16-Step Checklist for Starting a Business in South Dakota

1) Write a Business Plan

Jumping into this endeavor without goals, directives, or a sense of direction can lead to a scattered, unproductive business.

A business plan lays the groundwork for your future success. It helps you analyze key elements of your business and forge pathways to achieve your goals. Here are a few things you should consider including in your business plan:

• Executive Summary (a separate document that gives a complete overview of your business’ purpose, plans, goals, competition, opportunities, etc.)
• Company description
• Market Analysis (opportunities, competition, etc.)
• Managerial or organizational structure
• Products and/or services
• Marketing strategies
• Funding goals
• Financial projections

Business plans aren’t just great for internal operations, but they give your business legitimacy in front of potential investors, customers, partners, and more. Need help? Check out this guide from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

2) Decide on a Business Name

You might’ve come up with the perfect name right away. If so, consider yourself lucky.

Sometimes, deciding on a business can be difficult, requiring brainstorming meetings and late-night rap sessions. That’s because your name is your business’ identity and reputation. It should be something that’s unique and memorable but also defines your business purpose.

You’ll need to choose a business structure (see step 3) and each one comes with its own naming restrictions. An acceptable LLC name, for example, must use the words “limited liability company” or an abbreviation thereof. Corporation names must use one of the terms: “corporation,” “incorporated,” “limited,” “company,” or an abbreviation.

The most important naming rule, however, is that you can’t use a name that’s already taken. If someone else has already reserved or registered a particular name, that name is off-limits. Search for your desired name before you run with it to determine if it’s available. If so, go ahead and claim it by filing a name reservation or including it in your formation documents.

3) Decide on a Legal Structure

There are only a few types of business structures, but each one dictates some important parts of how your business will run.

The most popular types are the sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited liability company (LLC), S corporation, and C corporation. Most small businesses go with the LLC because of its unique blend of flexibility and personal asset protection.

However, you shouldn’t make this decision without reading up on all of your options. We’ve done plenty of research on each business type and developed side-by-side comparisons. Check out our LLC vs. Corporation and LLC vs. Sole Proprietorship comparison guides for a closer look.

4) Choose a Registered Agent

The Secretary of State needs a point of contact for your business, someone who will be available at your registered office address during typical business hours – 9am to 5pm.

This person is called a registered agent, and they serve as an intermediary with the state, receiving all of your company’s important legal communications and relaying them on to you. The South Dakota registered agent ensures that no important state documents, deadlines, or payments fall through the cracks, so you’ll want to choose a person or company you trust.

You can choose either an individual or a business entity as your registered agent in South Dakota, but they must:

• Be an individual South Dakota resident or a corporation authorized to do business in the state.
• Have a physical address in South Dakota.
• Have a mailing address in South Dakota (no P.O. boxes allowed).

Wise choices for individual registered agents include attorneys, managers, or other professionals that understand the ins and outs of business maintenance. But as you can see, South Dakota’s agent requirements are broad, so friends, family, and other acquaintances are also valid options.

Or, you can choose a registered agent service instead. These companies take care of all your registered agent responsibilities, and some will even handle your business formation and annual reporting as well.

Important: You must continuously maintain a registered agent on file with the Secretary of State. If your agent resigns or you appoint a new one, you’ll need to notify them by filing the appropriate documents.

5) Register Your Business

This is the big one, the step that officially creates your business. No matter which business type you choose, you’ll need to register it with the Secretary of State.

LLCs: You can’t form a South Dakota limited liability company without filing an Articles of Organization. This is the document that forms your LLC by putting its info on the state’s record. You can file online or using a paper copy. Electronic submissions cost $150 and are processed immediately, while mailed or hand-delivered ones cost $165 and will be processed in 3-5 business days.

Corporations: Filing methods and fees are the same for corporations, but instead of the Articles of Organization, you’ll be filing the corporation-specific Articles of Incorporation.

Sole Proprietorship/General Partnership: There are no official forms or fees to register as a sole proprietor or general partnership. Simply start doing business and that’s it! While this is obviously faster and easier, we recommend incorporating your business because of the personal asset protection LLCs and corporations provide.

Foreign Entities: When you establish your business in another state, then expand to South Dakota, you aren’t required to follow the same procedures, but you still need to foreign qualify your business by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority. Foreign qualifying in South Dakota is significantly more expensive than forming a domestic business – $750 to file online and $765 on paper. There are separate forms and online filing options for LLCs and corporations, so make sure you access the correct one from the Secretary of State’s Business Forms page.

6) Get an EIN

The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your ticket to doing state and federal taxes. It’s a nine-digit number, much like a Social Security Number, that identifies your business on tax documents.

If you’re forming an LLC, it will be considered a “pass-through” entity, so the business itself won’t pay federal income taxes. Instead, you and the other members will report income and losses on your personal tax returns.

But this doesn’t mean you can go without an EIN. If your LLC pays any type of business taxes – like Sales, Use, or Unemployment Taxes – or hires employees, you’ll need to get one.

Unsure if you need one? The IRS provides a useful “Do I need an EIN?” link on this page, where you can also apply for an EIN. If you go through the online application process, you’ll receive your number immediately.

Otherwise, you can submit a Form SS-4 by fax to (855) 641-6935 or by mail to :

Internal Revenue Service Operation

Attn: EIN Operation

Cincinnati, OH 45999

7) Open a Business Bank Account

LLC and corporation owners are required to keep their personal and business finances completely separate, or they risk losing their personal asset protection. To do so, you’ll need a business bank account.

The good news is that opening a business bank account is pretty simple. Just pay a visit to your bank’s local branch and sit down with one of the bankers there. You will need to present your formation documents, an EIN number, and some personal information. Then, you can direct all of your business income and expenses to that account instead of a personal one.

It doesn’t really matter which bank you choose, whether it’s a national giant like Chase or Bank of America or a small, local bank. However, it’s usually easiest to go with the one where you have existing accounts.

8) Handle Any Tax Obligations

Ah, taxes. They’re always part of the picture, especially when you run a business.

Familiarizing yourself with your business’ tax requirements will help you establish a solid financial plan going forward. LLCs don’t need to file a corporate tax return and pay federal income taxes, so you’ll handle these taxes as part of your personal return.

The good news is that South Dakota doesn’t have corporate or personal income taxes, so you won’t be subject to those, although corporations will still owe federal corporate taxes and sole proprietorships/general partnerships will still need to pay self-employment taxes.

South Dakota doesn’t maintain any franchise or privilege taxes, but there are a few other taxes your business may owe, depending on its activities:

Sales and Use Taxes: Selling goods in South Dakota makes your business subject to Sales and Use Taxes, which requires a Sales Tax License. The statewide sales tax rate is 4.5%, although this could be higher depending on your county or city’s local sales tax.

Reemployment Assistance Tax: Because South Dakota doesn’t have income taxes, your business won’t need to pay withholding taxes. However, if you hire employees, your business will be subject to a Reemployment Assistance Tax through the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Miscellaneous Taxes: Your business may owe one or more less-common taxes if it participates in certain activities, like a Tourism Tax or an Alcohol Tax. You can find information on these miscellaneous taxes on the Department of Revenue website.

9) Find an Accountant

Sometimes it’s easier to hand off your financial responsibilities to a professional. Not only will an accountant ensures that your taxes are filed and paid correctly, but they might also find a few ways to save your business money.

Bookkeeping and tax procedures are time-consuming and require some specialized knowledge. Balance sheets, financial reports, cash flow, audits, and much more – an accountant can ensure that your company operates smoothly and streamlines its expenses.

This can be expensive depending on the complexity of your finances, but the benefits an accountant offers can be well worth it.

10) Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement constructs a framework of procedures and standards for your business. This is where you can lay out processes for member conduct, asset allocation, compensation policies, voting procedures, dissolution, and much more.

While operating agreements aren’t technically required in South Dakota, they are essential to your business’ stability and success. They provide a safety net in legal disputes and legitimacy in front of banks, courts, government agencies, and other businesses.

You can either draft one yourself using an online template, or you can hire an attorney or an incorporation service to take care of it for you.

Once you’ve drafted your agreement, it must be approved by each of your LLC’s members, then filed with the rest of your business documents. You do not need to submit it to the Secretary of State.

11) Acquire the Necessary Licenses

After filing your formation documents, your business is legitimate, but it might still need specific licenses before opening its doors in South Dakota. This depends entirely on your business type and purpose, but there are three main state licenses you should know:

Tax Licenses: If your business pays certain business taxes, it will need to register for the necessary license(s). You can find a list of the licensed tax types and apply for those licenses here.

Professional Licenses: Some occupations must obtain licensure through certain state boards before conducting business in South Dakota.

Other Departmental Licenses: Depending on your business activities and purpose, you may need to apply for licenses and/or permits from a number of other state departments, including:

• South Dakota Animal Industry Board
• Department of Agriculture
• Department of Environment and Natural Resources
• Department of Game, Fish, and Parks
• Department of Health
• Department of Labor & Regulation
• Department of Public Safety
• Department of Revenue
• Department of Social Services
• Department of Transportation

You can find a comprehensive list of departmental licenses in the state’s “Licensing and Registering Your Business” document.

Local Licenses: Your specific city, county, or municipality might have its own licensing requirements. Take a look at your local government’s website to find out.

12) Consider Business Insurance

Even though it’s not pleasant to consider, there’s always a chance that unforeseen events might take a toll on your assets.

While forming an LLC or corporation offers some personal asset protection, additional business insurance can also protect your business assets in cases of lawsuits, damages, etc. You can acquire insurance for your business products, vehicles, specific occupations and much more.

If you hire employees, you’ll also need to get workers’ compensation insurance. SBA.gov has a useful guide for determining which forms of insurance your new business might need.

13) Build a Website

Your company’s digital presence is just as important as its physical one. Like it or not, most potential customers will find your business online, and if you don’t exist online, you’re missing out.

But don’t worry, you don’t need to be an HTML or web design expert to build a website. Sites like WordPress and Squarespace make it easy to construct an elegant and responsive website, no coding necessary. But if you’re not comfortable or confident doing it on your own, you can always hire a professional web designer to take care of it for you.

14) Launch Social Media Accounts

Making your mark on the digital landscape doesn’t start and end with your website. Most successful businesses also have a robust social media presence on multiple platforms. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are all great ways to connect organically with potential customers and develop your brand voice.

Just don’t forget to publish consistent social media content, or you’ll have trouble building a base of followers.

15) Understand Ongoing South Dakota Requirements

After you’ve launched your business, things will likely be moving at 100 miles per hour as you evolve and grow. But in all of the excitement, you can’t forget your state’s ongoing compliance requirements. Every state has its own annual or biennial business requirements.

Every South Dakota business must file an Annual Report to keep the Secretary of State up to date on its information. This report costs $50 to file online and $65 to file using a hard copy, and must be filed by the last day of your business’ anniversary month (the month you initially formed it).

16) Check Out South Dakota Small Business Resources

You’re not on this journey alone. There are plenty of free resources available to make starting and growing your business a smoother, easier process.

SBA.gov is a gold mine of small business resources, with everything from loan opportunities to networking events to business development centers. If you’re looking for support, there’s no better place to start than South Dakota’s SBA district office website, which includes a helpful resource publication. Equipped with the knowledge in this guide and these additional resources, you have everything you need to build a thriving new business.