How To File An LLC In Each State And Costs
Oct 04, 2024
The Real Deal on LLC Formation Costs
Listen up, aspiring business owners! You want to form an LLC, but you're not trying to blow your life savings on paperwork. I get it. Let's break it down and see how you can start your LLC without emptying your wallet.
State-by-State LLC Fees
First things first, check out this table of LLC fees by state. It's fresh for 2024, so you know you're getting the latest info.
|
State |
LLC Filing Website |
LLC Filing Fee |
LLC Annual/Biennial Fee |
|
Alabama |
200 |
$50 minimum (every year) |
|
|
Alaska |
250 |
$100 (every 2 years) |
|
|
Arizona |
50 |
$0 (no fee and no information report) |
|
|
Arkansas |
45 |
$150 (every year) |
|
|
California |
70 |
$800 (every year) + $20 (every 2 years) |
|
|
Colorado |
50 |
$10 (every year) |
|
|
Connecticut |
120 |
$80 (every year) |
|
|
Delaware |
90 |
$300 (every year) |
|
|
Florida |
125 |
$138.75 (every year) |
|
|
Georgia |
100 |
$50 (every year) |
|
|
Hawaii |
50 |
$15 (every year) |
|
|
Idaho |
100 |
$0 (however, an information report must be filed every year) |
|
|
Illinois |
150 |
$75 (every year) |
|
|
Indiana |
95 |
$31 (every 2 years) |
|
|
Iowa |
50 |
$30 (every 2 years) |
|
|
Kansas |
160 |
$50 (every year) |
|
|
Kentucky |
40 |
$15 (every year) |
|
|
Louisiana |
100 |
$35 (every year) |
|
|
Maine |
175 |
$85 (every year) |
|
|
Maryland |
100 |
$300 (every year) |
|
|
Massachusetts |
500 |
$500 (every year) |
|
|
Michigan |
50 |
$25 (every year) |
|
|
Minnesota |
155 |
$0 (however, an information report must be filed every year) |
|
|
Mississippi |
50 |
$0 (however, an information report must be filed every year) |
|
|
Missouri |
50 |
$0 (no fee and no information report) |
|
|
Montana |
35 |
$20 (every year) |
|
|
Nebraska |
100 |
$13 (every 2 years) |
|
|
Nevada |
425 |
$350 (every year) |
|
|
New Hampshire |
100 |
$100 (every year) |
|
|
New Jersey |
125 |
$75 (every year) |
|
|
New Mexico |
50 |
$0 (no fee and no information report) |
|
|
New York |
200 |
$9 (every 2 years) |
|
|
North Carolina |
125 |
$200 (every year) |
|
|
North Dakota |
135 |
$50 (every year) |
|
|
Ohio |
99 |
$0 (no fee and no information report) |
|
|
Oklahoma |
100 |
$25 (every year) |
|
|
Oregon |
100 |
$100 (every year) |
|
|
Pennsylvania |
125 |
$7 (every year) |
|
|
Rhode Island |
150 |
$50 (every year) |
|
|
South Carolina |
110 |
$0 (no fee and no information report, unless LLC is taxed as an S-Corp ) |
|
|
South Dakota |
150 |
$50 (every year) |
|
|
Tennessee |
300 |
$300 (every year) |
|
|
Texas |
300 |
$0 for most LLCs (however a No Tax Due Report and Public Information Report must be filed every year) |
|
|
Utah |
54 |
$18 (every year) |
|
|
Vermont |
125 |
$35 (every year) |
|
|
Virginia |
100 |
$50 (every year) |
|
|
Washington |
200 |
$60 (every year) |
|
|
West Virginia |
100 |
$25 (every year) |
|
|
Wisconsin |
130 |
$25 (every year) |
|
|
Wyoming |
100 |
$60 minimum (every year) |
Hold Up! Before You Go State-Shopping
Now, you might be eyeing those cheaper states and thinking, "Jackpot!" But pump the brakes, my friend. Forming your LLC in a state just because it's cheaper can bite you in the ass later. You could end up:
- Paying way more in the long run
- Accidentally doing business illegally in your home state
- Having to file TWO LLCs (a Domestic LLC and a Foreign LLC)
Trust me, that's a headache you don't need. If you're curious about the best state to form your LLC, check out our video: "What's the Best State to Form an LLC?"
Breaking Down the Fees
Initial LLC Filing Fee
This is the one-time "Welcome to the business world" fee you pay when you file your LLC formation documents. Different states call it different things:
- Articles of Organization
- Certificate of Organization
- Certificate of Formation
But most of the time, you'll see it called "Articles of Organization."
Ongoing LLC Filing Fees
Just when you thought you were done, surprise! Most states have a "Keep your LLC alive" fee that you pay every year or two. They might call it:
- Annual Fee
- Annual Report
- Biennial Report
- Annual Franchise Tax
But usually, it's the Annual/Biennial Report.
**Pro Tip:** Don't ignore these ongoing fees! Pay them on time, or you could face late fees or even have your LLC shut down. Yeah, the state doesn't mess around.
DIY and Save
Want to keep more cash in your pocket? Consider forming your LLC yourself. It takes a bit more effort, but it can save you a chunk of change. Plus, you'll learn the ins and outs of your business structure.
Remember, starting a business isn't always glamorous. Sometimes it's about rolling up your sleeves and diving into the unsexy stuff like paperwork and fees. But trust me, it's worth it when you're running your own show.
Need more help navigating the world of LLCs and business formation? We've got your back, whether you're cleaning carpets, fixing pipes, or chasing any other entrepreneurial dream.