How long does it take to register a business in Pennsylvania?

Processing times vary: 7-10 business days. Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in Pennsylvania?

Yes, most cities in Pennsylvania require a general business license. Requirements vary by location and industry. Contact your local city or county clerk's office for specific requirements.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in Pennsylvania?

The LLC filing fee is $125. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $300.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within Pennsylvania. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

Pennsylvania Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your Pennsylvania LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to Pennsylvania businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for Pennsylvania

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in Pennsylvania?

$125

Filing Fee

7-10

Processing (days)

1.3M

Total Businesses

140K/yr

New Businesses

Strategic East Coast location between NYC and DC

Strong healthcare and pharmaceutical industry

Lower cost of living than neighboring states

Sixth largest state economy in the US

Starting a Business in Pennsylvania

Top Cities for Business

Philadelphia1,567,000
Pittsburgh303,000
Allentown126,000
Erie95,000
Reading96,000

Popular Industries

Healthcare
Manufacturing
Technology
Energy
Agriculture

Cost to Start a Business in Pennsylvania

LLC Filing Fee$125

Name Reservation (optional)$70 for 120 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$300

Processing time: 7-10 business days

Pennsylvania Tax Overview

Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% personal income tax and 8.99% corporate net income tax. Sales tax is 6% state plus up to 2% local.

Pennsylvania Business Name Requirements

Must contain "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company"
Cannot be confusingly similar to existing entities

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Trust, Insurance, University

Business Name Ideas for Pennsylvania

Explore 30 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

Keystone Kitchen
PA Fresh Cuisine
Philadelphia Table
City of Brotherly Food
Steel City Eats
Pittsburgh Dining

barbershop

PA Barber Co.
Classic Cuts
Philly Cuts
Premium Grooming
Keystone Barbers
Expert Style

construction

PA Build Group
Quality Construction
Keystone Contractors
Building PA
Steel City Builders
Trusted Partners

consulting

PA Strategy
Business Growth
Keystone Advisors
Strategic Solutions
Philly Consulting
Expert Guidance

retail

PA Mercantile
Local Goods
Keystone Market
Quality Products
Philly Supply
Premium Retail

Home Services

PA Home Care
Complete Solutions
Keystone Services
Professional Care
Philly Home Pros
Expert Maintenance

technology

PA Tech Labs
Innovation
Keystone Digital
Tech Solutions
Philly Software
Custom Development

healthcare

PA Wellness
Quality Healthcare
Keystone Medical
Patient Care
Philly Health
Trusted Providers

Real Estate

PA Properties
Dream Homes
Keystone Realty
Expert Service
Philly Living
Premium Properties

fitness

PA Fitness
Peak Performance
Keystone Strong
Community Fitness
Philly Athletics
Elite Training

Official Pennsylvania Business Resources

PA Department of State

Business registration and corporate filings

PA Department of Revenue

Tax registration and compliance information

PA SBDC

Free business consulting and resources

How to Register a Business in Pennsylvania

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your Pennsylvania LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

File Decennial Report every 10 years ($70)
Maintain registered agent in Pennsylvania
Pay federal and state taxes as required
Local business privilege taxes may apply

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for Pennsylvania Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your Pennsylvania Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.