LLC Formation Cost Calculator
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Get the fillable document, the editable version, and an action checklist:
The short version (2026):
- The state filing fee is the only unavoidable cost, from $35 (Montana) to $500 (Massachusetts); most states run $50–$200.
- Everything else can be free: Serve as your own registered agent ($0), use a free operating-agreement template, and get your EIN free from the IRS (never pay for one).
- Budget for ongoing fees: Many states charge an annual report or franchise fee (California is $800/yr), while several charge $0.
- Use the calculator below to estimate your state’s year-one and ongoing cost.
LLC Formation Cost Calculator: All 50 States (2026)
How much does it cost to form an LLC? The answer depends entirely on your state. Filing fees range from $35 (Montana) to $500 (Massachusetts). But the state filing fee is only the start. Registered agents, operating agreements, EINs, and annual reports all add to the total.
Use our cost table below to find your state’s exact fees, then calculate your total formation cost.
LLC Formation Cost Calculator
Pick your state and options to estimate your year-one cost and ongoing state fees.
Estimates use 2026 state filing and annual-report fees. Your EIN is always free from the IRS, so it's not included as a cost. Registered-agent services typically run $100–$299/yr; an attorney operating agreement $500–$1,000. States adjust fees periodically, so confirm the current amount with your Secretary of State before filing.
Prefer to have your LLC set up for you? Doola handles formation, EIN, and filings step by step.
State-by-State LLC Filing Fees (2026)
Prefer the full reference next to the tool? Our master table of LLC filing fees by state lists all 51 jurisdictions with a link to each state’s own fee schedule.
| State | Formation Fee | Annual Report Fee | Annual Report Due | Total Year 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $200 | $0 (Business Privilege Tax) | April 15 | $200+ |
| Alaska | $250 | $100 (biennial) | Jan 2 (every 2 yrs) | $250 |
| Arizona | $50 | $0 | N/A | $50 |
| Arkansas | $45 | $150 | May 1 | $195 |
| California | $70 | $800 (franchise tax) + $20 | April 15 | $890 |
| Colorado | $50 | $10 | Annually (month formed) | $60 |
| Connecticut | $120 | $80 | Anniversary month | $200 |
| Delaware | $110 | $300 (franchise tax) | June 1 | $410 |
| Florida | $125 | $138.75 | May 1 | $263.75 |
| Georgia | $100 | $50 | April 1 | $150 |
| Hawaii | $50 | $15 | Annually (quarter formed) | $65 |
| Idaho | $100 | $0 | N/A | $100 |
| Illinois | $150 | $75 | Anniversary month | $225 |
| Indiana | $95 | $31 (biennial) | Anniversary month | $95 |
| Iowa | $50 | $30 (biennial) | April 1 (every 2 yrs) | $50 |
| Kansas | $75 | $5 (every 2 years) | April 15 | $75 |
| Kentucky | $40 | $15 | June 30 | $55 |
| Louisiana | $100 | $35 | Anniversary month | $135 |
| Maine | $175 | $85 | June 1 | $260 |
| Maryland | $100 | $300 (personal property return) | April 15 | $400 |
| Massachusetts | $500 | $500 | Anniversary month | $1,000 |
| Michigan | $50 | $25 | Feb 15 | $75 |
| Minnesota | $155 (online) | $0 | N/A | $155 |
| Mississippi | $50 | $0 | N/A | $50 |
| Missouri | $50 | $0 | N/A | $50 |
| Montana | $35 | $0 (annual report fee waived 2024–2027) | April 15 | $35 |
| Nebraska | $100 | $10 (biennial) | April 1 (every 2 yrs) | $100 |
| Nevada | $75 | $150 + $200 (bus. license) | Anniversary month | $425 |
| New Hampshire | $100 | $100 | April 1 | $200 |
| New Jersey | $125 | $75 | Anniversary month | $200 |
| New Mexico | $50 | $0 | N/A | $50 |
| New York | $200 | $9 (biennial) | Anniversary month | $200+ |
| North Carolina | $125 | $200 | April 15 | $325 |
| North Dakota | $135 | $50 | Nov 15 | $185 |
| Ohio | $99 | $0 | N/A | $99 |
| Oklahoma | $100 | $25 | Anniversary month | $125 |
| Oregon | $100 | $100 | Anniversary month | $200 |
| Pennsylvania | $125 | $7 (annual) | Annually | $132 |
| Rhode Island | $150 | $50 | Nov 1 | $200 |
| South Carolina | $110 | $0 | N/A | $110 |
| South Dakota | $150 | $50 | Anniversary month | $200 |
| Tennessee | $300 (min) | $300 (min) | Anniversary quarter | $600 |
| Texas | $300 | $0 (franchise tax instead) | May 15 | $300+ |
| Utah | $54 | $18 | Anniversary month | $72 |
| Vermont | $155 | $35 | Anniversary month | $190 |
| Virginia | $100 | $50 | Anniversary month | $150 |
| Washington | $200 | $60 | Anniversary month | $260 |
| West Virginia | $100 | $25 | July 1 | $125 |
| Wisconsin | $130 (online) | $25 | Quarter formed | $155 |
| Wyoming | $100 | $60 (min) | Anniversary month | $160 |
Fees current as of August 2026. States adjust fees periodically, so verify with your Secretary of State before filing.
Cheapest states to form an LLC (filing fee only): Montana ($35), Kentucky ($40), Arkansas ($45), Arizona/Colorado/Hawaii/Iowa/Michigan/Mississippi/Missouri/New Mexico ($50)
Most expensive states: Massachusetts ($500), Tennessee ($300 min), Texas ($300)
Total LLC Formation Cost Breakdown
The state filing fee is only one component. Here’s what LLC formation actually costs:
Required Costs
| Item | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee | $35-$500 | Varies by state (see table above) |
| Registered agent | $0-$299/year | You can self-serve ($0) or hire a service |
| Operating agreement | $0-$1,000 | Free template or attorney-drafted |
| EIN (Tax ID) | $0 | Free from the IRS; never pay for this |
Common Additional Costs
| Item | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual report | $0-$500/year | Some states have no annual report |
| State business license | $0-$100+ | Varies by state and city |
| DBA filing | $10-$100 | Only if operating under a different name |
| Certified copies | $5-$20 each | For banks, licenses, etc. |
| Certificate of good standing | $5-$25 | Banks and vendors may require |
| Business bank account | $0-$25/month | Many banks offer free business checking |
| Business insurance | $500-$2,000/year | General liability; strongly recommended |
Formation Service Costs (If Using an Online Service)
| Service | Basic Package | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZenBusiness | $0 + state fee | $199 + state fee | $349 + state fee |
| LegalZoom | $0 + state fee | $249 + state fee | $399 + state fee |
| Northwest | $39 + state fee | $39 + state fee | $39 + state fee |
| Bizee (formerly Incfile) | $0 + state fee | $199 + state fee | $349 + state fee |
| Doola | $297/yr + state fee (all-in-one) | $1,999/yr (Tax & Compliance) | $2,999/yr (Business-in-a-Box) |
Reading this table honestly: The $0 “basic” packages cover the state filing only; registered agent, operating agreement, and compliance are paid add-ons that quickly close the gap. Doola’s entry plan ($297/yr) instead bundles formation + EIN + registered agent + operating agreement + a US business address in one price, and it’s the only option here built for non-US / global founders, with optional bookkeeping and tax-filing tiers. Compare what is actually included, not the headline number, and remember that filing yourself is always the cheapest route.
Prefer to have your LLC set up for you? Doola handles formation, EIN, and filings step by step.
DIY vs. Online Service vs. Attorney: Cost Comparison
Option 1: DIY Formation ($35-$500)
You handle everything yourself:
- File Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State
- Get an EIN from the IRS (free)
- Draft your Operating Agreement (use our free template)
- Designate a registered agent (you can serve as your own)
- Open a business bank account
Total cost: State filing fee only
Time: 2-4 hours
Best for: Simple single-member LLCs in your home state
Option 2: Online Formation Service ($0-$399 + state fee)
The service handles filing; you provide information:
- Articles of Organization filed on your behalf
- Registered agent service included (usually 1 year free)
- Operating Agreement template provided
- EIN application assistance
- Compliance reminders for annual reports
Total cost: $0-$399 + state filing fee + registered agent renewal ($100-$299/year)
Time: 15-30 minutes of your time
Best for: Most small business owners, since it saves time and reduces errors
Option 3: Attorney Formation ($500-$2,000+)
An attorney handles everything with legal advice:
- Custom Articles of Organization
- Custom Operating Agreement tailored to your business
- Tax election advice (LLC vs. S-Corp)
- Compliance guidance specific to your industry
- Ongoing legal relationship for future questions
Total cost: $500-$2,000 + state filing fee
Time: 1-2 meetings + attorney’s filing time
Best for: Multi-member LLCs, complex businesses, regulated industries
Hidden Costs to Watch For
California’s $800 Franchise Tax
California charges an $800 minimum franchise tax every year, whether or not your LLC earns a dollar. An older first-year exemption (for LLCs formed in 2021 through 2023) has expired, so every California LLC formed in 2024 or later owes the $800 in its first year too, due by the 15th day of the fourth month after formation (see the California Franchise Tax Board). A California LLC with zero revenue still owes $800 a year.
New York’s Publication Requirement
New York LLCs must publish formation notices in two newspapers (one daily, one weekly) in the county of formation for six consecutive weeks. Cost: $200-$2,000+ depending on the county. Manhattan and NYC counties are the most expensive. This is IN ADDITION to the $200 filing fee.
Nevada’s Business License Fee
Nevada advertises no state income tax, but charges a $200 annual business license fee PLUS the $150 annual report fee = $350/year minimum in state fees. Factor this in before forming in Nevada for “tax advantages.”
Annual Report Fees
Many entrepreneurs budget for formation but forget annual obligations. States like Florida ($138.75/year), North Carolina ($200/year), and Tennessee ($300 min/year) have substantial recurring fees.
Registered Agent Renewal
Most online formation services include one year of registered agent service free, then charge $100-$299/year for renewal. Budget for this recurring cost.
Should You Form in Your Home State or Another State?
Form in Your Home State (Recommended for Most)
If you operate in one state, form there. Forming in Delaware or Wyoming while operating in California means:
- You pay Delaware/Wyoming fees AND California foreign qualification fees
- You need a registered agent in BOTH states
- You file annual reports in BOTH states
- You pay taxes in BOTH states (the state where you operate always taxes you)
Total additional cost of forming out-of-state: $200-$600/year in duplicate fees
When Another State Makes Sense
- Delaware: If you plan to raise venture capital (VCs prefer Delaware law), or if you’ll have complex multi-state operations
- Wyoming: Asset protection advantages (strong charging order protection); no state income tax on business income
- Nevada: No state income tax; privacy protections (no public member/manager listing)
The honest math: For 95% of small businesses, forming in your home state is cheaper and simpler than any out-of-state formation.
How to Minimize LLC Formation Costs
1. Self-Designate as Registered Agent (Save $100-$299/year)
In most states, any adult with a physical address in the state can serve as registered agent. Use your home or office address. Downside: your address becomes public record, and you must be available during business hours.
2. File Directly with the State (Save $0-$399)
Every Secretary of State has an online filing portal. The forms are straightforward. If your LLC is simple (single member, no special provisions), you can file in under 30 minutes.
3. Use Our Free Operating Agreement Template (Save $500-$1,000)
An attorney-drafted operating agreement costs $500-$1,000. Our free LLC operating agreement template covers single-member and multi-member LLCs with standard provisions.
4. Get Your EIN Free from the IRS (Save $50-$150)
Never pay a third party for an EIN. The IRS provides them free, instantly online, at the IRS.gov website. Some formation services charge $50-$150 for “EIN filing assistance,” which is pure markup for a free 5-minute process.
5. Choose the Right State (Save $200-$600/year)
Form in your home state unless you have a specific legal reason to form elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest state to form an LLC?
By filing fee alone: Montana ($35), Kentucky ($40), and several states at $50 (Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico). But total cost includes annual fees, and Arizona and Mississippi have no annual reports, which makes them the cheapest overall. However, if you don’t operate in those states, you’ll pay foreign qualification fees on top.
How long does LLC formation take?
Standard processing: 1-4 weeks in most states.
Expedited: 1-3 business days ($50-$100 extra).
Some states offer same-day online processing (Colorado, Wyoming, others). Online formation services typically get filings submitted within 1-2 business days.
Can I form an LLC for free?
The state filing fee cannot be avoided. However, everything else CAN be free: Self-serve as registered agent, use a free operating agreement template, get your EIN free from the IRS. Some formation services (ZenBusiness, Bizee) offer $0 basic packages where you only pay the state fee.
Do I need a lawyer to form an LLC?
For a simple single-member LLC: No.
The process is straightforward: File Articles of Organization, get an EIN, draft an operating agreement.
For multi-member LLCs, LLCs in regulated industries, or LLCs planning to elect S-Corp status, attorney consultation is recommended.
What’s the difference between formation fee and franchise tax?
The formation fee is a one-time payment to create the LLC. A franchise tax is an annual fee for the privilege of operating as an LLC in the state. Not all states have franchise taxes: California ($800/year), Delaware ($300/year), and Texas (based on revenue) are the most notable.
Is ZenBusiness or LegalZoom cheaper for LLC formation?
Both offer $0 basic packages where you pay only the state filing fee, with paid tiers ($199-$399) that add a registered agent, operating agreement, and compliance reminders. Compare what each tier actually includes rather than the headline price, since a $0 plan plus a $199/yr registered agent can cost more than an all-in-one plan that bundles everything. And filing directly with your state is always the cheapest option.
Start Your LLC Formation Today
Use the cost data above to budget for your LLC formation, or save time with an online formation service that handles everything.
Where Doola stands out:
- One flat plan ($297/yr) bundles formation, EIN, registered agent, operating agreement, and a US business address, all features the $0 packages charge extra for
- The only service compared here built for non-US / global founders
- Optional bookkeeping and tax-filing tiers if you want compliance handled too
- Money-back guarantee on formation errors
The cheapest route is always filing yourself; a done-for-you service like Doola makes sense if you’d rather have formation, EIN, and compliance handled in one place. The comparison above lays out every option so you can pick what fits.
Want formation, EIN, and registered agent handled in one place? Doola sets up your LLC end-to-end.
Sources & References
This guide is fact-checked against the following official and authoritative sources:
- Cornell LII — Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- U.S. SBA — Choose a Business Structure
- IRS — Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- California Franchise Tax Board — LLC
Fact-checked: July 2026 · ClearLegalTips editorial team. This is legal information, not legal advice.
ClearLegalTips is an independent publisher of plain-English legal guides, free document templates, and cost calculators for common U.S. legal tasks. Every article is reviewed by founder and editor Fatih Öztürk and fact-checked against official sources: statutes, court fee schedules, and government filing pages. Not a law firm; nothing here is legal advice.
