Starting an LLC costs $35 to $500 in state filing fees
LLC filing fees run from $35 in Montana to $500 in Massachusetts, about $132 on average across the states. Most states also charge an annual or biennial report fee, and every LLC needs a registered agent. Most founders spend about $200 to $1,000 in their first year.
Cost by state (filing fee, annual fee)
| Montana | $35 filing, the lowest. |
|---|---|
| Kentucky | $40 filing. |
| Arizona | $50 filing, no annual report. |
| California | $70 filing, $800 yearly franchise tax. |
| Florida | $125 filing, $138.75 annual report. |
| Texas | $300 filing. |
| Massachusetts | $500 filing, about $500 annual report. |
| Nevada | About $425 all in to start, about $350 a year. |
| New York | $200 filing plus a publication rule that can pass $1,000. |
What pushes a quote up
| State | Filing and annual fees vary widely. |
|---|---|
| Annual fees | Some states charge $0, California $800. |
| Registered agent | Required in every state. |
| Publication | New York and a few others require it. |
| Formation service | Optional, and adds a fee. |
The cheapest state is not always cheapest for you
You usually form the LLC in the state where you run the business. If you form in a low fee state but operate elsewhere, you may also have to register as a foreign LLC in your home state and pay both states' fees.
Look at the yearly cost, not just the filing fee. California's filing fee is only $70, but its $800 yearly franchise tax makes it one of the most expensive states to keep an LLC.
Always confirm current fees on your state's Secretary of State website before filing. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.
How to judge the quote in your hand
- Check your state's filing fee on the official site.
- Check the annual fee and due date.
- Decide on a registered agent.
- Check publication rules.
- Ask about foreign registration if you form out of state.
Ways to pay less
- File directly with the state.
- Be your own registered agent if your state allows.
- Form in your home state.
- Skip add ons you do not need.
What will this cost me?
Pick the job, your state's cost level and the last detail. The estimate updates as you change them.
An estimate built from published 2026 cost guides. It is not a quote. Get a written quote before work starts.
Common questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC?
$35 to $500 in state filing fees, about $132 on average.
What is the cheapest state for an LLC?
Montana has the lowest filing fee at $35.
What is the most expensive state?
Massachusetts at $500 to file. California charges $800 a year.
How much will I spend in year one?
Most founders spend about $200 to $1,000.
Other service costs
Photo: an Unsplash contributor, Wikimedia Commons, CC0, cropped.