Forming a series LLC in South Dakota in 2026. South Dakota authorises series LLCs under S.D. Codified Laws §47-34A-1101 (South Dakota Uniform LLC Act). This guide covers the statutory framework, formation cost, how series are created, South Dakota-specific tax and banking notes, and where South Dakota series LLCs fit relative to Delaware and Texas — the two largest series jurisdictions.
South Dakota's series LLC framework is codified at S.D. Codified Laws §47-34A-1101 (South Dakota Uniform LLC Act). South Dakota series LLCs combine no state income tax with charging-order protection. Used by some asset-protection portfolios alongside SD dynasty trusts.
A South Dakota series LLC consists of a master LLC plus one or more series. Each series can hold its own assets, take on its own debts, and contract in its own name. Series are typically created internally in the operating agreement; some states require an additional public filing per series. Each series should maintain separate books and records to preserve the inter-series liability shield.
Cost: $150 Articles of Organization + $50 annual report. No state income tax.. Timeline: South Dakota processes filings in 1-5 business days. End-to-end Anonymousllc.co series LLC formation in South Dakota averages 5-10 business days including operating agreement drafting, EIN, and partner bank applications. Anonymousllc.co flat formation rate $397 + state fees as listed.
For federal tax, IRS Proposed Reg §301.7701-1(a)(5) (2010) treats each series as a separate entity. Most South Dakota series LLCs file separate tax returns per series (typically Form 1065 partnership returns or Schedule C disregarded-entity treatment). For state tax, South Dakota generally follows federal treatment but check Anonymousllc.co's /series-llc/tax-treatment/ guide for the up-to-date position.
Banking is the practical pain point for series LLCs. Mercury, Relay, and Bluevine open accounts for South Dakota series LLCs with extra documentation (Certificate of Designation or equivalent + operating agreement language showing the series). Anonymousllc.co submits applications to 4-5 partner banks in parallel; series LLC approval averages 10-14 days.
Before forming a South Dakota series LLC, consider whether two or three standalone LLCs would serve you better. Series LLCs win on filing-cost economics when you operate four or more separate entities and on liability segregation when you hold distinct assets (real estate, IP). They lose on bank acceptance, multi-state operations (states without series statutes may not recognise the inter-series liability shield), and tax-prep simplicity. Anonymousllc.co's intake will steer you to the simpler structure when it fits.
This page is one chapter of a larger guide. The pillar covers the broader topic with sibling cluster pages like this one.
Open Series LLC →WhatsApp the team for a 5-minute intake.