Starting an LLC is one of the best ways to protect your personal assets and legitimize your business. But how much does it actually cost? The answer varies significantly by state - from as low as $40 in Kentucky to as high as $500 in Massachusetts.
In this guide, we break down the exact costs for every state, including filing fees, annual fees, and hidden costs you need to know about.
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LLC Filing Fees by State (2026)
| State | Filing Fee | Annual Fee | Total Year 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $200 | $0 | $200 |
| Alaska | $250 | $100 | $350 |
| Arizona | $50 | $0 | $50 |
| Arkansas | $45 | $150 | $195 |
| California | $70 | $800 | $870 |
| Colorado | $50 | $10 | $60 |
| Connecticut | $120 | $80 | $200 |
| Delaware | $90 | $300 | $390 |
| Florida | $125 | $138.75 | $263.75 |
| Georgia | $100 | $50 | $150 |
| Hawaii | $50 | $15 | $65 |
| Idaho | $100 | $0 | $100 |
| Illinois | $150 | $75 | $225 |
| Indiana | $95 | $31 (biennial) | $95 |
| Iowa | $50 | $60 (biennial) | $50 |
| Kansas | $160 | $55 | $215 |
| Kentucky | $40 | $15 | $55 |
| Louisiana | $100 | $35 | $135 |
| Maine | $175 | $85 | $260 |
| Maryland | $100 | $300 | $400 |
| Massachusetts | $500 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Michigan | $50 | $25 | $75 |
| Minnesota | $155 | $0 | $155 |
| Mississippi | $50 | $0 | $50 |
| Missouri | $50 | $0 | $50 |
| Montana | $70 | $20 | $90 |
| Nebraska | $100 | $10 (biennial) | $100 |
| Nevada | $75 | $350 | $425 |
| New Hampshire | $100 | $100 | $200 |
| New Jersey | $125 | $75 | $200 |
| New Mexico | $50 | $0 | $50 |
| New York | $200 | $9 (biennial) | $200 |
| North Carolina | $125 | $200 | $325 |
| North Dakota | $135 | $50 | $185 |
| Ohio | $99 | $0 | $99 |
| Oklahoma | $100 | $25 | $125 |
| Oregon | $100 | $100 | $200 |
| Pennsylvania | $125 | $70 (decennial) | $125 |
| Rhode Island | $150 | $50 | $200 |
| South Carolina | $110 | $0 | $110 |
| South Dakota | $150 | $50 | $200 |
| Tennessee | $300 | $300 | $600 |
| Texas | $300 | $0 | $300 |
| Utah | $54 | $18 | $72 |
| Vermont | $125 | $35 | $160 |
| Virginia | $100 | $50 | $150 |
| Washington | $200 | $60 | $260 |
| West Virginia | $100 | $25 | $125 |
| Wisconsin | $130 | $25 | $155 |
| Wyoming | $100 | $60 | $160 |
Cheapest States to Form an LLC
The most affordable states are: Kentucky ($40), Arkansas ($45), Arizona ($50), Colorado ($50), Hawaii ($50), Iowa ($50), Michigan ($50), Mississippi ($50), Missouri ($50), and New Mexico ($50).
Hidden LLC Costs to Consider
1. Registered Agent ($0-$300/year)
Every LLC needs a registered agent with a physical address in the state. You can be your own (free) or hire a service ($50-300/year).
2. Operating Agreement ($0-$500)
While not required in all states, an operating agreement is essential for liability protection. You can create one yourself (free) or hire a lawyer ($200-500).
3. Business Licenses ($0-$500+)
Depending on your industry and location, you may need additional licenses and permits.
4. Publication Requirements (NY: $1,500+)
New York requires LLCs to publish formation notices in newspapers, costing $1,000-2,000+.
5. State Taxes
California charges an $800 annual franchise tax regardless of income. Some states have similar requirements.
Should You Form in Delaware or Wyoming?
You've probably heard that Delaware and Wyoming are the "best" states for LLCs. Here's the truth:
For most small businesses: Form in your home state.
Why? If you operate in your home state, you'll need to register there as a "foreign LLC" anyway, meaning you pay fees in BOTH states.
Delaware/Wyoming make sense if you:
- Are raising venture capital
- Plan to go public
- Have complex multi-state operations
- Want maximum privacy (Wyoming)
DIY vs. Formation Services
| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| DIY (file yourself) | State fee only | Budget-conscious, simple LLCs |
| Online service (LegalZoom, etc.) | $79-$299 + state fee | Convenience, includes extras |
| Attorney | $500-$2,000 + state fee | Complex situations, partnerships |
Get Your Personalized LLC Cost Breakdown
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Calculate Now - FreeFrequently Asked Questions
How much does an LLC cost in total?
The total first-year cost ranges from $50 (cheapest states, DIY) to over $2,000 (expensive states with attorney). The average is around $150-300 for DIY filing.
What's the cheapest state to form an LLC?
Kentucky has the lowest filing fee at $40, followed by several states at $50. However, if you don't live in that state, you'll pay additional foreign registration fees in your home state.
Is the $800 California franchise tax required?
Yes, all California LLCs must pay an $800 minimum franchise tax annually, regardless of income. First-year LLCs may be exempt.
Do I need a registered agent?
Yes, every LLC must have a registered agent. You can serve as your own if you have a physical address in the state and are available during business hours.
How long does it take to form an LLC?
Processing times range from same-day (online filings) to 4-6 weeks (mail filings). Expedited processing is available in most states for an additional fee.