Updated May 2026 All 50 States

LLC Filing Fees by State 2026

Compare every state's LLC formation cost — filing fees, annual reports, publication requirements, and franchise taxes — to find the best state for your business.

$35

Lowest fee (Montana)

$500

Highest fee (Massachusetts)

States with no annual fee

States require publication

LLC Formation Cost Calculator

Select your state to see filing fees, annual report costs, and formation gotchas.

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LLC Formation Costs — All 50 States

Year-1 estimate includes filing fee + publication (if required) + franchise tax. Annual report fees recur each year after formation.

State Filing Fee at a Glance

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LLC Filing Fee — 2026 · Official state government sources

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How to Choose the Best State for Your LLC

The cheapest states to form an LLC by filing fee alone include Kentucky ($40), Colorado ($50), and Arkansas ($45). However, the total cost picture includes more than just the initial filing fee.

Here's what to consider when choosing where to form your LLC:

Filing fee: One-time cost to register your LLC with the state. Ranges from $50 to $500+.
Annual report / biennial fee: Recurring fee to keep your LLC in good standing. Some states (like New Mexico) charge no annual fee.
Publication requirement: Three states — New York, Arizona, and Nebraska — require you to publish notice of your LLC formation in local newspapers. NY costs can exceed $1,200 in NYC.
Franchise tax: Some states charge an annual minimum franchise or privilege tax regardless of revenue (e.g., Delaware's $300/year minimum).
Registered agent: Every LLC needs a registered agent in its state of formation. Budget $50–$150/year if using a commercial service.

Should You Form in Delaware or Wyoming?

Delaware and Wyoming are popular among startups and investors for their business-friendly laws and strong privacy protections. However, if you're a small local business, forming in your home state is usually simpler and cheaper — you'll avoid paying fees in two states.

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Need a Registered Agent?

Every LLC needs a registered agent in its formation state. Compare registered agent services starting from $49/year.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to form an LLC?

LLC formation costs vary by state. Filing fees range from $35 (Montana, Kentucky) to $500 (Massachusetts), with most states charging between $50 and $150. Beyond the state filing fee, ongoing costs may include annual report fees, publication requirements (New York, Arizona), and registered agent fees ($0–$150/year).

Do I have to pay for my LLC every year?

Most states require LLCs to file an annual or biennial report and pay a fee to stay in good standing. Fees range from $0 (New Mexico has no annual report requirement) to $800+ (California's annual minimum franchise tax). Failure to file can result in your LLC being administratively dissolved.

How often do you renew your LLC?

The renewal schedule depends on your state. Most states require an annual report (every year), some require a biennial report (every two years), and a few have no periodic filing requirement at all. Check our LLC Formation Cost calculator to see your state's specific schedule and fees.

What is included in the total cost of forming an LLC?

Total LLC formation costs typically include: (1) state filing fee, (2) registered agent fee if you use a service, (3) operating agreement drafting, (4) publication costs if required (New York and Arizona require this), and (5) EIN registration — which is free through the IRS. Some states also charge an initial report fee separate from the annual report.

What is the cheapest state to form an LLC?

Montana and Kentucky have the lowest filing fees at $35. New Mexico has no annual report requirement, making it cheap to maintain long-term. Wyoming is popular for low fees and strong privacy protections. However, if you're operating in a specific state, forming there is usually simpler and avoids foreign qualification fees.

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

Yes — you can form an LLC in any state regardless of where you live. However, if you're actually operating in your home state, you'll likely need to register as a foreign LLC there too, which means paying fees in both states. For most small businesses, forming in your home state is simpler and more cost-effective.

Do I need a registered agent for my LLC?

Yes — every LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in the state of formation. You can serve as your own registered agent (if you have a physical in-state address), use a trusted person, or hire a registered agent service ($50–$150/year). A registered agent receives legal documents and official state mail on behalf of your LLC.

What is the difference between LLC filing fees and annual report fees?

The filing fee is a one-time charge to form the LLC with the state. Annual (or biennial) report fees are ongoing charges to maintain the LLC in good standing — typically paid every one or two years. Some states, like California, also impose annual franchise taxes on top of report fees. Our calculator breaks all three costs down side by side.