LLC Cost Calculator by State (2026)

Last updated: 2026-03-28

How much does it cost to form and maintain an LLC? It depends entirely on your state. Filing fees range from $35 to $500, and annual costs vary even more once you factor in annual reports, franchise taxes, and registered agent fees. Use the calculator below to get a complete cost breakdown for your state — including the true 5-year cost of ownership.

LLC Cost Calculator

Select your state and options to see a full breakdown of formation and ongoing LLC costs.

State

Expedited filingRegistered agent service($125/yr typical)

Costs shown are based on standard Secretary of State filing fees and typical commercial registered agent pricing. Actual costs may vary. Some states charge additional fees for name reservations, certified copies, or operating agreement filing. This calculator provides estimates only — not legal or financial advice.

How to Use This Calculator

Select your state from the dropdown. All 50 states plus Washington, DC are included.
Choose your options:check "Expedited filing" if you need faster processing, and leave "Registered agent service" checked if you plan to use a commercial registered agent (recommended for most businesses).
Click "Calculate Costs" to see your one-time formation costs, annual recurring costs, Year 1 total, and projected 5-year cost of ownership.
Review special notesfor your state. Some states have unique requirements (like New York's publication mandate or California's franchise tax) that significantly affect total cost.

What Does It Cost to Form an LLC?

The total cost to form and maintain an LLC has several components. Here is what you should budget for:

Articles of Organization

The state filing fee to officially create your LLC. This is a one-time cost ranging from $35 (Montana) to $500 (Massachusetts). Most states charge $50-$200.

Registered Agent

Every LLC must have a registered agent in its state of formation. Commercial services typically cost $100-$300/year. You can act as your own agent in most states.

Annual Report

Most states require an annual or biennial report to keep your LLC in good standing. Fees range from $0 (Arizona, New Mexico) to $500 (Massachusetts).

Franchise Tax

Some states charge a separate franchise or privilege tax. California ($800/year), Delaware ($300/year), and Nevada ($200 business license) are notable examples.

Cheapest States to Form an LLC

These five states have the lowest estimated Year 1 LLC costs (including filing fee, registered agent, and first-year annual costs):

Rank	State	Filing Fee	Annual Report	Est. Year 1
1	Arizona	$50	$0 (none)	$175
2	Mississippi	$50	$0 (none)	$175
3	Missouri	$50	$0	$175
4	New Mexico	$50	$0 (none)	$175
5	Kentucky	$40	$15	$180

Year 1 estimate includes filing fee + $125 registered agent + annualized report fee + franchise tax (if any).

Most Expensive States for LLCs

These five states have the highest estimated Year 1 LLC costs:

Rank	State	Filing Fee	Annual Report	Est. Year 1
1	Massachusetts	$500	$500	$1,125
2	California	$70	$20/2yr	$1,005
3	Tennessee	$300	$300	$725
4	Nevada	$75	$150	$550
5	Maryland	$100	$300	$525

Year 1 estimate includes filing fee + $125 registered agent + annualized report fee + franchise tax (if any). Does not include New York publication costs (~$1,500).

Hidden Costs to Watch For

New York Publication Requirement ($300-$1,500+)

New York is the only state that requires LLCs to publish a formation notice in two newspapers for six consecutive weeks. The cost depends on your county — Manhattan and Brooklyn can exceed $1,500, while Albany County may cost as little as $300. Failure to publish within 120 days can result in suspension of your LLC's authority to conduct business.

California Franchise Tax ($800/year)

California imposes an $800 minimum annual franchise tax on all LLCs, regardless of income. This applies even if your LLC earns $0. The tax is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after forming and annually on April 15 thereafter. LLCs with income over $250,000 pay an additional fee on top of the $800 minimum.

Nevada State Business License ($200/year)

While Nevada has no state income tax (a common selling point), it does require a $200/year state business license on top of the $150/year annual report fee. Combined with a $75 filing fee, Nevada's total costs are higher than many business owners expect.

Foreign LLC Registration

If you form your LLC in one state but do business in another, you must register as a "foreign LLC" in each state where you operate. This means paying filing fees and annual fees in multiple states, plus maintaining a registered agent in each. For most small businesses, forming in your home state is the most cost-effective approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to form an LLC?

LLC formation costs vary widely by state. Filing fees range from $35 (Montana) to $500 (Massachusetts). Most states fall between $50 and $200. On top of the filing fee, you may also need a registered agent ($100-$300/year) and must pay ongoing annual report fees.

What is the cheapest state to form an LLC?

Kentucky ($40 filing + $15/year annual report), Montana ($35 filing + $20/year), and Arizona ($50 filing + $0 annual report) are among the cheapest. However, if you do business in another state, you will likely need to register as a foreign LLC there too, adding cost.

Do I need a registered agent for my LLC?

Yes, every state requires LLCs to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state. You can serve as your own registered agent in most states, but many business owners prefer a commercial service ($100-$300/year) for privacy and reliability.

What is an annual report fee?

Most states require LLCs to file an annual or biennial report to keep their business information current. The fee ranges from $0 (Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico) to $500 (Massachusetts). Missing this filing can result in your LLC being dissolved by the state.

Why is California so expensive for LLCs?

California imposes an $800/year minimum franchise tax on all LLCs regardless of income, in addition to the $70 filing fee and $20 biennial Statement of Information. This makes California one of the most expensive states for LLC maintenance, though the first-year franchise tax may be waived for newly formed LLCs.

What is the New York LLC publication requirement?

New York requires all new LLCs to publish a notice of formation in two newspapers (one daily, one weekly) for six consecutive weeks within 120 days of formation. Depending on the county, this can cost $300 to over $1,500. Albany and other upstate counties tend to be cheaper than New York City boroughs.

Can I form my LLC in a different state than where I live?

Yes, but it rarely saves money for small businesses. If you form in Delaware or Wyoming but do business in your home state, you must also register as a foreign LLC in your home state, paying fees in both states plus maintaining two registered agents. This only makes sense for larger businesses with specific legal or tax strategies.

What happens if I do not pay my LLC annual report fee?

If you fail to file your annual report and pay the associated fee, your state can administratively dissolve your LLC. This means you lose your liability protection and your business name. Most states give you a grace period and charge a late fee before dissolution, but it is important to stay current.

Are there any hidden costs when forming an LLC?

Beyond state filing fees, common additional costs include: registered agent service ($100-$300/year), EIN application (free from IRS), operating agreement (free if DIY, $500-$1,500 for an attorney), business licenses and permits (varies by city/county), and in New York, the publication requirement ($300-$1,500+).

How long does it take to form an LLC?

Standard processing times vary from same-day (many states with online filing) to 4-6 weeks (New York, California). Most states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, which can reduce wait times to 1-3 business days.