Yes. Under Act 135 of 2016, Pennsylvania waives the $125 Certificate of Organization filing fee for qualified veterans and reservists. If you’re eligible, you can form a Pennsylvania LLC without paying a cent in state filing fees. The program has been in effect since January 2, 2017.
What the Waiver Covers
The exemption applies to the $125 state filing fee for the Certificate of Organization — the document that officially creates your LLC in Pennsylvania. That’s the only state fee involved in forming an LLC here, so the waiver effectively makes the formation free from the state’s side.
The waiver applies to new LLC formations. It does not retroactively refund fees already paid.
Who Qualifies
Pennsylvania defines the two eligible groups this way:
National Guard members qualify under both definitions depending on their status — current members qualify as reservists, and former members who were discharged under honorable conditions qualify as veterans.
The 51% Ownership Rule for Multi-Owner LLCs
If you’re forming an LLC with other people, at least 51% of the ownership interest must be held by qualifying veterans or reservists to claim the fee exemption. If you’re the sole member, this doesn’t apply.
What Documentation You Need
The state requires one of the following as proof of eligibility:
If you’re a current reservist without a DD-214, your DoD military ID card is the document to use.
How to Claim the Exemption
When filing your Certificate of Organization online at file.dos.pa.gov, you’ll reach a Processing Fees screen. Check the box indicating you qualify for the Veteran Exemption and upload a copy of your qualifying document. The system will remove the $125 fee from your total.
You can also file by mail by sending the completed Certificate of Organization, Docketing Statement, and a copy of your proof document to the PA Department of State. Do not include payment for the filing fee if claiming the exemption.
What Is Not Waived
The veteran exemption covers the state LLC formation fee only. You’ll still need to account for:
Can a Veteran Form Multiple LLCs for Free?
Yes. There is no limit on the number of LLCs a qualifying veteran or reservist can form under this exemption. Each qualifying LLC filing is eligible for the waiver, provided the ownership requirements are met.
A Note on Misuse
The state takes this exemption seriously. Fraudulently claiming the veteran exemption, attempting to transfer or sell an exemption to a non-qualifying party, or using an exemption in any way contrary to the Act is a misdemeanor under Pennsylvania law. The document you upload is reviewed — only file if you genuinely qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
No state fees — the $125 Certificate of Organization filing fee is waived. Your only ongoing obligation is the $7 Annual Report fee that starts the following year.
No. The exemption must be claimed at the time of filing. The state does not process retroactive refunds of the filing fee.
No. Once formed, the LLC operates identically to any other Pennsylvania LLC. The exemption only affects the formation fee.
A General Discharge is not a dishonorable discharge, so you still qualify. The exclusion applies only to those discharged under dishonorable conditions.
It depends on ownership. If you own at least 51% of the LLC and you’re the qualifying veteran, the exemption applies. If you’re a 50/50 co-owner with a non-qualifying person, you do not meet the 51% threshold.
Yes — Act 135 of 2016 applies to various entity types beyond LLCs, including corporations, partnerships, and nonprofit corporations, as long as the ownership threshold is met.
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