Starting an LLC is not expensive in most states, but the cost swings a lot depending on where you file. Some states are under $60. Others stack extra required fees on top of the filing.
In this guide, I’ll show you the real baseline cost by state, what else can increase your total, and how to budget it the smart way in 2026.
The Real Cost to Start an LLC
Your total startup cost usually comes down to four buckets:
- State filing fee (required). This is what you pay your Secretary of State to create the LLC.
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Required first year state extras (sometimes required). Some states tack on an initial report, business license fee, or an annual report due soon after formation.
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Registered agent (required, but you can do it yourself). You need a registered agent with a physical address in the state. You can be your own agent if you live there and are okay using your address.
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Optional help. Formation services, operating agreement templates, EIN filing help, compliance reminders, and so on.
Big callout: California has an $800 annual LLC tax for most LLCs, even if you make no money. That is not a filing fee. It’s a tax you budget for right away.
State Filing Fees to Start an LLC (State by State)
These are the state filing fees to form an LLC. Treat this as your baseline “start cost” before add ons. Fees change, so always double check your state site before you pay.
- Alabama $236
- Alaska $250
- Arizona $85
- Arkansas $45
- California $70
- Colorado $50
- Connecticut $120
- Delaware $110
- District of Columbia $99
- Florida $125
- Georgia $105
- Hawaii $51
- Idaho $103
- Illinois $153
- Indiana $97
- Iowa $50
- Kansas $166
- Kentucky $40
- Louisiana $105
- Maine $178
- Maryland $155
- Massachusetts $520
- Michigan $50
- Minnesota $155
- Mississippi $53
- Missouri $51
- Montana $35
- Nebraska $103
- Nevada $436
- New Hampshire $102
- New Jersey $129
- New Mexico $51
- New York $205
- North Carolina $128
- North Dakota $135
- Ohio $99
- Oklahoma $104
- Oregon $100
- Pennsylvania $125
- Rhode Island $156
- South Carolina $125
- South Dakota $150
- Tennessee $307
- Texas $300
- Utah $59
- Vermont $155
- Virginia $100
- Washington $200
- West Virginia $130
- Wisconsin $130
- Wyoming $103
Quick note: If you are looking for a specific state not shown above, use your Secretary of State site. Fee tables get updated all the time.
If you do not want to deal with state websites and hidden fees, Bizee and Northwest both walk you through the right filing for your state and make sure nothing gets missed. You pick your state, answer a few questions, and they handle the rest.
Starting from $0 + State Fee
Key Features
Streamlined LLC formation and compliance services
Business license registration and management
Registered agent services for ongoing compliance
Why We Recommend It
- Provides a free LLC formation service (state fees still apply)
- Free registered agent service for the first year
- Ensure that all your contracts, documents, and forms are solid without the expense of hiring a lawyer
- Fast filing process that can be completed in as little as a few minutes
Pros & Cons
- Quick and easy LLC formation process
- Comprehensive compliance tools
- Affordable pricing for small businesses
- Limited additional services compared to larger competitors
- Some services may require additional fees
- Special $39 pricing to form your company
- Well-established and trusted service
- Includes free registered agent service for 1 year ($125 value)
- Privacy is guaranteed so your info stays off public records
- Fast filing and processing times
BEST OVERALL FOR BUSINESS FORMATION
How to Cut the Cost Without Cutting Corners
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File online if your state supports it
Online filing is usually cheaper and faster. -
Skip paid add ons you do not need
You do not need an EIN service. EINs are free from the IRS. -
Use a simple operating agreement
Even if your state does not require it, you want one for banks, partners, and clean ownership rules. -
Only pay for a registered agent if you need privacy or you are out of state
If you are okay using your own address and you live in the state, you can often be your own agent.Once you join, everything runs through the Setapp app on your Mac.
Final Thoughts
Starting an LLC is not hard, but the pricing is sneaky because the filing fee is only step one. The smart move is to budget for the state fee, check if your state has any required first year extras, and then decide if you want privacy and convenience from a registered agent.
If you want the cheapest path, pick a state where you actually live and do business, file online, and keep your setup clean. If you want the easiest path, pay for help, but only for the parts that remove real risk.
