Forming an LLC costs anywhere from $35 to $500 in state filing fees, and the ongoing cost varies even more. Some states charge nothing each year, while California charges at least $800. The table below shows the main state fees for all 50 states and Washington, DC.
Fees are as published by LLC University (updated June 10, 2026), based on state filing offices. States change fees, so confirm on your Secretary of State’s website before filing. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
LLC filing fees and annual fees by state
| State | Filing fee | Ongoing fee | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $200 | $50 minimum | Annual |
| Alaska | $250 | $100 | Every 2 years |
| Arizona | $50 | $0 (no report) | None |
| Arkansas | $45 | $150 | Annual |
| California | $70 | $800 franchise tax + $20 statement | Annual tax; statement every 2 years |
| Colorado | $50 | $25 | Annual |
| Connecticut | $120 | $80 | Annual |
| Delaware | $110 | $400 | Annual |
| Florida | $125 | $138.75 | Annual |
| Georgia | $110 | $60 | Annual |
| Hawaii | $50 | $15 | Annual |
| Idaho | $100 | $0 (report required) | Annual report, no fee |
| Illinois | $150 | $75 | Annual |
| Indiana | $95 | $30 | Every 2 years |
| Iowa | $50 | $30 | Every 2 years |
| Kansas | $160 | $50 | Annual |
| Kentucky | $40 | $15 | Annual |
| Louisiana | $125 | $35 | Annual |
| Maine | $175 | $85 | Annual |
| Maryland | $100 | $300 | Annual |
| Massachusetts | $500 | $500 | Annual |
| Michigan | $50 | $25 | Annual |
| Minnesota | $155 | $0 (report required) | Annual report, no fee |
| Mississippi | $50 | $0 (report required) | Annual report, no fee |
| Missouri | $50 | $0 | None |
| Montana | $35 | $20 | Annual |
| Nebraska | $100 | $13 | Every 2 years |
| Nevada | $425 | $350 | Annual |
| New Hampshire | $100 | $100 | Annual |
| New Jersey | $100 | $75 | Annual |
| New Mexico | $50 | $0 | None |
| New York | $200 | $9 | Every 2 years |
| North Carolina | $125 | $200 | Annual |
| North Dakota | $135 | $50 | Annual |
| Ohio | $99 | $0 | None |
| Oklahoma | $100 | $25 | Annual |
| Oregon | $100 | $100 | Annual |
| Pennsylvania | $125 | $7 | Annual |
| Rhode Island | $150 | $50 | Annual |
| South Carolina | $110 | $0 | None (unless taxed as an S-corp) |
| South Dakota | $150 | $55 | Annual |
| Tennessee | $300 | $300 minimum | Annual |
| Texas | $300 | $0 for most LLCs (report required) | Annual report, no fee for most |
| Utah | $59 | $18 | Annual |
| Vermont | $155 | $45 | Annual |
| Virginia | $100 | $50 | Annual |
| Washington | $200 | $60 | Annual |
| Washington, DC | $99 | $300 | Every 2 years |
| West Virginia | $100 | $25 | Annual |
| Wisconsin | $130 | $25 | Annual |
| Wyoming | $100 | $60 minimum | Annual |
Cheapest and most expensive states for an LLC
Lowest filing fees: Montana ($35), Kentucky ($40), Arkansas ($45), and several states at $50 (Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico).
No ongoing state fee: Arizona, Missouri, New Mexico and Ohio. Idaho, Minnesota, Mississippi, South Carolina and most Texas LLCs also pay no report fee, though some still have to file a report.
Highest costs: Massachusetts ($500 to file and $500 a year), Nevada ($425 + $350 a year, plus a state business license), California ($70 to file but at least $800 a year in franchise tax), and Tennessee ($300 + at least $300 a year).
Other LLC costs to budget for
State filing and annual fees are only part of the cost. You may also pay for:
- Registered agent: free if you act as your own, or roughly $50–$300 a year for a service.
- Name reservation: optional, usually $10–$50.
- Publication requirement: New York, Arizona and Nebraska require new LLCs to publish a notice. In New York this can cost hundreds of dollars or more, depending on the county.
- Business licenses and permits: set by your city, county and industry.
- EIN: free from the IRS.
- Operating agreement: free to write yourself, or a lawyer’s fee.
Should you form your LLC in another state?
Forming in Delaware, Wyoming or Nevada sounds attractive, but if you do business in your home state you’ll usually also have to register there as a “foreign LLC” and pay both states’ fees. For most small businesses, forming in your home state is cheaper and simpler.
Not sure you need an LLC yet? Read LLC vs sole proprietorship and our legal considerations when setting up an LLC.
FAQ
What is the cheapest state to form an LLC?
By filing fee, Montana ($35) is the cheapest. Over several years, states with no annual fee, such as Arizona, Missouri, New Mexico and Ohio, can be cheapest overall.
How much does an LLC cost per year?
From $0 in states with no annual fee up to $800 or more in California. Add registered agent fees if you use a service.
Why is California’s LLC fee so high?
California charges an $800 minimum annual franchise tax on LLCs, plus a separate LLC fee if gross receipts exceed $250,000.
Can I form an LLC for free?
No state lets you form an LLC for free. The lowest filing fee is $35 (Montana).
Source: LLC University: LLC filing fees by state and LLC annual fees by state, both updated June 10, 2026.
