Barnes County · county seat Valley City
Forming an LLC in Barnes County, North Dakota
Valley City sits on I-94 between Fargo and Jamestown, with Valley City State University, grain handling and agricultural equipment dealers. Your LLC is filed once with the North Dakota Secretary of State through FirstStop ($135). Local rules: North Dakota has no general statewide business license, and Valley City's own forms cover specific activities (building permits, regulated trades) rather than a general license. Call the city auditor before opening.
State fee
LLC $135 · Corp $100
Annual report
LLC Nov 15 ($50)
Local office
Barnes County Recorder
Filed with
ND Secretary of State
Corp USA is a private filing service, not the North Dakota Secretary of State, and not a law firm. State fees are shown separately at cost. You may file yourself on FirstStop without our fee.
Corp USA is a private filing service, not the North Dakota Secretary of State, and not a law firm. State fees are shown separately at cost. You may file yourself on FirstStop without our fee.
Corp USA is a private filing service, not the North Dakota Secretary of State, and not a law firm. State fees are shown separately at cost. You may file yourself on FirstStop without our fee.
What Barnes County owners need locally
Barnes County Recorder: 230 4th Street NW, Room 201, Valley City, ND 58072 (701-845-8506).
- North Dakota has no general statewide business license, and Valley City's own forms cover specific activities (building permits, regulated trades) rather than a general license. Call the city auditor before opening.
- The county recorder records deeds and liens; it does not file LLCs. Your LLC is a FirstStop filing with the Secretary of State.
- Retail sellers register for a sales tax permit with the Office of State Tax Commissioner before the first sale.
Step-by-step
- Pick a name with LLC or Limited Liability Company and check it on FirstStop.
- File Articles of Organization ($135). We file the same business day.
- Get an EIN (included in Pro and Complete).
- Register for sales tax or withholding with the Office of State Tax Commissioner if needed.
- Handle local permits, then file the $50 annual report every November 15.
Buying the building in your own name
Owners often record the shop deed with the Barnes County Recorder in their personal name, then form the LLC. Decide first, so the deed and the LLC line up and liability stays inside the company.
Solve this in 5 minutes
Corp USA is a private filing service, not the North Dakota Secretary of State, and not a law firm. State fees are shown separately at cost. You may file yourself on FirstStop without our fee.
Worked example: A Valley City seed-cleaning and custom spraying LLC owned by two brothers
Commercial pesticide applicators also need a North Dakota Department of Agriculture applicator certification; that is a separate state license.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Corp USA Pro package | $349 |
| North Dakota LLC Articles of Organization (state fee) | $135 |
| Known day-one total | $484 |
Frequently asked questions
Do I file my LLC at the Barnes County courthouse?
No. LLCs are filed statewide through FirstStop with the North Dakota Secretary of State. The courthouse handles recording of real estate documents.
SourceWhen is my Barnes County LLC's annual report due?
November 15 every year, starting the year after formation. The state fee is $50. We file it for $149 plus the fee.
SourceReady when you are
Corp USA is a private filing service, not the North Dakota Secretary of State, and not a law firm. State fees are shown separately at cost. You may file yourself on FirstStop without our fee.
Corp USA is a private filing service, not the North Dakota Secretary of State, and not a law firm. State fees are shown separately at cost. You may file yourself on FirstStop without our fee.