Vendor setup
Register a business in Iowa
The filing office, forms, steps and next stops for registering a business in Iowa. 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
- Iowa entities are formed with the Secretary of State Business Services Division. Many forms can be filed online through Fast Track Filing. Iowa Secretary of State, Business Services, as of
Forming an LLC
- An Iowa LLC is formed by a Certificate of Organization (Iowa Code 489.201). Online filing is available through Fast Track. Iowa Secretary of State, Business Services, as of
- Certificate of Organization filing fee: $50 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Iowa Secretary of State, Business Services, as of
Forming a corporation
- An Iowa profit corporation is formed by Articles of Incorporation (Iowa Code 490.202). Iowa Secretary of State, Business Services, as of
- Articles of Incorporation filing fee: $50 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Iowa Secretary of State, Business Services, as of
Annual or biennial report
- Iowa businesses file a biennial report. LLCs file every odd-numbered year, due by April 1. Profit corporations file in even-numbered years. Iowa Secretary of State, Business Services, as of
- LLC biennial report, filed online: $30 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Iowa Secretary of State, Business Services, as of
- LLC biennial report, filed on paper: $45 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Iowa Secretary of State, Business Services, as of
- Profit corporation biennial report: $60 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Iowa Secretary of State, Business Services, as of
Assumed name (DBA)
- The Secretary of State files a Fictitious Name for entities under several chapters, including LLCs and corporations. Iowa Secretary of State, Business Services, as of
- Fictitious Name filing fee: $5 (as of Oct 6, 2026) Iowa Secretary of State, Business Services, as of
State tax registration
- Businesses register for sales and use tax and other permits with the Iowa Department of Revenue, through GovConnectIowa or paper form 78-005. Iowa 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.
- Under the Iowa Administrative Code rule on pools and spas (481 IAC 485.4(6)), each facility shall employ a certified operator, and one operator may serve at most three facilities. HOAs and condos with 25 or fewer living units are exempt. Iowa Administrative Code (Iowa Legislature), as of
- Iowa requires construction contractors who earn at least the amount below from construction in any calendar year to register with the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). The source does not say whether pool service counts as construction. DIAL, as of
- Construction earnings at which registration applies: $2,000 (as of Oct 6, 2026) DIAL, as of
- Registration application fee: $50 (as of Oct 6, 2026) DIAL, 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
- Business Entity Forms and Fees Iowa Secretary of State, Business Services. As of .
- Business Permit Registration Iowa Department of Revenue. As of .
- Chapter 485, Swimming Pools, Spas, and Spray Pads Iowa Administrative Code (Iowa Legislature). As of .
- Contractor registration Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). As of .
Official pages change. Each line shows the day we last read it.
Last checked