LLC filing fee and yearly cost by state
| State | Filing fee | Yearly state cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $50 | $25$25 annual statement | Expedited review available: 24-hour $50 or same-day $100 for formation documents. |
| California | $70 | $810$800 annual LLC tax + $20 Statement of Information every two years | Then file a Statement of Information ($20) within 90 days and pay the $800 annual tax. |
| Wyoming | $100 (online adds a 2.4% card fee, min $1) | $60$60 minimum license tax ($0.0002 per dollar of Wyoming assets above $300,000) | Online filings are active immediately. |
| Delaware | $110 | $400$400 annual LLC tax | Delaware LLCs also owe the annual LLC tax every June 1. |
| Georgia | $110 ($100 filing fee + $10 service charge) | $60$60 annual registration | Online filings are generally processed in about 7 business days; 2-day (+$120) and same-day (+$275) expedites available. |
| North Carolina | $125 (plus $3 card or $2 ACH e-filing fee) | $200$200 annual report ($203 online by card) | Optional expedite: $100 (24 hours) or $200 (same day). |
| New York | $200 + publication costs + $50 Certificate of Publication | $4.50$9 biennial statement every two years (plus a one-time publication requirement) | Must publish a notice in two newspapers for six weeks and file the Certificate of Publication within 120 days. |
| Texas | $300 (card payments add $0.25 + 2.25%) | $0No franchise tax at or below $2,650,000 annualized revenue; the Public Information Report is free | — |
Filing fees from each state’s official fee schedule or form instructions, verified October 18, 2026. Yearly cost = typical recurring state fees for a small LLC. More states are being added.
Every cost of starting an LLC, itemized
| Item | Typical cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee | $50–$300 in the states below | Required |
| Registered agent | $0 (yourself) or $99–$199/year for a service | Required in most states |
| EIN | $0 from the IRS | Needed for a bank account |
| Operating agreement | $0 (template) to attorney fees | Required in some states (e.g. NY) |
| Business bank account | $0/month at online banks | Strongly recommended |
| Name reservation | $10–$75 if you want to hold a name | Optional |
| Business insurance | General liability median $45/month | Usually needed |
| Local licenses and permits | Varies by city, county and industry | Depends |
How to keep LLC costs low
- File directly with the state online — it’s often fastest too (Wyoming online filings are active immediately).
- Be your own registered agent if you live in the state and accept that your address is public (rules by state).
- Get your EIN free from the IRS (how) — never pay a third party for it.
- Use a $0/month online business bank account.
- Never miss an annual report — late fees and reinstatement cost far more (penalties by state).
Mercury
$0/mo
- $0 monthly fee, no minimum balance, no opening fees
- Free ACH and free domestic wires, sent and received
- Free outgoing USD international wires
Watch out: No cash deposits
NEXT Insurance
General liability from $19/mo
- Buy online in about 10 minutes, coverage effective after payment
- Unlimited free certificates of insurance (COI), 24/7
- General liability from $19 a month
Watch out: Starting prices are not guaranteed
Gusto
From $49/mo + $6/person
- Solo plan built for paying yourself a reasonable salary as an S corp
- Unlimited payrolls with automatic tax filings
- Contractor payments and 1099s
Watch out: Per-person fee adds up with larger teams
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Verified October 18, 2026. We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, at no cost to you. How we’re funded.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC?
The state filing fee is the only unavoidable cost. In the states we cover it ranges from $50 (Michigan) to $300 (Texas). Add a registered agent if you can’t be your own ($99–$199 a year among the services we compared) and your state’s yearly fees.
What is the cheapest state to start an LLC?
Among the states in our table, Michigan has the lowest filing fee ($50). The cheapest to keep is a different question — Texas has no annual fee for most small LLCs, while California charges at least $800 a year. Best state to form an LLC.
Are there yearly costs after forming an LLC?
Yes, in most states: annual or biennial reports, franchise or LLC taxes, and registered agent fees. These recur every year — see the “yearly” column above and our state LLC fees index.
Is it cheaper to form an LLC myself?
Yes — you can file directly with the state for only the state fee. Formation services add convenience, a registered agent and compliance reminders for a fee.
Why is New York more expensive than its filing fee?
New York requires a new LLC to publish a notice in two newspapers for six weeks and file a $50 Certificate of Publication within 120 days. Newspaper costs vary by county.
Your LLC setup checklist
- Get a free EINFrom the IRS, in minutes online.
- Open a business bank accountKeep LLC money apart from yours to protect the liability shield.
- Sign an operating agreementSettle who owns and decides what before it matters.
- Get business insuranceCover what the LLC itself doesn’t protect.
- Plan your taxesKnow your tax status and federal due dates.
- Track state deadlinesFree reminders before each filing.
Everything in one list: printable LLC compliance checklist · live deadline calendar.