How Much Does It Cost to Form an LLC in 2026? State-by-State Filing Fees
LLC formation costs vary dramatically by state — from $40 in Kentucky to $500 in Massachusetts. This guide covers exact state filing fees, annual report costs, and registered agent fees for all 50 states, so you know the true cost of forming an LLC before you file.
Quick Answer: LLC Formation Cost Summary
- Average state filing fee: $100–$150
- Cheapest state filing fee: $40 (Kentucky)
- Most expensive state filing fee: $520 (Massachusetts)
- Registered agent (annual): $50–$150
- Typical Year 1 total: $200–$500 (most states)
- New York special note: Additional publication requirement adds $300–$2,000
1. What's Included in LLC Formation Costs
The total cost to form an LLC has several components. The state filing fee is the mandatory, one-time fee paid to the Secretary of State (or equivalent agency) to officially register your LLC. But that's rarely the only expense.
- 1.State filing fee (Articles of Organization): One-time cost to register the LLC. Ranges from $40–$520 depending on the state.
- 2.Annual report / franchise tax fee: Most states require annual renewal. Costs range from $0 (New Mexico has none) to $800 (Delaware annual franchise tax minimum).
- 3.Registered agent service: Required in every state. You can serve as your own (free) or use a commercial service ($50–$150/year).
- 4.Operating agreement: Not filed with the state but strongly recommended. DIY is free; attorney-drafted costs $200–$1,000.
- 5.EIN application: Free via the IRS website. Required if you have employees or want a business bank account.
For this guide, we focus on the state filing fee, annual report fee, and registered agent cost — the three costs every LLC owner must pay regardless of their operating model.
2. State-by-State LLC Filing Fee Table (All 50 States)
The table below shows the Articles of Organization filing fee, annual report fee, and estimated Year 1 total cost (including a $100 registered agent service) for all 50 states.
| State | Filing Fee | Annual Report Fee | Reg. Agent (avg) | Year 1 Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $200 | $50 | $100 | $350 |
| Alaska | $250 | $100 | $100 | $450 |
| Arizona | $50 | $0 | $100 | $150 |
| Arkansas | $45 | $150 | $100 | $295 |
| California | $70 | $800 (min) | $100 | $970 |
| Colorado | $50 | $10 | $100 | $160 |
| Connecticut | $120 | $80 | $100 | $300 |
| Delaware | $110 | $300 (min) | $100 | $510 |
| Florida | $125 | $138.75 | $100 | $364 |
| Georgia | $100 | $50 | $100 | $250 |
| Hawaii | $50 | $15 | $100 | $165 |
| Idaho | $100 | $0 | $100 | $200 |
| Illinois | $150 | $75 | $100 | $325 |
| Indiana | $95 | $31 | $100 | $226 |
| Iowa | $50 | $30 | $100 | $180 |
| Kansas | $160 | $55 | $100 | $315 |
| Kentucky | $40 | $15 | $100 | $155 |
| Louisiana | $105 | $30 | $100 | $235 |
| Maine | $175 | $85 | $100 | $360 |
| Maryland | $100 | $300 | $100 | $500 |
| Massachusetts | $520 | $500 | $100 | $1,120 |
| Michigan | $50 | $25 | $100 | $175 |
| Minnesota | $135 | $0 | $100 | $235 |
| Mississippi | $50 | $0 | $100 | $150 |
| Missouri | $50 | $0 | $100 | $150 |
| Montana | $35 | $15 | $100 | $150 |
| Nebraska | $100 | $13 | $100 | $213 |
| Nevada | $75 | $350 | $100 | $525 |
| New Hampshire | $100 | $100 | $100 | $300 |
| New Jersey | $125 | $75 | $100 | $300 |
| New Mexico | $50 | $0 | $100 | $150 |
| New York | $200 | $9 | $100 | $309+ |
| North Carolina | $125 | $202 | $100 | $427 |
| North Dakota | $135 | $50 | $100 | $285 |
| Ohio | $99 | $0 | $100 | $199 |
| Oklahoma | $100 | $25 | $100 | $225 |
| Oregon | $100 | $100 | $100 | $300 |
| Pennsylvania | $125 | $70 | $100 | $295 |
| Rhode Island | $150 | $50 | $100 | $300 |
| South Carolina | $110 | $0 | $100 | $210 |
| South Dakota | $150 | $50 | $100 | $300 |
| Tennessee | $300 | $300 | $100 | $700 |
| Texas | $300 | $0* | $100 | $400 |
| Utah | $76 | $18 | $100 | $194 |
| Vermont | $125 | $35 | $100 | $260 |
| Virginia | $100 | $50 | $100 | $250 |
| Washington | $230 | $60 | $100 | $390 |
| West Virginia | $100 | $25 | $100 | $225 |
| Wisconsin | $130 | $25 | $100 | $255 |
| Wyoming | $100 | $52 | $100 | $252 |
* Texas LLCs with annualized gross revenue under $2.47M pay no franchise tax. Fees are subject to change; always verify with the official Secretary of State website before filing.
3. Key State Deep Dives
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Florida?
Florida LLC formation costs $125 for the Articles of Organization, filed with the Florida Division of Corporations (sunbiz.org). Florida processes most online filings within 1–3 business days.
- Articles of Organization filing fee: $125
- Annual report (due by May 1 each year): $138.75
- Late annual report penalty: +$400
- Registered agent: $100/year (commercial service)
- Total Year 1: ~$364
Florida is one of the more affordable major states for LLC formation. No state income tax on LLC members makes Florida particularly attractive for pass-through income. Search Florida business registrations on Corporate.AI →
How much does it cost to form an LLC in New York?
New York is among the most expensive states to form an LLC due to a unique publication requirement. The Articles of Organization filing fee is $200, but New York LLCs must publish a formation notice in two designated newspapers for six consecutive weeks.
- Articles of Organization: $200
- Publication requirement: $300–$2,000+ (varies by county; Manhattan is most expensive)
- Certificate of Publication (after publishing): $50
- Annual filing fee: $9 (for LLCs with income under $100,000)
- Registered agent: $100/year
- Total Year 1: $659–$2,359
Albany and upstate counties have significantly lower publication costs ($300–$600) vs. Manhattan ($1,500–$2,000). The publication requirement is unique to New York — no other state imposes it. Search New York business registrations →
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Texas?
Texas LLC formation costs $300 for the Certificate of Formation filed with the Texas Secretary of State. Texas has no personal income tax, making it favorable for LLC owners.
- Certificate of Formation (Form 205): $300
- Franchise tax: $0 for LLCs with gross receipts under $2.47M/year
- Public Information Report: Free (filed annually with franchise tax return)
- Registered agent: $100/year
- Total Year 1: ~$400
Texas's $300 filing fee is on the higher end, but no franchise tax for small LLCs and no personal income tax make it competitive for growing businesses. Search Texas business registrations →
How much does it cost to form an LLC in California?
California is the most expensive state for ongoing LLC costs due to its $800 minimum annual franchise tax, which applies to nearly all LLCs regardless of income.
- Articles of Organization: $70
- Minimum annual franchise tax: $800 (due by 15th day of 4th month)
- Statement of Information (every 2 years): $20
- Registered agent: $100/year
- Total Year 1: ~$970
New LLCs formed after January 1, 2021 are exempt from the $800 minimum franchise tax for the first year of operation under AB 85. However, the tax applies from year two onward. Search California business registrations →
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Illinois?
Illinois LLC formation costs $150 for the Articles of Organization, filed with the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Articles of Organization: $150
- Annual report: $75
- Registered agent: $100/year
- Total Year 1: ~$325
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Colorado?
Colorado is one of the most affordable states for LLC formation, with a $50 filing fee and just $10 annual report fee.
- Articles of Organization: $50
- Periodic report (annual): $10
- Registered agent: $100/year
- Total Year 1: ~$160
Colorado's low fees and streamlined online filing system (sos.colorado.gov) make it very startup-friendly. Search Colorado business registrations →
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Washington State?
Washington LLC formation costs $230 for the Certificate of Formation, filed with the Washington Secretary of State.
- Certificate of Formation: $230
- Annual report: $60
- Registered agent: $100/year
- Total Year 1: ~$390
Washington has no personal income tax, which benefits LLC owners taking pass-through income. B&O (Business & Occupation) tax applies to gross revenue but not profits. Search Washington business registrations →
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Oregon?
Oregon LLC formation costs $100 for the Articles of Organization, filed with the Oregon Secretary of State.
- Articles of Organization: $100
- Annual renewal: $100
- Registered agent: $100/year
- Total Year 1: ~$300
5. Registered Agent Fees
Every LLC must designate a registered agent — an individual or company with a physical street address in the state of formation who is available during normal business hours to receive legal documents and official government notices.
You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a physical address in the state (not a P.O. Box), but commercial registered agent services offer privacy and convenience for about $50–$150/year. Popular providers include Northwest Registered Agent ($125/year), Registered Agents Inc. ($100/year), and CT Corporation ($250+/year for enterprise clients).
If you form your LLC in a different state than where you operate — a common strategy for Delaware or Wyoming formation — you'll need a registered agent in the formation state and must register as a foreign LLC in your operating state (which requires another registered agent there).
6. Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to form an LLC?
Standard processing times range from 1–3 business days (Florida, Delaware) to 2–3 weeks (California, New York). Most states offer expedited same-day or next-day processing for an additional fee of $25–$100.
Is it cheaper to form an LLC in Delaware or Wyoming?
Delaware ($110 filing, $300/year minimum franchise tax) and Wyoming ($100 filing, $52/year annual report) are popular for their flexible laws, but if you operate in another state, you'll pay both the formation state's fees and foreign LLC registration fees in your operating state. For small businesses operating in one state, forming in your home state is usually cheaper overall.
Can I form an LLC online?
Yes, all 50 states accept online LLC formation filings. Most states process online filings faster than paper filings. Use the official Secretary of State website for your state to file directly and avoid third-party formation service markups.
What is the annual report fee for an LLC?
Annual report fees range from $0 (Arizona, Idaho, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina have no annual report requirement) to $800+ (California's minimum franchise tax). Most states charge $25–$150 per year.
Do I need an attorney to form an LLC?
No, you don't need an attorney to file Articles of Organization — the state forms are straightforward. However, an attorney can help draft a comprehensive operating agreement, especially for multi-member LLCs with complex ownership structures, profit-sharing arrangements, or buy-sell provisions.
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