LLC Filing Fees by State: A Complete Cost Guide
Starting a business is an investment in your future, but one of the first hurdles every entrepreneur faces is navigating the maze of state-specific costs. If you are looking to form an LLC, understanding the price tag in your state is essential for accurate budgeting and avoiding unexpected financial surprises.
The cost to register an LLC varies significantly across the country. While some states offer a low barrier to entry to encourage local growth, others impose higher fees and ongoing taxes to maintain their legal infrastructure. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of formation and maintenance costs to help you launch your venture with clarity.
The True Cost of Starting an LLC
When calculating your startup capital, it is important to distinguish between one-time formation fees and recurring maintenance costs.
Filing Fee: This is the one-time payment made to the Secretary of State to process your Articles of Organization.
Annual Report Fee: Most states require a periodic update (annual or biennial) to keep your business in "good standing."
Franchise Tax: Some states, like California and Delaware, charge a mandatory tax for the privilege of doing business in that jurisdiction, regardless of your revenue.
State-by-State LLC Fee Comparison
Below is a detailed look at the core costs associated with starting a business in each state. These figures represent the standard online filing rates for domestic LLCs.
| State | Filing Fee (One-Time) | Annual/Biennial Fee |
| Alabama | $200 | $100 (Min. Privilege Tax) |
| Alaska | $250 | $100 (Biennial) |
| Arizona | $50 | $0 |
| Arkansas | $45 | $150 |
| California | $70 | $800 (Annual Franchise Tax) |
| Colorado | $50 | $10.00 |
| Connecticut | $120 | $80.00 |
| Delaware | $110 | $300 (Annual Tax) |
| Florida | $125 | $138.75 |
| Georgia | $100 | $50.00 |
| Hawaii | $50 | $15.00 |
| Idaho | $100 | $0 (Report Required) |
| Illinois | $150 | $75.00 |
| Indiana | $98 | $32 (Biennial) |
| Iowa | $50 | $30 (Biennial) |
| Kansas | $160 | $50.00 |
| Kentucky | $40 | $15.00 |
| Louisiana | $100 | $35.00 |
| Maine | $175 | $85.00 |
| Maryland | $100 | $300.00 |
| Massachusetts | $500 | $500.00 |
| Michigan | $50 | $25.00 |
| Minnesota | $155 | $0 |
| Mississippi | $50 | $0 |
| Missouri | $50 | $0 |
| Montana | $35 | $20.00 |
| Nebraska | $100 | $10 (Biennial) |
| Nevada | $75 | $350 (License + List) |
| New Hampshire | $100 | $100.00 |
| New Jersey | $125 | $75.00 |
| New Mexico | $50 | $0 |
| New York | $200 | $9 (Biennial) + Publication* |
| North Carolina | $125 | $200.00 |
| North Dakota | $135 | $50.00 |
| Ohio | $99 | $0 |
| Oklahoma | $100 | $25.00 |
| Oregon | $100 | $100.00 |
| Pennsylvania | $125 | $7.00 |
| Rhode Island | $150 | $50.00 |
| South Carolina | $110 | $0 |
| South Dakota | $150 | $50.00 |
| Tennessee | $300 | $300 (Minimum) |
| Texas | $300 | $0 (Most LLCs) |
| Utah | $59 | $18.00 |
| Vermont | $125 | $35.00 |
| Virginia | $100 | $50.00 |
| Washington | $200 | $60.00 |
| Washington D.C. | $99 | $300 (Biennial) |
| West Virginia | $100 | $25.00 |
| Wisconsin | $130 | $25.00 |
| Wyoming | $100 | $60.00 |
Note on New York: Beyond the $200 filing fee, New York requires a "Publication Requirement" where you must publish a notice in two newspapers for six weeks. This can add $300 to $1,500 to your total setup cost depending on the county.
Hidden Costs of LLC Formation
When you apply for an LLC, the state filing fee is rarely the only expense. To ensure your business is fully protected and compliant, factor in these common additions:
1. Registered Agent Services ($50 – $300/year)
Every LLC must have a registered agent to receive legal notices. While you can often name yourself, many owners hire a professional service to protect their privacy and ensure someone is always available to sign for documents during business hours.
2. Name Reservation ($10 – $50)
If you have found the perfect name but aren't quite ready to file your paperwork, you can pay a small fee to reserve it for 30 to 120 days.
3. Operating Agreement ($0 – $500)
While not a state fee, having a custom Operating Agreement is vital for multi-member LLCs to define ownership and prevent disputes. You can find templates online for free or hire a lawyer for a tailored document.
4. EIN (Free)
Obtaining an Employer Identification Number from the IRS is free. Be wary of third-party services that charge a premium for this simple online task.
Which States are the Most Affordable?
If your business is entirely online and you have the flexibility to choose your jurisdiction, these states are consistently ranked as the most budget-friendly for online LLC formation:
Montana: The lowest initial filing fee in the country at just $35.
Kentucky: Highly affordable at $40 with a very low $15 annual maintenance fee.
New Mexico: A $50 flat fee with absolutely no annual reporting requirements.
Arizona: Only $50 to start and no annual fees or franchise taxes.
When to Choose a High-Fee State
Higher fees don't always mean you should look elsewhere. For example:
Delaware: Despite its $300 annual tax, it is the preferred state for businesses seeking venture capital due to its sophisticated Court of Chancery.
California: While the $800 annual tax is steep, if you are physically operating in California, you are legally required to register there regardless of where the LLC was originally formed.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Understanding the costs is the first step toward successful business registration. Whether you are looking for the absolute lowest price point or the strongest legal protections, knowing the fee schedule allows you to plan your launch without the stress of hidden charges.
The Ultimate Guide to Forming Your LLC Online: A Stress-Free Path to Business Ownership