How Much Does an LLC Cost? (2026 Complete Breakdown by State)
Last updated: June 10, 2026
Methodology
We meticulously research and verify the information presented in our articles. By consulting reliable sources and ensuring factual accuracy, we are committed to providing readers with well-informed, trustworthy content.
LLC startup costs catch a lot of first-time founders off guard. The state filing fee is just the beginning. Once you add registered agent fees, annual reports, and optional documents, your first-year total can range from $35 (Montana, DIY, no annual report) to $1,300+ (Massachusetts, $500 filing + $500 annual report + registered agent).
I've worked through LLC formation across multiple states and reviewed dozens of cost structures firsthand. That means comparing what's listed on government websites against what founders actually end up paying.
Here's the full breakdown, state by state.
Quick Summary
- State filing fees range from $35 (Montana) to $500 (Massachusetts). The average across all 50 states is approximately $132.
- Beyond the filing fee, you'll also pay for registered agent ($0 if self-served, $35-$299/year paid), annual report ($0-$800/year), and optional documents like an operating agreement ($0 with free templates, $200-$1,500 with a lawyer).
- Six states charge no LLC annual report fee: Arizona, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas (Texas requires a Public Information Report only).
- Total first-year LLC cost ranges from $35 (Montana, DIY) to $1,300+ (Massachusetts, full-service). California is the most expensive ongoing state due to its $800 annual franchise tax.
State-by-state LLC filing fees (2026)
| State | Filing fee | Recurring fee | Year 1 total | Annual report? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $200 | BPT on net worth; $0 min 2024+ | ~$200 | Yes |
| Alaska | $250 | $100 biennial | $350 | Yes |
| Arizona | $50 | $0 | $50 | No |
| Arkansas | $45 online / $50 paper | $150/year franchise | $195 | Yes |
| California | $70 + $20 SOI | $800/year franchise | $890 | Yes |
| Colorado | $50 | $25/year periodic | $75 | Yes |
| Connecticut | $120 | $80/year | $200 | Yes |
| Delaware | $110 | $300/year franchise | $410 | Yes |
| District of Columbia | $99 | $300 biennial | $399 | Yes |
| Florida | $125 | $138.75/year | $263.75 | Yes |
| Georgia | $100 | $50/year | $150 | Yes |
| Hawaii | $50 | $15/year | $65 | Yes |
| Idaho | $100 | $0 (free annual report) | $100 | No |
| Illinois | $150 | $75/year | $225 | Yes |
| Indiana | $97 online / $100 paper | $32 biennial | $129 | Yes |
| Iowa | $50 | $30 online / $45 mail biennial | $80 | Yes |
| Kansas | $85 online / $90 paper | $5 online / $25 paper biennial | $90 | Yes |
| Kentucky | $40 | $15/year + $175 min LLET | $230 | Yes |
| Louisiana | $100 | $30/year | $130 | Yes |
| Maine | $175 | $85/year | $260 | Yes |
| Maryland | $100 | $300/year | $400 | Yes |
| Massachusetts | $500 | $500/year | $1,000 | Yes |
| Michigan | $50 | $25/year | $75 | Yes |
| Minnesota | $135 paper / $155 online | $0 (online & on time) | $135 | No |
| Mississippi | $50 | $0 (no fee) | $50 | No |
| Missouri | $50 online / $105 paper | $0 | $50 | Yes |
| Montana | $35 | $0/year (waived if filed by Apr 15) | $35 | Yes |
| Nebraska | $100 online / $110 paper | $0 biennial | $100 | No |
| Nevada | $425 ($75 + $200 license + $150 list) | $350/year | $775 | Yes |
| New Hampshire | $100 | $100/year | $200 | Yes |
| New Jersey | $125 | $75/year | $200 | Yes |
| New Mexico | $50 | $0 | $50 | No |
| New York | $200 + $50 state cert + newspaper publication ($300-$2,000) | $9 biennial + $25-$4,500 LLC fee | $560+ | Yes |
| North Carolina | $125 | $200/year | $325 | Yes |
| North Dakota | $135 | $50/year | $185 | Yes |
| Ohio | $99 | $0 | $99 | No |
| Oklahoma | $100 | $25/year | $125 | Yes |
| Oregon | $100 | $100/year | $200 | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | $125 | $7/year | $132 | Yes |
| Rhode Island | $150 | $50/year + $400 min tax | $600 | Yes |
| South Carolina | $110 | $0 | $110 | No |
| South Dakota | $150 online / $165 paper | $55/year | $205 | Yes |
| Tennessee | $300 min ($50/member) | $300+/year + F&E tax | $600+ | Yes |
| Texas | $300 | $0 (PIR only) | $300 | No |
State filing data changes frequently. Confirm current fees with your state's Secretary of State before filing.
What You'll Pay to Start an LLC
Before a business can legally operate, there are mandatory fees and optional expenses that should be covered. Here are the one-time costs you'll pay during formation.
| Cost Item | Required? | Range |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee | Yes | $35–$500 |
| Registered agent | Yes | $0–$299 |
| Annual report | Most states | $0–$500 |
| Operating agreement | Recommended | $0–$200 |
| EIN | Recommended | $0 |
| Business license | Varies | $0–$500+ |
1. Formation Filing Fee ($35 - $500 - Mandatory)
LLC filing fees are paid to file LLC Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. The cost varies by state but typically ranges between $35 and $500, depending on the location.
- On the low end. Montana ($35), Kentucky ($40), Arkansas ($45) and a group of states at $50 including Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri and New Mexico.
- On the high end. Massachusetts ($500), Nevada ($425 total), Tennessee ($300), Texas ($300) and Alaska ($250).
2. Registered Agent ($0 if Self-Serve / $35-$299 Professional)
All the states require LLCs to appoint a registered agent to receive service of process on the company's behalf.
Registered Agent fees depend on the location and the services you need, so it's best to contact them directly before signing up to find out how their pricing works.
You can expect to pay anywhere between $35 to $300 for the registered agent service.
3. Name Reservation ($10 - $25 - Optional)
The service is offered in all states and the fee ranges between $10 to $25. The state agency will reserve the name for your company from 60 to 120 days, depending on the state.
Ongoing LLC costs after formation
Forming an LLC entails essential fees and costs. These expenses are vital for establishing a legally recognized business structure. These charges include:
1. Permits and Licenses (Depending on Line of Business - Mandatory)
Certain industries like alcohol, lodging, transportation, food service, healthcare, childcare, financial services, and tobacco require additional business licenses and permits, and their costs vary from state to state.
2. Annual or Biennial Report ($15 - $500 - Mandatory)
Annual report fees typically range from $15 to $500, but California charges an $800 annual franchise tax on top of any annual filing — making it the most expensive state for ongoing LLC maintenance.
3. Taxes (Depending on Income Bracket - Mandatory)
LLCs are pass-through entities by default — profits flow to members' personal tax returns. Self-employment tax (15.3%) applies to all net earnings.
4. Operating Agreement (Optional but Recommended)
An LLC operating agreement should contain all the rules that govern the day-to-day operations, member responsibilities (such as managing finances), how profits are distributed, and the process for making decisions.
5. Employer Identification Number ($0 - Optional but Recommended)
The EIN is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for free, primarily for tax purposes.
6. Certificate of Good Standing and Document Management
Once the LLC is operational, I oversee that each company is compliant with the requirements of the state.
FAQs
Is LLC for Free Legit?
LLC for free is not legit, and any party offering LLC formation services for free is a scam. In many states, the filing fee can range from $50 to $500.
What Can You Write Off on Taxes With an LLC?
You can write off legal fees, professional services for accounting and attorneys, and any other costs on taxes with an LLC.
LLC Formation Cost
The total cost typically ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. It is essential to consult with a qualified online legal services or business advisor to understand the specific requirements and costs associated with forming an LLC in your jurisdiction.
References: