TL;DR: LLC costs at a glance
- An LLC costs between $35 and $520 to form in 2026, depending on the state. The median filing fee across all 51 US jurisdictions is $100.
- Montana is the cheapest state to form an LLC at $35. Massachusetts is the most expensive at $520, and charges $500 every year to maintain it.
- The formation fee is not the real cost. Recurring reports, franchise taxes and mandatory extras decide what you pay. California charges $70 to form and $800 every year in franchise tax.
- Seven jurisdictions require no recurring report at all: Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio and South Carolina.
- Six commonly published figures are wrong. Delaware’s annual tax is $400 (not $300), Florida costs $125 to form (not $100), Vermont $155 (not $125), New Jersey $100 (not $125), Utah $59 (not $54) and Illinois $150 (not $500).
- All figures on this page were verified in September 2026 against each state’s own filing office, and every state links to its source.
How much does an LLC cost?
An LLC costs $35 to $520 to form in the United States, with a median filing fee of $100. Montana is the cheapest at $35 and Massachusetts the most expensive at $520. Those are the state filing fees only, verified in September 2026.
The sharper question is what an LLC costs to keep. Four charges decide that, and only the first appears in most comparison tables:
The four costs that make up an LLC’s real price
- The formation fee. A one-off charge to file your Articles of Organization when you register your business. This is the number almost every site quotes.
- The recurring report. Annual or biennial. In several states it exceeds the formation fee: Massachusetts charges $500 every year, Maryland $300, North Carolina $200.
- A separate franchise or minimum tax. Absent from most cost comparisons. California adds $800 a year regardless of profit, Delaware $400, and Rhode Island $400 whether or not the business traded.
- Mandatory extras that are not labeled as fees. Nevada’s $200 business license, New York’s newspaper publication requirement, Florida’s required $25 registered agent designation, and Alabama’s compulsory name reservation.
Which states are cheapest to form an LLC?
The five cheapest states to form an LLC are Montana ($35), Kentucky ($40), Arkansas ($45), Arizona ($50) and Colorado ($50). A low formation fee does not mean low running costs. Check the recurring column before deciding.
Which states are most expensive to form an LLC?
The five most expensive states to form an LLC are Massachusetts ($520), Texas ($300), Tennessee ($300), Alaska ($250) and New York ($200). Massachusetts is the most expensive on both measures, charging $520 online to form and $500 every year after.
Which states have no annual LLC report?
Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio and South Carolina require no recurring report. Idaho, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana and Texas require a filing but charge nothing for it. Keep the two apart: missing a free filing still puts an LLC out of good standing.
LLC cost by state: full comparison table
Formation fees below are the standard online filing, not expedited. An asterisk marks a state where the headline number understates the real cost; that state’s section explains why. Every figure was verified in September 2026.
| State | Formation fee | Recurring fee | How often | Separate tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $200* | None | None | Business Privilege Tax fully exempt when tax due is $100 or less |
| Alaska | $250* | $100 | Every 2 yrs | None |
| Arizona | $50 | None | None | None |
| Arkansas | $45 | $150 | Annual | $150 flat annual franchise tax |
| California | $70 | $20 | Every 2 yrs | $800 annual franchise tax |
| Colorado | $50 | $25 | Annual | None |
| Connecticut | $120 | $80 | Annual | None |
| Delaware | $110 | None | None | $400 annual LLC tax due on or before June 1 |
| District of Columbia | $99 | $300 | Every 2 yrs | Unincorporated Business Franchise Tax minimum $250 |
| Florida | $125* | $138.75 | Annual | None |
| Georgia | $110* | $60 | Annual | None |
| Hawaii | $50* | $15 | Annual | None |
| Idaho | $100 | $0 | Annual | None |
| Illinois | $150 | $75 | Annual | None |
| Indiana | $95 | $30 | Every 2 yrs | None |
| Iowa | $50 | $30 | Every 2 yrs | None |
| Kansas | $85 | Not published | Every 2 yrs | None |
| Kentucky | $40 | $15 | Annual | Limited Liability Entity Tax |
| Louisiana | $100 | $30 | Annual | None |
| Maine | $175 | $85 | Annual | None |
| Maryland | $150* | $300 | Annual | None |
| Massachusetts | $520 | $500 | Annual | None |
| Michigan | $50 | $25 | Annual | None |
| Minnesota | $155 | $0 | Annual | None |
| Mississippi | $50 | $0 | Annual | None |
| Missouri | $50 | None | None | None |
| Montana | $35 | $0 | Annual | None |
| Nebraska | $100 | $25 | Every 2 yrs | None |
| Nevada | $425* | $350 | Annual | None |
| New Hampshire | $100* | $100 | Annual | None |
| New Jersey | $100 | $75 | Annual | None |
| New Mexico | $50 | None | None | None |
| New York | $200 | $9 | Every 2 yrs | annual LLC Filing Fee under Tax Law 658 |
| North Carolina | $125 | $200 | Annual | None |
| North Dakota | $135 | $50 | Annual | None |
| Ohio | $99 | None | None | None |
| Oklahoma | $100 | $25 | Annual | None |
| Oregon | $100 | $100 | Annual | Corporate Activity Tax $250 + 0.57% of Oregon commercial activity over $1M |
| Pennsylvania | $125 | $7 | Annual | None |
| Rhode Island | $150 | $50 | Annual | $400 annual charge to RI Division of Taxation owed whether or not the LLC… |
| South Carolina | $110 | None | None | None |
| South Dakota | $150 | $55 | Annual | None |
| Tennessee | $300 min* | $300 min* | Annual | Franchise & excise tax |
| Texas | $300 | $0 | Annual | Franchise tax |
| Utah | $59 | $18 | Annual | None |
| Vermont | $155 | $45 | Annual | None |
| Virginia | $100 | $25 | Annual | None |
| Washington | $180* | $70 | Annual | None |
| West Virginia | $100 | $25 | Annual | None |
| Wisconsin | $130 | $25 | Annual | None |
| Wyoming | $100 | $60 min | Annual | None |
Where most LLC cost comparisons go wrong
Every figure on this page was checked against the state’s own filing office rather than against other published tables. Six came back different from the number most sites publish.
Delaware’s annual tax is $400, not $300
The $300 figure appears on most competing pages and is out of date. Delaware’s Division of Corporations states $400, due by 1 June, with a $200 penalty plus 1.5% monthly interest if missed.
Florida costs $125 to form, not $100
Florida’s fee schedule marks both the $100 filing fee and the $25 registered agent designation as required. Sunbiz also displays a “$160 total” that adds two optional items, so both obvious numbers on that page are wrong as a formation cost.
Illinois costs $150, not $500
Illinois cut its fees in December 2017 under SB 867. Formation fell from $500 to $150, and the annual report from $250 to $75. Pre-2018 figures are still republished nine years later.
Vermont, New Jersey and Utah
Vermont charges $155, not the $125 commonly listed. New Jersey charges $100. The $125 in circulation is New Jersey’s fee for a foreign LLC’s certificate of cancellation, a different line item. Utah charges $59, not the repeated $54.
Three states charge more to file online
Minnesota charges $155 online against $135 by post. Maryland expedites every online filing automatically at $50 on top of the $100 base. Online filing is cheaper in most states, but not these.
Registered agent requirements and cost
Every US state requires an LLC to name a registered agent and keep one at all times. It is not optional, and it is a cost most LLC comparison tables leave out. Florida bundles the designation into the formation fee as a required $25 line item.
What is a registered agent, and what does the law require?
A registered agent is the person or company designated to receive legal documents for your LLC: lawsuits, subpoenas, tax notices and state compliance mail. Our guide to what a registered agent does covers the role in full. Four requirements are consistent across all 51 jurisdictions:
- A physical street address in the state of formation. No state accepts a PO box. This is the reason forming outside your home state creates a problem you have to solve.
- Availability during normal business hours. A person must be present to accept hand-delivered service of process.
- Continuous coverage. The requirement does not pause when you travel, move or close for holidays.
- A public record. The agent’s name and address appear on the state business register, searchable by anyone.
An LLC without a registered agent falls out of good standing and can be administratively dissolved by the state. The sharper risk is a lawsuit served on an agent who no longer forwards mail. If you never learn you were sued, the court can enter a default judgment against you.
Can I be my own registered agent?
Yes, in every state, if you have a physical street address there and are available during business hours. States also permit another individual resident, an employee, or a commercial service to act for you. Acting as your own agent costs nothing, which is why many owners start that way. We cover the decision in detail in can I be my own registered agent.
Pros and cons of being your own registered agent
Advantages:
- It is free. No annual service fee for a role the state requires you to fill regardless.
- Documents reach you directly, with no forwarding step and no third party to mislay them.
- No provider dependency. Nobody else can change terms, raise prices or close down on you.
Disadvantages:
- Your address becomes public. Work from home and your home address is published on a searchable government register. You cannot redact it later. A virtual business address is the standard way to avoid this.
- You must be present during business hours. Not traveling, not at a client site, not away. This is the requirement that breaks first.
- You can be served in front of customers or staff. Process servers do not make appointments.
- Every move triggers a state filing. Change address and you must update the state, for a fee, in every state where the LLC is registered.
- It does not work across state lines. Form a new LLC in Wyoming while living in Texas and you cannot be your own Wyoming agent, because you hold no Wyoming street address.
- A missed service of process can cost you the case. Courts enter default judgments against businesses that never learned they were being sued.
Acting as your own registered agent suits owners with a commercial address in their formation state, predictable hours, and no objection to that address being public. It suits home-based businesses, frequent travelers and anyone forming outside their home state poorly.
How much does a registered agent service cost?
Commercial registered agent services cost $50 to $300 per year. The BusinessAnywhere registered agent service starts at $147 per year across all 50 states, with documents scanned to an online dashboard instead of forwarded by post. Our comparison of registered agent services sets out how providers differ.
The fee buys a compliant street address in the state, a person present during business hours, your own address kept off the public register, and one place to track compliance deadlines. Whether that is worth $147 a year depends on which disadvantages above apply to you. For an owner with commercial premises in their own state, it may not.
How to get an EIN for your LLC
An EIN is free directly from the IRS. The IRS states this on its Employer Identification Number page and warns against sites that charge for the number itself. Any fee you pay covers someone else completing the process, not the EIN.
What is an EIN, and does your LLC need one?
An Employer Identification Number is a federal tax ID for your business, the entity equivalent of a Social Security number. Your LLC needs one if it has employees, has more than one member, elects corporate or S-corp taxation, or owes excise taxes. Banks require an EIN to open a business account, so single-member LLCs that are not strictly required to hold one get one anyway. If you are weighing an EIN against other tax identifiers, see TIN vs EIN vs SSN vs ITIN.
How to get an EIN as a US person
If your principal place of business is in the US and you hold an SSN or ITIN, apply through the IRS online EIN tool and the number is issued immediately, free of charge. Four details to know before you start:
- The application runs in one session. It cannot be saved, and it expires after 15 minutes of inactivity.
- The tool operates at set hours, Eastern time: Monday to Friday 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., Saturday 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday 6:00 p.m. to midnight.
- You can obtain one EIN per responsible party per day.
- The responsible party must be a person who controls the entity, not another company.
To avoid the online tool, fax Form SS-4 to 855-641-6935. The IRS states it returns the EIN by fax in four business days, or four weeks by post. Our step-by-step walkthrough is in how to obtain an EIN for your LLC.
How to get an EIN as a non-US resident
If your principal place of business sits outside the US, you cannot use the IRS online tool, and no SSN or ITIN is required. This is the most misunderstood point in US company formation for foreign founders: you do not need a Social Security number to get an EIN. You need a different channel.
International applicants have three routes:
- By phone. Call the IRS on 267-941-1099, Monday to Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern time. The number is not toll-free. The IRS can issue the EIN during the call.
- By fax. Send Form SS-4 to 855-215-1627 from inside the US, or 304-707-9471 from outside.
- By post. Mail Form SS-4 to Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999.
On Form SS-4, a foreign responsible party without an SSN or ITIN writes “Foreign” in the taxpayer identification field rather than leaving it blank. Fax is the fastest written route. Post takes several weeks, and the IRS notes that high volumes cause delays. Once the EIN is issued, the next step for most foreign founders is opening a US bank account as a non-resident.
How much does an EIN cost?
Nothing, from the IRS. The IRS issues EINs free by every route: online, phone, fax and post.
Paid services charge for handling the application. That matters to international founders who cannot use the online tool and would otherwise deal with the IRS by fax or an overseas call. The BusinessAnywhere EIN application service costs $97, with same-day delivery for US clients holding an SSN and a three-week average for international clients against an IRS window of up to eight weeks. If you are a US resident with an SSN, the IRS online tool takes minutes and costs nothing. That is the better option for most people in that position.
LLC cost by state: state-by-state breakdown
Each state below gives its formation fee, recurring filing and deadline, any separate franchise or minimum tax, and a note on what catches people out. Deadlines carry real money: Florida adds $400 to a late annual report and West Virginia adds $50. For the full formation walkthrough, see how to start an LLC.
Alabama LLC Cost
An LLC in Alabama costs $200 to form. Alabama charges no Secretary of State annual report. Alabama’s Business Privilege Tax is fully exempt for most small LLCs, where the calculated tax is $100 or less. These are the fees charged by Alabama as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $200 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | none to SOS |
| Frequency | none at SOS |
| Deadline | PPT due same date as corresponding federal return; initial BPT-IN within 2.5 months of organizing |
| Franchise / minimum tax | Business Privilege Tax fully exempt when tax due is $100 or less (Act 2022-252) – effectively $0 for most small LLCs and no filing required |
Alabama requires a name reservation before you can file the formation documents, so the true cost of forming exceeds the filing fee.
Source: Alabama official filing office · verified September 2026
Alaska LLC Cost
An LLC in Alaska costs $250 to form. The biennial report costs $100. These are the fees charged by Alaska as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $250 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $100 (Biennial Report); Initial Report free |
| Frequency | biennial |
| Deadline | By January 2 of every even- or odd-numbered year matching your registration year |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none |
Alaska also requires a separate state business license on top of the biennial report.
Source: Alaska official filing office · verified September 2026
Arizona LLC Cost
An LLC in Arizona costs $50 to form. Arizona requires no annual report at all. These are the fees charged by Arizona as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $50 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | none |
| Frequency | none |
| Deadline | n/a |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none |
Source: Arizona official filing office · verified September 2026
Arkansas LLC Cost
An LLC in Arkansas costs $45 to form. A $150 annual franchise tax report doubles as the annual report, due 1 May. These are the fees charged by Arkansas as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $45 online / $50 paper |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $150 (the Annual LLC Franchise Tax Report IS the annual report) |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | On or before May 1 |
| Franchise / minimum tax | $150 flat annual franchise tax (same $150 as the report) |
The annual franchise tax report is the annual report: one $150 filing, not two. Paying online adds a $5 processing fee. Paying by post does not.
Source: Arkansas official filing office · verified September 2026
California LLC Cost
An LLC in California costs $70 to form. A $20 Statement of Information is due within 90 days of registering and every two years after. California also charges an $800 annual franchise tax, payable from the first year regardless of profit. These are the fees charged by California as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $70 (online only) |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $20 (Statement of Information LLC-12) |
| Frequency | biennial |
| Deadline | First due within 90 days of registration then every 2 years |
| Franchise / minimum tax | $800 annual franchise tax (FTB) plus an income-based LLC fee |
The $800 franchise tax is the real cost of a California LLC, and it applies from year one. The first-year waiver covered only LLCs organized between 2021 and 2023 and has expired.
Source: California official filing office · verified September 2026
Colorado LLC Cost
An LLC in Colorado costs $50 to form. The annual report costs $25, due formation anniversary month. These are the fees charged by Colorado as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $50 (online only) |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $25 (Periodic Report) |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | Formation anniversary month; 2 months either side with no penalty; $50 late penalty after |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none |
Colorado accepts online filings only. There is no paper option.
Source: Colorado official filing office · verified September 2026
Connecticut LLC Cost
An LLC in Connecticut costs $120 to form. The annual report costs $80, due annually 1 January – 31 March. These are the fees charged by Connecticut as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $120 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $80 |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | Annually 1 January – 31 March |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none – Business Entity Tax repealed for periods after 31 Dec 2018 |
The annual report window is fixed at 1 January to 31 March. It is not anniversary-based, which catches owners who assume it follows their formation date.
Source: Connecticut official filing office · verified September 2026
Delaware LLC Cost
An LLC in Delaware costs $110 to form. Delaware requires no annual report, but charges a flat $400 annual LLC tax due by 1 June. These are the fees charged by Delaware as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $110 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | none – LLCs file no annual report |
| Frequency | none |
| Deadline | n/a (annual tax due June 1) |
| Franchise / minimum tax | $400 annual LLC tax due on or before June 1; $200 penalty + 1.5%/month if late |
Delaware LLCs file no annual report, but the $400 annual tax falls due on 1 June. Miss it and the penalty is $200 plus 1.5% a month, with no proration. See Delaware vs Wyoming LLC for the comparison founders ask about most.
Source: Delaware official filing office · verified September 2026
District of Columbia LLC Cost
An LLC in District of Columbia costs $99 to form. A biennial report costs $300, due 1 April of every second year. DC also levies an unincorporated business franchise tax with a $250 minimum. These are the fees charged by District of Columbia as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $99 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $300 (Biennial Report BRA-25); $100 late fee |
| Frequency | biennial |
| Deadline | First by April 1 of the year following formation then April 1 every 2nd year |
| Franchise / minimum tax | Unincorporated Business Franchise Tax minimum $250; $1000 if DC gross receipts exceed $1M |
The $300 biennial report is among the highest recurring filings in the country, and DC adds an unincorporated business franchise tax with a $250 minimum.
Source: District of Columbia official filing office · verified September 2026
Florida LLC Cost
An LLC in Florida costs $125 to form ($100 filing fee plus the required $25 registered agent designation). The annual report costs $138.75 and is due by 1 May. These are the fees charged by Florida as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $125 required ($100 filing fee + $25 registered agent designation, both marked required) |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $138.75 |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | By May 1. Received after May 1: $538.75 – a $400 late penalty |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none on the SOS fee schedule; Florida has no personal income tax so a pass-through LLC owes no state income tax |
The $25 registered agent designation is marked required, so the real formation cost is $125, not the $100 filing fee quoted almost everywhere. Miss the 1 May annual report and the fee jumps from $138.75 to $538.75. Florida owners who want their home address off the register use a virtual business address.
Source: Florida official filing office · verified September 2026
Georgia LLC Cost
An LLC in Georgia costs $120 to form online, including the $10 service charge. The annual report costs $60, due by April 1 following the calendar year of formation. These are the fees charged by Georgia as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $110 online (+$10 service charge on online AND paper) |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $60 online (+$10 service charge) |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | By April 1 following the calendar year of formation |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none identified |
The $10 service charge applies to online filings as well as paper, so budget $120 rather than $110.
Source: Georgia official filing office · verified September 2026
Hawaii LLC Cost
An LLC in Hawaii costs $51 to form, including the $1 State Archives fee. The annual report costs $15, due based on the quarter of original registration. These are the fees charged by Hawaii as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $50 (+$1 mandatory State Archives fee = $51) |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $15 |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | Based on the quarter of original registration |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none identified |
A $1 State Archives fee is added to every formation, making the real figure $51.
Source: Hawaii official filing office · verified September 2026
Idaho LLC Cost
An LLC in Idaho costs $100 to form. The annual report is free but mandatory. These are the fees charged by Idaho as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $100 (+$20 surcharge for paper) |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | none |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | Confirm with the state |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none identified |
Source: Idaho official filing office · verified September 2026
Illinois LLC Cost
An LLC in Illinois costs $150 to form. The annual report costs $75. These are the fees charged by Illinois as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $150 (Form LLC 5.5 Articles of Organization); Series LLC $400 (Form LLC 5.5(S)) |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $75 (Form LLC 50.1) |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | Confirm with the state |
| Franchise / minimum tax | None identified |
Expedited service costs $100 extra and must be requested in person in Springfield or Chicago. It cannot be done by post. A Series LLC costs $400 rather than $150.
Source: Illinois official filing office · verified September 2026
Indiana LLC Cost
An LLC in Indiana costs $95 to form online through INBiz. A Business Entity Report costs $30 and is filed every two years. These are the fees charged by Indiana as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $95 online via INBiz, plus a checkout processing fee (minimum $1, never more than 2.15%) – so ~$96-97 all-in |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $30 base, plus the same checkout processing fee – so ~$31 online |
| Frequency | biennial (Business Entity Report) |
| Deadline | Confirm with the state |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none identified; not shown on the fee calculator |
Indiana’s report is biennial rather than annual, which makes it cheaper to maintain than its neighbours. The $30 goes to the state. A checkout processing fee is added on top, which is why other sites quote $31 or $32.
Source: Indiana official filing office · verified September 2026
Iowa LLC Cost
An LLC in Iowa costs $50 to form. The biennial report costs $30, due odd-numbered years 1 January – 1 April. These are the fees charged by Iowa as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $50 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $30 online |
| Frequency | biennial |
| Deadline | Odd-numbered years 1 January – 1 April |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none identified |
The report is biennial and falls in odd-numbered years only.
Source: Iowa official filing office · verified September 2026
Kansas LLC Cost
An LLC in Kansas costs $85 to form. Kansas requires a biennial Information Report; confirm the current fee with the state. These are the fees charged by Kansas as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $85 online / $90 paper |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | Confirm with the state |
| Frequency | biennial (“Information Report”) |
| Deadline | By 15 April of the required filing year |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none identified |
Source: Kansas official filing office · verified September 2026
Kentucky LLC Cost
An LLC in Kentucky costs $40 to form. The annual report costs $15, due 30 June of each year after formation. Kentucky also levies a Limited Liability Entity Tax with a $175 minimum for most small LLCs. These are the fees charged by Kentucky as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $40 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $15 |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | 30 June of each year after formation |
| Franchise / minimum tax | Limited Liability Entity Tax (LLET) $175 minimum if gross receipts $3M or less |
The Limited Liability Entity Tax carries a $175 minimum for most small LLCs, which exceeds the formation fee and the annual report combined.
Source: Kentucky official filing office · verified September 2026
Louisiana LLC Cost
An LLC in Louisiana costs $100 to form. The annual report costs $30, due formation anniversary date. These are the fees charged by Louisiana as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $100 (rising to $125 on 1 October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $30 |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | Formation anniversary date |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none for LLCs |
Louisiana’s formation fee rises from $100 to $125 on 1 October 2026.
Source: Louisiana official filing office · verified September 2026
Maine LLC Cost
An LLC in Maine costs $175 to form. The annual report costs $85, due june 1. These are the fees charged by Maine as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $175 (mail only – no online filing exists) |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $85 |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | June 1 |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none |
Maine has no online filing option for LLC formation. The Certificate of Formation must be posted.
Source: Maine official filing office · verified September 2026
Maryland LLC Cost
An LLC in Maryland costs $150 to form online, because every online filing is automatically expedited. The annual report costs $300, due april 15. These are the fees charged by Maryland as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $150 total ($100 base + mandatory $50 expedite – all online filings are auto-expedited) + 3% tech fee |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $300 |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | April 15 |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none separate |
Every online filing is expedited automatically at $50 on top of the $100 base, so the real online cost is $150 plus a 3% technology fee.
Source: Maryland official filing office · verified September 2026
Massachusetts LLC Cost
An LLC in Massachusetts costs $520 to form online, the highest in the country. The annual report costs $500, due anniversary of original filing. These are the fees charged by Massachusetts as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $500 by mail / $520 online |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $500 |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | Anniversary of original filing |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none from SOS |
Massachusetts is the most expensive state in the country to form and maintain an LLC: $520 online to file, then $500 every year.
Source: Massachusetts official filing office · verified September 2026
Michigan LLC Cost
An LLC in Michigan costs $50 to form. The annual report costs $25, due february 15 (waived first year if formed after 30 Sept). These are the fees charged by Michigan as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $50 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $25 (Annual Statement) |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | February 15 (waived first year if formed after 30 Sept) |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none |
Source: Michigan official filing office · verified September 2026
Minnesota LLC Cost
An LLC in Minnesota costs $155 to form. The annual renewal is free but mandatory. These are the fees charged by Minnesota as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $155 online / $135 by mail |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $0 (Annual Renewal is free but mandatory) |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | No fixed date – must renew annually to stay active |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none |
Minnesota charges more to file online ($155) than by post ($135), the reverse of most states. The annual renewal is free but mandatory.
Source: Minnesota official filing office · verified September 2026
Mississippi LLC Cost
An LLC in Mississippi costs $50 to form. The annual report is free for domestic LLCs. These are the fees charged by Mississippi as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $50 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $0 for domestic LLCs |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | 1 January – 15 April window |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none |
The annual report is required but free for domestic LLCs.
Source: Mississippi official filing office · verified September 2026
Missouri LLC Cost
An LLC in Missouri costs $50 to form. Missouri requires no annual report at all. These are the fees charged by Missouri as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $50 online / $105 by mail |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | none – Missouri LLCs have NO annual report |
| Frequency | none |
| Deadline | n/a |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none |
Missouri LLCs file no annual report, which makes it one of the cheapest states to maintain.
Source: Missouri official filing office · verified September 2026
Montana LLC Cost
An LLC in Montana costs $35 to form. The annual report is free if filed by 15 April and $35 if it is late. These are the fees charged by Montana as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $35 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $0 if filed by April 15; $35 if late |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | April 15 |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none |
The lowest formation fee in the country. The annual report costs nothing if filed by 15 April and $35 if it is late.
Source: Montana official filing office · verified September 2026
Nebraska LLC Cost
An LLC in Nebraska costs $100 to form. The biennial report costs $25, due odd-numbered years by April 1. These are the fees charged by Nebraska as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $100 online / $110 in-office |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $25 online / $30 paper |
| Frequency | biennial |
| Deadline | Odd-numbered years by April 1 |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none identified |
Source: Nebraska official filing office · verified September 2026
Nevada LLC Cost
An LLC in Nevada costs $425 to form once the mandatory Initial List and State Business License are included. Nevada costs $350 a year to maintain: a $150 Annual List plus the $200 business license renewal. These are the fees charged by Nevada as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $425 total at formation ($75 Articles + $150 Initial List + $200 State Business License) |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $350/yr ($150 Annual List + $200 business license renewal) |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | End of formation anniversary month |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none separate – the business license functions as the recurring cost |
Nevada’s headline $75 filing fee is misleading. The Initial List ($150) and State Business License ($200) are both required at formation, making the real day-one cost $425 and $350 every year after.
Source: Nevada official filing office · verified September 2026
New Hampshire LLC Cost
An LLC in New Hampshire costs $100 to form. The annual report costs $100, due april 1. These are the fees charged by New Hampshire as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $100 (+$2 handling on electronic filings = $102 online) |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $100; $50 late fee |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | April 1 |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none |
Electronic filings carry a $2 handling charge, so the online cost is $102.
Source: New Hampshire official filing office · verified September 2026
New Jersey LLC Cost
An LLC in New Jersey costs $100 to form. The annual report costs $75, due formation anniversary month. Multi-member New Jersey LLCs also owe a separate per-member partnership filing fee. These are the fees charged by New Jersey as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $100 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $75 |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | Formation anniversary month |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none flat; multi-member LLCs owe a separate NJ partnership filing fee (~$150/member capped) |
Multi-member LLCs owe a separate per-member partnership filing fee on top of the annual report.
Source: New Jersey official filing office · verified September 2026
New Mexico LLC Cost
An LLC in New Mexico costs $50 to form. New Mexico requires no annual report at all. These are the fees charged by New Mexico as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $50 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | none |
| Frequency | none |
| Deadline | n/a – New Mexico has no LLC annual report |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none |
New Mexico requires no annual report, and the state does not publish member names, which is why it appears in most anonymous LLC discussions.
Source: New Mexico official filing office · verified September 2026
New York LLC Cost
An LLC in New York costs $200 to form. The biennial report costs $9, due formation anniversary month every 2 years. New York also charges an annual LLC filing fee of $25 to $4,500, based on New York-source income. These are the fees charged by New York as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $200 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $9 (Biennial Statement) |
| Frequency | biennial |
| Deadline | Formation anniversary month every 2 years |
| Franchise / minimum tax | annual LLC Filing Fee under Tax Law 658(c)(3), $25-$4,500 based on NY-source gross income |
New York requires newspaper publication: a notice in two county-designated papers weekly for six weeks within 120 days of formation, then a Certificate of Publication at $50. Newspaper rates vary by county, and Manhattan is the most expensive in the state.
Source: New York official filing office · verified September 2026
North Carolina LLC Cost
An LLC in North Carolina costs $125 to form. The annual report costs $200, due april 15. These are the fees charged by North Carolina as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $125 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $200 paper / $202-203 online |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | April 15 |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none – NC franchise tax applies to C-corps only |
North Carolina’s $200 annual report is high relative to its neighbours.
Source: North Carolina official filing office · verified September 2026
North Dakota LLC Cost
An LLC in North Dakota costs $135 to form. The annual report costs $50, due november 15. These are the fees charged by North Dakota as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $135 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $50 |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | November 15 |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none identified |
Source: North Dakota official filing office · verified September 2026
Ohio LLC Cost
An LLC in Ohio costs $99 to form. Ohio requires no annual report at all. These are the fees charged by Ohio as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $99 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | none – Ohio has no LLC annual report |
| Frequency | none |
| Deadline | n/a |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none flat; Commercial Activity Tax applies above gross-receipts thresholds |
Ohio LLCs file no annual report, which makes it one of the cheapest states to maintain.
Source: Ohio official filing office · verified September 2026
Oklahoma LLC Cost
An LLC in Oklahoma costs $100 to form. The annual report costs $25, due formation anniversary date. These are the fees charged by Oklahoma as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $100 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $25 (Annual Certificate) |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | Formation anniversary date; 60-day grace |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none – OK franchise tax repealed after 2023 and never applied to LLCs |
Source: Oklahoma official filing office · verified September 2026
Oregon LLC Cost
An LLC in Oregon costs $100 to form. The annual report costs $100, due anniversary date of original filing. Oregon’s Corporate Activity Tax applies above $1 million of Oregon commercial activity. These are the fees charged by Oregon as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $100 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $100 (Renewal) |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | Anniversary date of original filing |
| Franchise / minimum tax | Corporate Activity Tax $250 + 0.57% of Oregon commercial activity over $1M (all entity types) |
The $100 renewal matches the formation fee, so an Oregon LLC costs the same every year as it did to start.
Source: Oregon official filing office · verified September 2026
Pennsylvania LLC Cost
An LLC in Pennsylvania costs $125 to form. The annual report costs $7, due 1 January – 30 September. These are the fees charged by Pennsylvania as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $125 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $7 |
| Frequency | annual (replaced the decennial report from 2025) |
| Deadline | 1 January – 30 September |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none for ordinary LLCs; PLLCs pay $700 x qualifying members by 15 April |
The annual report replaced Pennsylvania’s decennial filing in 2025. Professional LLCs file a separate certificate of annual registration charged per member.
Source: Pennsylvania official filing office · verified September 2026
Rhode Island LLC Cost
An LLC in Rhode Island costs $150 to form. The annual report costs $50, due 1 February – 1 May starting the year after registration. Rhode Island also charges a $400 annual state fee whether or not the LLC traded. These are the fees charged by Rhode Island as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $150 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $50 |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | 1 February – 1 May starting the year after registration |
| Franchise / minimum tax | $400 annual charge to RI Division of Taxation owed whether or not the LLC operated |
Rhode Island adds a $400 annual charge from the Division of Taxation whether or not the LLC traded, and it is not prorated.
Source: Rhode Island official filing office · verified September 2026
South Carolina LLC Cost
An LLC in South Carolina costs $110 to form. South Carolina requires no annual report unless the LLC elects corporate taxation. These are the fees charged by South Carolina as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $110 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | none |
| Frequency | none |
| Deadline | n/a |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none unless taxed as a corporation (then License Fee 0.1% of capital + $15 minimum $25) |
No annual report is required unless the LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation.
Source: South Carolina official filing office · verified September 2026
South Dakota LLC Cost
An LLC in South Dakota costs $150 to form. The annual report costs $55, due 1st day of the anniversary month. These are the fees charged by South Dakota as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $150 online / $165 paper |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $55 online / $70 paper |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | 1st day of the anniversary month |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none |
Filing online saves $15 on formation and $15 on every annual report.
Source: South Dakota official filing office · verified September 2026
Tennessee LLC Cost
An LLC in Tennessee costs $300 to form for an LLC with up to six members ($50 per member, capped at $3,000). The annual report uses the same per-member formula, so it costs at least $300 every year. Tennessee also levies franchise and excise tax, with a $100 minimum franchise tax payable even when dormant. These are the fees charged by Tennessee as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $50 per member; minimum $300; maximum $3000 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $50 per member; minimum $300; maximum $3000 |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | Confirm with the state |
| Franchise / minimum tax | Franchise & excise tax; franchise tax minimum $100 payable whether active or inactive |
Tennessee charges per member, not a flat fee: $50 each with a $300 minimum and a $3,000 maximum, and the same formula applies every year. A six-member LLC pays the $300 floor. A twenty-member LLC pays $1,000.
Source: Tennessee official filing office · verified September 2026
Texas LLC Cost
An LLC in Texas costs $300 to form. Texas has no Secretary of State report. An annual Comptroller filing is mandatory and due 15 May. Texas franchise tax applies above $2.65 million of annualized revenue for 2026-2027. These are the fees charged by Texas as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $300 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | none at the Secretary of State |
| Frequency | annual (Comptroller filing not an SOS report) |
| Deadline | 15 May |
| Franchise / minimum tax | Franchise tax; 2026-2027 No Tax Due Threshold $2,650,000 annualized revenue |
There is no Secretary of State annual report, but the Comptroller filing is mandatory every year. Even below the no-tax-due threshold you must file a Public Information Report.
Source: Texas official filing office · verified September 2026
Utah LLC Cost
An LLC in Utah costs $59 to form. The annual report costs $18, due anniversary date. These are the fees charged by Utah as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $59 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $18 (includes a $5 state single-sign-on surcharge) |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | Anniversary date; window opens 60 days before |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none on the LLC itself |
The $18 annual renewal includes a $5 state single-sign-on surcharge.
Source: Utah official filing office · verified September 2026
Vermont LLC Cost
An LLC in Vermont costs $155 to form. The annual report costs $45, due within 3 months after fiscal year end (calendar-year: by ~31 March). These are the fees charged by Vermont as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $155 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $45 |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | Within 3 months after fiscal year end (calendar-year: by ~31 March) |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none |
The annual report is due within three months of the LLC’s fiscal year end, so calendar-year LLCs file by the end of March.
Source: Vermont official filing office · verified September 2026
Virginia LLC Cost
An LLC in Virginia costs $100 to form. The annual report costs $25, due last day of the formation anniversary month. These are the fees charged by Virginia as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $100 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $25 (Annual Registration Fee) |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | Last day of the formation anniversary month |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none |
The recurring filing is an annual registration fee rather than a report, due by the last day of the formation anniversary month.
Source: Virginia official filing office · verified September 2026
Washington LLC Cost
An LLC in Washington costs $180 to form. The annual report costs $70, due last day of the formation month. These are the fees charged by Washington as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $180 (Certificate of Formation with Initial Report) + small online processing fee |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $70 (includes online processing) |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | Last day of the formation month; may file up to 180 days early |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none – separate B&O gross receipts tax applies to activity |
The $180 formation fee includes the initial report, so there is no separate first-year filing.
Our guide on how to start an LLC in Washington covers the filing steps, the state business license and the B&O tax.
Source: Washington official filing office · verified September 2026
West Virginia LLC Cost
An LLC in West Virginia costs $100 to form. The annual report costs $25 if filed by 30 June and $75 after that. These are the fees charged by West Virginia as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $100 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $25 if filed by 30 June; $75 after (incl. $50 late fee); +$1 online processing |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | June 30 |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none |
File the annual report by 30 June and it costs $25. File after and it costs $75, because a $50 late fee is added.
Source: West Virginia official filing office · verified September 2026
Wisconsin LLC Cost
An LLC in Wisconsin costs $130 to form. The annual report costs $25, due during the calendar quarter containing the formation anniversary. These are the fees charged by Wisconsin as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $130 online / $170 by mail |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | $25 online |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | During the calendar quarter containing the formation anniversary |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none unless the LLC elects corporate taxation |
Filing online costs $130 against $170 by post, a $40 saving for the same document.
Source: Wisconsin official filing office · verified September 2026
Wyoming LLC Cost
An LLC in Wyoming costs $100 to form. The annual fee is the greater of $60 or $0.0002 per dollar of assets located in Wyoming. These are the fees charged by Wyoming as of September 2026.
| Formation fee | $100 |
|---|---|
| Recurring report | Greater of $60, or $0.0002 per dollar of assets located in Wyoming |
| Frequency | annual |
| Deadline | First day of the formation anniversary month |
| Franchise / minimum tax | none separate – the license tax above (min $60) is Wyoming’s minimum tax |
Wyoming’s annual fee is not a flat $60. It is the greater of $60 or $0.0002 per dollar of assets located in Wyoming, so asset-heavy LLCs pay more than the $60 figure most sites quote. Our Delaware vs Wyoming LLC comparison sets the two side by side.
Source: Wyoming official filing office · verified September 2026
How these figures were verified
Every fee was taken from the relevant state’s own filing office (secretary of state, division of corporations, or department of revenue) rather than from other comparison tables. Each state section links to the source it came from. Figures were verified in September 2026.
Fees change. Louisiana’s formation fee rises from $100 to $125 on 1 October 2026. If you are reading this after the verification date above, follow the source link before relying on a figure.
Frequently asked questions about LLC costs
How much does an LLC cost?
An LLC costs between $35 and $520 to form in the United States, with a median state filing fee of $100. Montana is cheapest at $35 and Massachusetts most expensive at $520. Ongoing costs vary more than formation fees: seven jurisdictions charge nothing annually, while Massachusetts charges $500 every year.
What is the cheapest state to form an LLC?
Montana has the lowest LLC formation fee in the United States at $35. Its annual report is free if filed by 15 April. The cheapest state to form in is not the cheapest to maintain, and forming outside your home state means registering as a foreign LLC there as well.
What is the most expensive state to form an LLC?
Massachusetts is the most expensive state for an LLC, charging $520 to form online and $500 for the annual report every year after. The District of Columbia carries the steepest recurring cost relative to formation, at $99 to form and $300 every two years.
Which states have no annual LLC report?
Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio and South Carolina require no recurring LLC report. Idaho, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana and Texas require a filing but charge no fee for it. The two are not the same: missing a free filing still costs an LLC its good standing.
How much does an LLC cost per year?
Annual cost depends on the state and ranges from nothing to $800 and above. Seven jurisdictions charge no recurring fee. At the other end, California charges $800 in franchise tax plus a $20 biennial statement, Massachusetts charges $500 a year, and Rhode Island charges $400 whether or not the business traded.
Should I form my LLC in Delaware, Wyoming or Nevada?
Not if you operate from somewhere else. Running your business from your home state means registering there as a foreign LLC anyway, so you pay two sets of fees and maintain two filings. The out-of-state approach makes sense for specific reasons such as outside investment or privacy requirements, not as a default way to save money.
Why do other websites list different LLC fees?
Because fees change and tables are not rechecked. Illinois cut its fees in 2017 and pre-2018 figures still circulate. Delaware’s annual tax is listed a version behind at $300 rather than $400. Some tables blend the state fee with a payment processing surcharge, which is why Indiana’s report fee appears as $30, $31 and $32 across different sites. Only $30 goes to the state.
Do these fees cover the total cost of starting an LLC?
No. These are the charges levied by the state. A registered agent service, help with an EIN application, local business licenses and professional licensing sit on top. Several states carry a mandatory extra that is easy to overlook. The largest is New York’s newspaper publication requirement, whose cost varies by county.
Do I need a registered agent for my LLC?
Yes. Every US state requires an LLC to designate a registered agent and maintain one continuously. The agent must hold a physical street address in the state of formation, since no state accepts a PO box, and must be available during normal business hours to accept legal documents.
Can I be my own registered agent?
Yes, in every state, provided you hold a physical street address in the state where the LLC is formed and can be there during business hours. The trade-off is that your address becomes public record on the state business register, and you must be present to accept service of process. You cannot act as your own agent in a state where you hold no street address, which rules it out when you form outside your home state.
How much does a registered agent cost?
Commercial registered agent services cost $50 to $300 a year. The BusinessAnywhere registered agent service starts at $147 a year across all 50 states. Acting as your own registered agent costs nothing but requires a street address in the state and your presence during business hours.
How much does an EIN cost?
An EIN is free directly from the IRS by every route: online, phone, fax or post. The IRS warns against websites that charge for the number itself. Paid services charge for completing the application on your behalf, which is most useful to non-US residents who cannot use the IRS online tool. The BusinessAnywhere EIN application service costs $97.
Can a non-US resident get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. A Social Security number is not required to obtain an EIN. If your principal place of business sits outside the US you cannot use the IRS online tool, but you can apply by phone on 267-941-1099 (Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern), by faxing Form SS-4 to 304-707-9471 from outside the US, or by posting Form SS-4 to the IRS EIN International Operation in Cincinnati. A foreign responsible party writes ‘Foreign’ in the taxpayer identification field on the form.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
A US applicant with an SSN or ITIN using the IRS online tool receives the EIN immediately. The IRS states that faxing Form SS-4 returns the EIN in four business days, and posting it takes four weeks. International applicants can receive an EIN during a phone call to the IRS. Written applications from outside the US take longer, and the IRS notes that high volumes cause delays.
Ready to form your LLC?
If you’re ready to create your business but need expert help, then sign up with Business Anywhere now. We offer business registration, registered agent, online notary, and virtual mailbox services.
This page is general information about state filing fees and federal registration procedures. It is not legal or tax advice. Requirements vary by state and change over time. Check with the relevant state office or a qualified professional before acting on it.
