Vendor setup
Register a business in Alabama
The filing office, forms, steps and next stops for registering a business in Alabama. Every line shows the official page it came from, and the day we read it.
The order to do it in
Choose a business type and get your EIN first. Then file with the state filing office below, and check your city and county before you start work.
Filing office
- Business entities (LLCs, corporations) are formed with the Alabama Secretary of State, Business Entities Division. Alabama Secretary of State, as of
Forming an LLC
- An Alabama LLC is formed by filing a Certificate of Formation, after first obtaining a Certificate of Name Reservation. Alabama Secretary of State, as of
- Certificate of Formation, Secretary of State fee: $200 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Alabama Secretary of State, as of
Forming a corporation
- A domestic for-profit corporation is formed by a Certificate of Formation. Alabama Secretary of State, as of
- Domestic for-profit Certificate of Formation: $200 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Alabama Secretary of State, as of
Annual or biennial report
- Every corporation, limited liability entity and disregarded entity registered in Alabama files an annual Business Privilege Tax return and annual report with the Department of Revenue. It stays due until the entity is dissolved or withdrawn. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, an entity that would owe only the minimum privilege tax is exempt from that tax. Alabama Department of Revenue, as of
- Domestic for-profit corporation annual report, collected by the Department of Revenue for the Secretary of State: $10 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Alabama Secretary of State, as of
State tax registration
- After registering with the Secretary of State, the entity gets a charter number that is needed to register for state tax accounts with the Department of Revenue (My Alabama Taxes). Alabama Department of Revenue, as of
State rules for pool, lifeguard and contractor work
These lines point to the state’s own rules. Whether one applies to your work is for the state to say, so confirm with the agency named in each line.
- In Baldwin County (ADPH), a public-pool operating permit requires proof that the operator completed the required training. Alabama Department of Public Health (Baldwin County), as of
City and county licences
City and county licences vary by place. Check with your city hall or county clerk before you start work.
Sources
- LLCs Alabama Secretary of State. As of .
- Alabama Secretary of State Fee Schedule (revised Aug 23, 2023) Alabama Secretary of State. As of .
- What taxpayers must file an Alabama Business Privilege Tax return? Alabama Department of Revenue. As of .
- Entity Registration FAQs Alabama Department of Revenue. As of .
- Public Swimming Pools, Spas, and Interactive Water Features Alabama Department of Public Health (Baldwin County). As of .
Official pages change. Each line shows the day we last read it.
Last checked