$200
to file the Articles of Organization
$4.50
state cost per year after
Optional
registered agent per year
How to start an LLC in New York, step by step
- Choose and check your LLC name. The name must be distinguishable from other businesses on file in New York and include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company”. Search the state’s business records first. Optional: reserve it ($20 for 60 days (two 60-day extensions, $20 each)).
- Appoint a registered agent. New York doesn’t require a registered agent — not required — the New York Secretary of State acts as every LLC's agent for service of process and mails legal papers to the address you provide. Many owners still use one so legal papers reach them reliably.
- File the Articles of Organization. File with the New York Department of State — online filing. State fee: $200 + publication costs + $50 Certificate of Publication. Must publish a notice in two newspapers for six weeks and file the Certificate of Publication within 120 days.
- Complete the LLC publication requirement (one-time). Within 120 days after your Articles of Organization take effect. Fee: $50 + newspaper costs. An LLC that misses the deadline has its authority to do business suspended. The suspension is lifted once you file the Certificate of Publication.
- Sign an operating agreement. New York law requires members to adopt a written operating agreement, before, at or within 90 days after filing the articles.
- Get an EIN from the IRS. Free, online in minutes if the responsible party has an SSN or ITIN; by phone or fax for owners outside the US.
- Open a business bank account. Keep LLC money separate from personal money. Online business accounts with $0 monthly fees are available.
- Set up a business phone, email and website. A separate number and an email on your own domain keep your personal details private and help with banks and card issuers. Virtual numbers start around $14–$15 a month.
- Get licenses, permits and insurance. Check city and county licenses for your industry, and consider general liability insurance before you start working with clients.
- Put recurring state filings on your calendar. New York biennial statement: Every two years, during the calendar month your Articles of Organization were filed ($9).
Registered agent services
Prefer to hire a registered agent in New York?
Commercial agents receive legal and state mail for you and keep your home address off public records. These are the three lowest yearly prices we verified on each provider’s site; confirm at checkout. Full comparison.
Zenind
First year: $99. After that: $99/yr.
Best for: Lowest ongoing price · non-US founders
Read our Zenind review →See New York pricingNorthwest Registered Agent
First year: $0 with $39 LLC formation, or $125. After that: $125/yr.
Best for: Privacy + business address · multi-state
Read our Northwest Registered Agent review →See New York pricingBizee
First year: $0 with LLC formation. After that: $149/yr standalone price (renewal after the free year not published).
Best for: Forming a new LLC (first year free)
Read our Bizee review →See New York pricingWe may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How we’re funded.
All New York LLC fees in one place
Every state fee a New York LLC can run into, from formation to closing. The typical recurring state cost is $4.50 a year ($9 biennial statement every two years (plus a one-time publication requirement)).
| Filing or service | State fee | When |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $200 + publication costs + $50 Certificate of Publication | Once, to form the LLC |
| Name reservation (optional) | $20 for 60 days (two 60-day extensions, $20 each) | Before forming, if you want to hold a name |
| New York biennial statement | $9 | Every two years |
| New York LLC publication requirement (one-time) | $50 + newspaper costs | Once, after formation |
| Registered agent | Not required | Ongoing |
| Change of registered agent | $30 | When you switch agents |
| Certificate of Status | $25 (+$25 / $75 / $150 for 24-hour, same-day or 2-hour service) | When a bank, lender or another state asks |
| Certificate of Assumed Name | $25 (no county fee for LLCs) | Only if you trade under another name |
| Articles of Dissolution | $60 | Once, to close the LLC |
After you form your New York LLC
Most of the work comes after formation. Open a business account, get insured and keep your yearly filings on time — missing them costs late fees and, eventually, your LLC’s good standing (New York filing details).
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
Free New York deadline reminders
We email you 60, 30 and 7 days before each filing is due.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in New York?
The state filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $200 + publication costs + $50 Certificate of Publication. New York LLC publication requirement (one-time): $50 + newspaper costs. After that, expect about $4.50 a year in state fees ($9 biennial statement every two years (plus a one-time publication requirement)), plus a registered agent if you use a service.
How long does it take to form an LLC in New York?
Processing times vary with the state’s workload; filing online is usually fastest. Check the New York Department of State — Division of Corporations for current times and expedite options.
Do I need a registered agent to start an LLC in New York?
No. You must give the Secretary of State an address where it will mail a copy of any legal process it receives for your LLC. Keep it current on your biennial statement or with a Certificate of Change.
Can I be my own registered agent in New York?
You don't need one. Many owners use a commercial agent's address so legal papers reach someone reliably and their home address stays off the record.
What does a New York LLC have to file every year?
New York biennial statement — Every two years, during the calendar month your Articles of Organization were filed. Don't file early — statements filed before that month don't count. Fee: $9.
Do I need an operating agreement in New York?
Yes — New York LLC Law § 417 requires a written operating agreement within 90 days after filing the articles of organization.
Can a non-US resident start an LLC in New York?
Yes. You don’t need to be a US citizen or resident. You’ll need a registered agent in the state, an EIN (by phone or fax without an SSN) and a bank that accepts non-resident owners.