How Much Does It Cost To Start An LLC?
f you’re thinking about starting an LLC, you’ve probably already run into the frustrating answer of “it depends.” Annoying, but true.
The cost to start an LLC is set by the state where you form it. There’s no federal LLC fee. No universal price. Just 50 different systems, each doing its own thing. Some states keep it simple and cheap. Others… don’t. Use the quick dropdown below to find the filing fee for your state, or you can read more in-depth information about the cost below that.
At the most basic level, forming an LLC costs whatever your state charges to file the paperwork. That’s the starting point. Everything else is optional or ongoing.
Most people underestimate that second part.
The Two Costs That Actually Matter
1. The filing fee (one-time)
This is what you pay to create the LLC. In most states, it falls somewhere between $50 and $200. A few states are much higher. A few are surprisingly low.
2. Ongoing state fees (annual or biennial)
Many states require an annual or biennial report to keep your LLC active. Miss it, and your LLC can be dissolved. These fees range from nothing at all to several hundred dollars per year.
That’s really it, structurally speaking.
Things like registered agents, operating agreements, EINs, or expedited filing can add cost, but they’re not state-mandated in every case. Some people need them. Some don’t. The state fees below apply to everyone.
LLC Filing Cost By State
| State | LLC Filing Fee | Annual / Biennial Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $200 | $50+ |
| Alaska | $250 | $100 (biennial) |
| Arizona | $50 | $0 |
| Arkansas | $45 | $150 |
| California | $70 | $800 + $20 |
| Colorado | $50 | $25 |
| Connecticut | $120 | $80 |
| Delaware | $110 | $300 |
| Florida | $125 | $138.75 |
| Georgia | $100 | $50 |
| Hawaii | $50 | $15 |
| Idaho | $100 | $0 |
| Illinois | $150 | $75 |
| Indiana | $95 | $31 (biennial) |
| Iowa | $50 | $30 (biennial) |
| Kansas | $160 | $50 |
| Kentucky | $40 | $15 |
| Louisiana | $100 | $35 |
| Maine | $175 | $85 |
| Maryland | $100 | $300 |
| Massachusetts | $500 | $500 |
| Michigan | $50 | $25 |
| Minnesota | $155 | $0 |
| Mississippi | $50 | $0 |
| Missouri | $50 | $0 |
| Montana | $35 | $20 |
| Nebraska | $100 | $13 (biennial) |
| Nevada | $425 | $350 |
| New Hampshire | $100 | $100 |
| New Jersey | $125 | $75 |
| New Mexico | $50 | $0 |
| New York | $200 | $9 (biennial) |
| North Carolina | $125 | $200 |
| North Dakota | $135 | $50 |
| Ohio | $99 | $0 |
| Oklahoma | $100 | $25 |
| Oregon | $100 | $100 |
| Pennsylvania | $125 | $7 |
| Rhode Island | $150 | $0 |
| South Carolina | $110 | $0 |
| South Dakota | $150 | ~$50 |
| Tennessee | $300+ | $300+ |
| Texas | $300 | $0 |
| Utah | $59 | $0–$15 |
| Vermont | $155 | $25 |
| Virginia | $100 | $50 |
| Washington | $180–$200 | ~$60 |
| West Virginia | ~$130 | ~$25 |
| Wisconsin | ~$130 | ~$25 |
| Wyoming | ~$103 | ~$50 |
Fees are based on current state filing requirements and rounded where necessary. States can and do change them.
What Most People Get Wrong
They focus entirely on the cheapest state instead of the right state.
If you live and operate in one state, forming an LLC elsewhere usually doesn’t save money. It often costs more once you factor in foreign registration, extra filings, and compliance headaches.
Cheap upfront fees don’t mean cheap long-term.
Expensive upfront fees aren’t always a dealbreaker either.
The goal isn’t to pay the least today.
It’s to avoid problems later.
Also, if you’re a veteran there are a few states where you can file your LLC for free using the state website if you’re currently in the military or you’re a veteran. Check out our free veteran’s LLC guide for more information.
Ready to Form Your LLC?
Here are two LLC formation companies we’ve partnered with you help you start you LLC if you need some guidance. ZenBusiness gives you LLC formation along with numerous other options to run your entire business where option 2 is Northwest Registered Agent where you pay one flat fee to have your LLC filed for you without all of the other options. Each option can be a unique fit for your business so check out both and decide.
- Option 1: ZenBusiness (Starting at $0 + State Fees)
- Option 2: Northwest Registered Agent ($39 + State Fees)
FAQ:
Should I Use an LLC service to start my business? This is something only you can answer. There are a lot of great options out there if you want an expert to set up your LLC for you for a couple hundred dollars. As long as you avoid the needless upsells most of these services offer then the price isn’t too bad.
Can I form my LLC for free? Unless you’re a veteran or have a special case in certain states, there are no ways to avoid the state fees when starting an LLC. A few states do have free LLC options for active-duty and veterans. There are no states as of right now that offer completely free LLC formation. Even if you form your LLC using the $0 option with a service you will have to pay the state fees for whatever state you’re starting a business in.