LLC Filing & Registration Cost Calculator

How Much Does it Cost to Start an LLC?

Starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) involves two types of costs: Initial Formation Fees** and **Recurring Maintenance Fees.

1. Initial Costs (One-Time)

* Articles of Organization: The main filing fee paid to the Secretary of State. This ranges from $35 (Montana) to $500 (Massachusetts). * Expedited Filing: Optional fees to speed up the processing time from weeks to days or even hours. * Publication Requirements: States like New York and Arizona require you to publish a notice of formation in local newspapers, which can cost $200-$1000.

2. Ongoing Costs (Annual)

* Annual Report / Franchise Tax: Most states require an annual or biennial filing to keep your LLC in "Good Standing." California is notably expensive at $800 minimum per year. * Registered Agent Service: If you don't live in the state or want privacy, a professional registered agent service typically costs $100-$300 per year.

LLC Cost by State (2026 Examples)

| State | Filing Fee | Annual Fee | |-------|------------|------------| | Delaware | $90 | $300 | | Florida | $125 | $138 | | Texas | $300 | $0 | | Wyoming | $100 | $60 |

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the cheapest state to form an LLC? A: Kentucky and Montana have the lowest filing fees, but consider the annual fees too!

Q: Do I need a lawyer to form an LLC? A: No, you can file yourself online or use a formation service to save on legal fees.