Utah · Corporation
How to Start a Corporation in Utah
Utah is inexpensive to form, but its board rule is stricter than most states.
See the stepsShort answer
To start a corporation in Utah, file Articles of Incorporation with the Division of Corporations for $59. At checkout that is $59 for Utah plus $123.75 for our formation, $182.75 before card processing. Expedited processing is $75 more. After that, the Division charges an $18 annual renewal for a domestic corporation.
Last checked .How do I incorporate in Utah, step by step?
Utah's default board is at least three individuals. Before shares are issued the board can be one or more, and while there are fewer than three voting shareholders it can match the number of shareholders. For a solo founder that works out to a board of one, but make sure your bylaws and shareholder records line up.
Choose and check the name
A Utah name must be distinguishable from other business names on the state's records. Search the Division of Corporations business entity search before you file, and reserve a name if you need time. The Division's name page lists the required designators. See the Utah name search guide.
Name a registered agent
Every corporation needs one in the state (the rule). Ours is $74.25 a year.
File articles of incorporation
File the Articles of Incorporation (business corporation) with Utah. The fee at our checkout is $59. Details are below.
Adopt bylaws
Bylaws are the board's rules: how directors are elected, how meetings run and how officers are chosen. Every corporation we form includes them.
Name directors, officers and issue shares
Utah requires a board of at least three individuals, except that before shares are issued the board may be one or more, and with fewer than three shareholders it can match the shareholder count. 3 Hold an organizational meeting, record it in minutes, and issue stock to the owners.
Get an EIN
The EIN is the corporation's federal tax ID. The IRS issues it free at irs.gov.
Register for state taxes
Register with Utah State Tax Commission (Taxpayer Access Point): withholding tax account; sales tax license if you sell taxable goods. 6
File the annual report
Put the first deadline on your calendar before you file anything else. See the Utah annual report page and the filings below.
How much does it cost to incorporate in Utah?
| Item | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|
| State fees (what our checkout charges) | $59 | At filing |
| Our formation, bylaws included | $123.75 | At filing |
| Total for the filing | $182.75 | Before card processing |
| With our registered agent for a year (Formation + Registered Agent) | $237.20 | At filing |
| With the Day-One Bundle | $281 | At filing |
| Annual Renewal (each year) | $18 4 | one year from the date of registration, then annually |
| Registered agent after the first year | $74.25 a year | Optional |
Card processing is added at checkout and shown before you pay. Utah's fees are the same whoever files.
Utah at a glance
| Question | Utah |
|---|---|
| Formation filing and state fee | Articles of Incorporation (business corporation), $59 1 |
| Expedited filing | expedited processing $75 2 |
| Directors and officers | At least 3 directors; officers: as designated in the bylaws or by the board; each officer a natural person 3 |
| Annual report | Annual Renewal, $18, due one year from the date of registration, then annually 4 |
| Corporate income tax | 4.45% flat, minimum $100 5 |
Do I need a registered agent in Utah?
You can be your own agent if you have a street address in the state and are there in business hours, but the address goes on the public record. Ours, through our partner Registered Agents Inc, is $74.25 a year, or $178.20 with the formation. Utah registered agent rules.
What goes in the Utah articles of incorporation?
File Articles of Incorporation for a business corporation with the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code through its online system. Expedited processing is $75 per filing. The articles cover the name, authorized shares, registered agent and incorporators.
Which annual reports and franchise taxes will a Utah corporation owe?
Your first $18 renewal is due one year from registration, then annually. If you will have employees, get a withholding tax number from the State Tax Commission through Taxpayer Access Point. Keep your bylaws and stock records current.
How do I start an S corp in Utah?
A corporation is a C corporation unless it elects otherwise. An S corp is a tax election, not another kind of entity. The order is plain: form the corporation, get the EIN, then file IRS Form 2553 within 2 months and 15 days after start of the tax year the election takes effect (or any time in the prior tax year) 8. Utah follows a valid federal S election as long as it stays in effect; the S corporation files form TC-20S. 7
We file Form 2553 for $165. Run your own numbers in the calculator or read Utah: S corp or C corp.
Should I form a corporation or an LLC in Utah?
Shares, a board and officers. The usual choice when you plan to raise money from investors or issue stock options.
Fewer formalities and flexible ownership. Often the simpler choice for one owner or a small team.
Compare the two: How to start an LLC in Utah.
Raising venture money? Investors usually ask for a Delaware C corporation, which you then register in Utah as a foreign corporation. See how to start a corporation in Delaware.
What do I do after filing in Utah?
- Adopt the bylaws and hold the first board meeting; write minutes.
- Issue stock to the owners and keep a stock ledger.
- Get the EIN, open a business bank account and keep money separate.
Form your Utah corporation
We file it for $123.75 plus the state fee ($59), with bylaws included. Add the registered agent for $178.20 in all, or take the Day-One Bundle at $222.
Common questions
How much does it cost to incorporate in Utah?
The Division of Corporations charges $59 for business corporation articles of incorporation. Expedited processing costs $75 more per filing.
What is the Utah corporation annual renewal fee?
$18 for a domestic corporation, due one year from registration and annually after that.
How many directors does a Utah corporation need?
Three as a general rule. Before shares are issued the board can be one or more, and with fewer than three voting shareholders it can match their number.
Can I get Utah articles of incorporation faster?
Yes. Expedited processing is $75 per filing, on top of the $59 fee.
How do I register a Utah corporation for payroll taxes?
Apply online through the State Tax Commission's Taxpayer Access Point to get a withholding tax number.
Sources 8 links, checked Nov 7, 2026
- Utah charges $59 for business corporation articles of incorporation. commerce.utah.gov, checked Nov 7, 2026
- Utah's expedited processing fee is $75 per filing. commerce.utah.gov, checked Nov 7, 2026
- Utah requires a board of at least three individuals, except that before shares are issued the board may be one or more, and with fewer than three shareholders it can match the shareholder count. le.utah.gov, checked Nov 7, 2026
- Utah's domestic corporation annual renewal fee is $18. commerce.utah.gov, checked Nov 7, 2026
- A Utah C corporation pays 4.45% of Utah taxable income for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, with a $100 minimum tax; S.B. 60 lowered the rate from 4.5% and takes effect May 6, 2026. le.utah.gov, checked Nov 6, 2026
- Get a Utah withholding tax number online through the State Tax Commission's Taxpayer Access Point. tax.utah.gov, checked Nov 7, 2026
- Utah follows a valid federal S election as long as it stays in effect; the S corporation files form TC-20S. tax.utah.gov, checked Nov 6, 2026
- IRS: Form 2553 instructions irs.gov, checked Nov 6, 2026
Last verified Nov 7, 2026.
This page explains the rules; it is not legal or tax advice.