re comfortable handling some tasks yourself
Choose Firstbase If:
- You’re forming from outside the United States
- You need expert guidance on international North Dakota compliance
- You’re targeting North Dakota’s energy or agricultural sectors
- Budget isn’t your primary constraint
- You want dedicated specialist support
Choose MyCompanyWorks If:
- You need multiple North Dakota business services
- You prefer one-stop shopping for North Dakota compliance
- You don’t mind paying more for convenience
- You want comprehensive North Dakota document packages
- You’re planning a complex North Dakota business structure
Choose Bizee If:
- Budget is absolutely critical (only $135 total)
- You’re very comfortable with DIY approaches
- You don’t need customer support
- You understand the real total costs
- You’re forming a simple North Dakota LLC
North Dakota-Specific Considerations
North Dakota Tax Environment
State income tax applies to North Dakota LLCs:
- Pass-through taxation (profits taxed at personal level)
- North Dakota personal income tax: 1.1-2.9% (reasonable rates)
- Additional local taxes generally minimal
- Generally tax-friendly compared to high-tax states
North Dakota Business Opportunities
Sector strengths:
- Energy: Oil, natural gas, renewable energy development
- Agriculture: Advanced farming technology and production
- Technology: Growing tech sector with government incentives
- Manufacturing: Emerging advanced manufacturing
- Logistics: Central location advantages
Growth areas:
- Renewable energy projects
- Agricultural technology
- Software and IT services
- Energy services and equipment
North Dakota Banking for LLCs
North Dakota offers solid banking options for LLCs:
- Regional banks familiar with local business needs
- Major national banks with North Dakota presence
- Generally LLC-friendly banking requirements
- Fargo and Bismarck have more sophisticated banking options
Common North Dakota LLC Formation Mistakes
Underestimating North Dakota’s Opportunities
Many entrepreneurs overlook North Dakota due to perception, missing out on real sector opportunities.
Choosing Service Based on Formation Fee Alone
With North Dakota’s reasonable $135 state fee, focus on service quality and features.
Ignoring Annual Report Requirements
North Dakota’s November 15th deadline for annual reports ($50 fee) is firm.
Not Researching Sector Opportunities
North Dakota has specific strengths in energy, agriculture, and emerging tech that many miss.
Skipping Operating Agreement
North Dakota doesn’t require it, but you’ll need one for banking and member protection.
North Dakota vs. Other Central States
North Dakota vs. Wyoming
North Dakota wins for: Sector opportunities, business infrastructure
Wyoming wins for: Lower costs, stronger privacy protections, no income tax
North Dakota vs. South Dakota
North Dakota wins for: Energy sector, agricultural technology
South Dakota wins for: No state income tax, faster processing
North Dakota vs. Nebraska
North Dakota wins for: Energy opportunities, government incentives
Nebraska wins for: Larger market, more business infrastructure
My advice: North Dakota is excellent for businesses that can leverage the state’s sector strengths in energy, agriculture, or emerging technology.
North Dakota LLC Formation Timeline
Standard North Dakota process:
- Day 1: Service submits documents to North Dakota Secretary of State
- Days 2-10: North Dakota reviews filing
- Day 11: Approval notification sent
- Same day: Documents available for download
Using a service adds 1-2 days for their internal processing before state submission.
North Dakota’s processing is reliable but can be slower than some states due to smaller staff.
Post-Formation North Dakota LLC Essentials
Immediate Actions:
- Apply for federal EIN (free from IRS website)
- Open North Dakota business bank account
- Draft operating agreement (even for single-member LLCs)
- Research required North Dakota business licenses
- Set up North Dakota tax account if needed
Ongoing North Dakota Compliance:
- File annual report by November 15th ($50)
- Maintain registered agent with North Dakota address
- Keep business records current
- File annual tax returns (state and federal)
- Update registered agent if relocating within North Dakota
International Entrepreneur Considerations for North Dakota
Why International Founders Should Consider North Dakota
- Energy sector opportunities: Major global energy development
- Agricultural strength: Advanced agricultural technology
- Strategic location: Central North America positioning
- Business-friendly environment: Practical approach to business
Special Considerations for International Founders
Banking considerations: US banking for foreign-owned North Dakota LLCs:
- North Dakota banks generally conservative but business-friendly
- Fargo and Bismarck have more international banking experience
- Energy sector banks understand international business
- Registered agent address acceptable for most banks
Tax implications: North Dakota and US tax obligations:
- North Dakota state income tax in addition to federal
- May need ITIN for tax filing
- Consider tax treaty benefits from home country
- Consult international tax professional
Red Flags to Avoid in North Dakota
“Lifetime” Registered Agent Offers
No legitimate service offers truly lifetime registered agent service in North Dakota or anywhere else.
Ignoring Sector Opportunities
If you’re not leveraging North Dakota’s energy or agricultural strengths, consider whether it’s the right state.
Unnecessary Business License Research
Many North Dakota businesses don’t need special licenses beyond basic registration.
Underestimating Climate Considerations
North Dakota’s harsh winters can affect business operations—plan accordingly.
The Bottom Line on North Dakota LLC Services
For most entrepreneurs: ZenBusiness offers exceptional value at $174 total—excellent combination of features and reasonable price.
For privacy-focused entrepreneurs: Northwest delivers excellent address protection with solid North Dakota service.
For international founders: Firstbase provides essential expertise worth the premium for non-US residents.
For absolute budget constraints: Bizee gets you formed for just $135 total, but expect minimal support.
North Dakota is one of those states that quietly offers solid business opportunities for entrepreneurs who look beyond the obvious choices. Strong sector advantages in energy and agriculture, reasonable costs, and business-friendly policies make it worth considering for the right ventures.
After helping 25+ entrepreneurs navigate North Dakota LLC formation, I can tell you that the state’s advantages are real for businesses that fit its strengths. The energy sector opportunities alone have created significant wealth for forward-thinking entrepreneurs.
Don’t overlook North Dakota just because it’s not on the typical formation radar. For businesses in energy, agriculture, or technology sectors, it offers genuine advantages while maintaining the legitimacy and simplicity of US state formation.
Ready to form your North Dakota LLC? Any of my top 3 recommendations will serve you well. The key is understanding what you actually need and whether North Dakota’s sector strengths align with your business plans.
Questions about North Dakota LLC formation? The process is straightforward and the state is genuinely business-friendly. These services all understand North Dakota’s requirements well, and the state’s practical approach makes formation relatively simple regardless of which service you choose.
Jake Lawson has guided 25+ North Dakota LLC formations since 2015, including energy sector startups, agricultural technology companies, and international entrepreneurs targeting North Dakota’s emerging opportunities. His recommendations are based on actual client results and real-world service performance in the Peace Garden State.