LLC Fee Check

How to start an LLC

Forming an LLC takes six steps: pick a state and name, name a registered agent, file with the state and pay its fee, get a free EIN, and keep up with the yearly filing.

Check your state's fee →

  1. Choose your state

    Each state sets its own filing fee and recurring fee. Compare them in the fee table or look one up on the home page.

  2. Pick a name

    Check that the name is available on the state's business search before you file.

  3. Name a registered agent

    Most states require a registered agent with an in-state address to receive legal papers. There are exceptions: Pennsylvania requires a registered office instead, New York requires you to designate the Secretary of State (a private agent is optional), and Minnesota and West Virginia make an agent optional. Some states charge a filing fee tied to the agent, such as Florida's $25 designation fee, which is a state fee rather than a service price.

  4. File your formation document and pay the state fee

    Most states call it Articles of Organization. Texas calls it a Certificate of Formation, and Pennsylvania a Certificate of Organization. Confirmed state filing fees run from $35 (Montana) to $500 (Massachusetts). A few states add a step: New York, Arizona and Nebraska can require a newspaper notice.

  5. Get an EIN from the IRS

    An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your LLC's federal tax ID number. It's free from the IRS EIN page, which says you never have to pay a fee for one.

  6. Keep up with the yearly filing

    Most states require an annual or biennial report, and some charge a tax instead, such as California's $800 annual tax. Missing it can bring late fees or dissolution. See when annual reports are due.

File it yourself or pay a service

File it yourself

You file directly on the state's website and pay only the state fee. You handle the forms, the registered agent and the yearly reports yourself.

Pay a formation service

A company files the paperwork for you and charges its own fee on top of the state fee. Some also sell registered agent service or report reminders, often with yearly renewals.

The state fee is the same either way. This site doesn't recommend any service.

Step-by-step guides by state

Questions

How much does it cost to start an LLC?

The state filing fee ranges from $35 in Montana to $500 in Massachusetts among confirmed figures, and Tennessee charges $50 per member ($300 minimum). Most states also charge a recurring fee.

Can I start an LLC for free?

No. Every state charges a filing fee. Services that advertise a "$0" package are not charging their own fee, but the state fee still applies.

Does an EIN cost money?

No. The IRS says you never have to pay a fee for an EIN. Paid "EIN" add-ons are a convenience service, not a government fee.

Do I need a registered agent?

Almost every state requires one. Pennsylvania requires a registered office instead, New York requires you to designate the Secretary of State (a private agent is optional), and Minnesota and West Virginia make an agent optional.