LLC State Filing Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Form an LLC?
LLC state filing fees range from $40 to $500 depending on where you form your business. Compare costs by state and see what other upfront and ongoing fees to expect.
Bizee Editorial Staff
Editorial Team
Introduction
State filing fees for forming an LLC range from $40 to $500, depending on the state. That one-time fee covers filing your Articles of Organization with the state. Beyond that, most states have additional upfront and ongoing costs worth knowing before you pick where to form your business.
LLC filing fees by state
The state filing fee is the one-time cost to file your Articles of Organization — the document that officially forms your LLC with the state. Fees range from $40 in Kentucky to $500 in Massachusetts, with most states landing somewhere between $50 and $150. The fee is set by the state and doesn't change based on your business type or size.
A few states also charge an additional publication fee on top of the base filing fee. New York, for example, requires new LLCs to publish a formation notice in local newspapers — a requirement that can add hundreds of dollars to your total startup cost depending on the county.
The state fee is non-refundable once filed, so it's worth confirming the current amount on your state's Secretary of State website before you submit. Fees do change occasionally, and the state's official site is always the most accurate source.
Upfront LLC costs beyond the state fee
The state filing fee is the biggest upfront cost, but it's rarely the only one. Most states require a few additional steps at formation that come with their own fees.
- Registered agent fee: Most states require your LLC to appoint a registered agent — a person or business with a physical address in the state to receive legal documents on your behalf. Some states include this in the base filing fee, but most don't. If you use a registered agent service, expect to pay $50–$300 per year.
- Name reservation fee: If you want to hold your business name before filing, many states let you reserve it for a small fee — typically $10–$50.
- Operating agreement: Not always a state fee, but drafting an operating agreement is a standard formation step. Some states require one; others don't. Either way, having one protects how your LLC is run.
- Employer Identification Number (EIN): Free to get directly from the IRS. You'll need one to open a business bank account and hire employees.
California is a good example of a state where upfront costs add up fast. In addition to the $70 Articles of Organization fee, new LLCs must file an initial Statement of Information within 90 days of formation for an additional $20.
Ongoing LLC costs to stay in good standing
Forming your LLC is a one-time cost. Keeping it in good standing is an ongoing one. Most states require LLCs to file an annual report — or a biennial report in some states — and pay an associated fee to stay active. Missing these filings can result in late fees, penalties, or the state administratively dissolving your LLC.
- Annual report fee: Ranges from $0 in states like New Mexico to over $300 in states like California. Most states charge between $25 and $100.
- Franchise tax: Some states charge an annual franchise tax separate from the report fee. California's minimum franchise tax is $800 per year, due regardless of whether your LLC made any money.
- Registered agent renewal: If you use a registered agent service, the annual renewal fee is a recurring cost to budget for.
- Statement of Information: California requires LLCs to file a Statement of Information every two years after the initial filing, with a $20 fee each time.
The ongoing cost picture varies a lot by state. Delaware is popular for formation because its annual franchise tax structure can be favorable for certain businesses, but it still requires an annual $300 franchise tax for LLCs.
What is the cheapest state to form an LLC?
The cheapest state to form an LLC depends on whether you're looking at the lowest one-time filing fee or the lowest total cost over time. Those aren't always the same state.
Kentucky has one of the lowest base filing fees at $40. New Mexico has no annual report requirement, which keeps ongoing costs low. Wyoming combines a low filing fee ($100) with no state income tax and minimal annual fees — which is why it's a popular choice for entrepreneurs forming an LLC outside their home state.
That said, forming an LLC in a state where you don't live or do business adds complexity. You'll likely need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state anyway, which means paying two sets of fees. For most small business owners, forming in the state where you actually operate is the most straightforward and cost-effective path. The filing fee difference between states rarely outweighs the added cost and paperwork of maintaining two registrations.
Frequently asked questions about LLC state filing fees
It depends on the state. LLC state filing fees range from $40 to $500. Most states charge between $50 and $150 to file your Articles of Organization. The fee is a one-time cost paid at formation and is set by the state — it doesn't vary based on your business size or type. Check your state's Secretary of State website for the current amount before filing.
Yes, in most states. You pay a one-time fee to form your LLC, but most states also require an annual report — or a biennial report in some states — along with an associated fee to keep your LLC in good standing. Some states also charge an annual franchise tax on top of the report fee. If you miss these filings, the state can charge late fees or dissolve your LLC.
The cheapest way to form an LLC is to file directly with your state and pay only the required state fee. You can also use a formation platform that handles the filing for $0 — you still pay the state fee, but you don't pay extra for the filing itself. Either way, the state fee is unavoidable. What you can control is whether you pay additional fees for help with the paperwork.
It depends on the state. Standard processing times range from a few business days to several weeks. Many states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, which can cut the wait to 24–72 hours. A few states process filings the same day. Check your state's Secretary of State website for current processing times, since backlogs can affect turnaround.
No hidden costs from the state — but there are costs that catch people off guard. The state filing fee is just the start. Registered agent fees, name reservation fees, publication requirements (in states like New York), and annual report fees all add to the total. Knowing the full picture before you file helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises after formation.
LLC filing fees vary by state and change periodically. The range runs from $40 on the low end to $500 on the high end. States like Kentucky, Colorado, and New Mexico tend to have lower fees. States like Massachusetts and Tennessee tend to be higher. For the most accurate and current fee for your state, check directly with your state's Secretary of State office.
Yes, most states require an LLC to have a registered agent — a person or business with a physical address in the state to receive legal documents. In some states, the registered agent designation is included in the base filing fee. In others, it's a separate cost. If you use a registered agent service rather than listing yourself, expect to pay $50–$300 per year for that service.
