How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company?
in 2025?
- By
Ahmad Adil - updatedJuly 6, 2025
Deal alert! forms your LLC with Northwest for $39 (60% off). Details inside.
Thinking about launching an LLC in 2025 but not sure what the price tag looks like?
You’re not alone. A lot of aspiring business owners ask: “How much does it cost to register a company?”
Well, we’ve got you covered.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through:
The cost to start an LLC in every U.S. state
Annual/biennial fees to keep your LLC compliant
How to form an LLC for free (or close to it)
Why “cheap states” aren’t always cheaper in the long run
Let’s break down the real costs — no surprises, just clarity.
✅ Quick Summary: How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC?
LLC filing fees vary by state — in 2025, they range from $40 to $500. These are one-time costs paid when submitting your Articles of Organization to the Secretary of State. Some states also charge annual fees to maintain your LLC.
LLC Costs in 2025: What You Need to Know
One-Time Filing Fee
When you form an LLC, your first cost is the state filing fee. This is a mandatory one-time fee paid to your state government when you submit your formation paperwork.
These formation documents are usually called:
Articles of Organization
Certificate of Organization
Certificate of Formation
Regardless of the name, they serve the same purpose: officially register your company with the state.
💬 Wondering how much it costs to incorporate instead? It’s similar for corporations, but this guide focuses on LLCs — the most popular structure for small businesses.
Ongoing Annual Fees
Most states also charge annual or biennial fees to keep your LLC in good standing. These can be called:
Annual Reports
Biennial Reports
Franchise Taxes
Annual Fees
If you miss these, your LLC could face late penalties — or worse, administrative dissolution.
🔍 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for an LLC low cost solution, don’t just look at the filing fee. The ongoing cost is equally important!
Cost of LLC by State (Updated for 2025)
Here’s a handy breakdown of how much it costs to register a company — and maintain it — in all 50 states and DC:
| State LLC | Filing Fee | LLC Annual/Biennial Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama LLC | $200 | $50 minimum (every year) |
| Alaska LLC | $250 | $100 (every 2 years) |
| Arizona LLC | $50 | $0 (no fee and no information report) |
| Arkansas LLC | $45 | $150 (every year) |
| California LLC | $70 | $800 (every year) + $20 (every 2 years) |
| Colorado LLC | $50 | $10 (every year) |
| Connecticut LLC | $120 | $80 (every year) |
| Delaware LLC | $90 | $300 (every year) |
| Florida LLC | $125 | $138.75 (every year) |
| Georgia LLC | $100 | $50 (every year) |
| Hawaii LLC | $50 | $15 (every year) |
| Idaho LLC | $100 | $0 (however, an information report must be filed every year) |
| Illinois LLC | $150 | $75 (every year) |
| Indiana LLC | $95 | $31 (every 2 years) |
| Iowa LLC | $50 | $30 (every 2 years) |
| Kansas LLC | $160 | $50 (every year) |
| Kentucky LLC | $40 | $15 (every year) |
| Louisiana LLC | $100 | $35 (every year) |
| Maine LLC | $175 | $85 (every year) |
| Maryland LLC | $100 | $300 (every year) |
| Massachusetts LLC | $500 | $500 (every year) |
| Michigan LLC | $50 | $25 (every year) |
| Minnesota LLC | $155 | $0 (however, an information report must be filed every year) |
| Mississippi LLC | $50 | $0 (however, an information report must be filed every year) |
| Missouri LLC | $50 | $0 (no fee and no information report) |
| Montana LLC | $35 | $20 (every year) |
| Nebraska LLC | $100 | $13 (every 2 years) |
| Nevada LLC | $425 | $350 (every year) |
| New Hampshire LLC | $100 | $100 (every year) |
| New Jersey LLC | $125 | $75 (every year) |
| New Mexico LLC | $50 | $0 (no fee and no information report) |
| New York LLC | $200 | $9 (every 2 years) |
| North Carolina LLC | $125 | $200 (every year) |
| North Dakota LLC | $135 | $50 (every year) |
| Ohio LLC | $99 | $0 (no fee and no information report) |
| Oklahoma LLC | $100 | $25 (every year) |
| Oregon LLC | $100 | $100 (every year) |
| Pennsylvania LLC | $125 | $7 (every year) |
| Rhode Island LLC | $150 | $50 (every year) |
| South Carolina LLC | $110 | $0 (no fee and no information report, unless LLC is taxed as an S-Corp ) |
| South Dakota LLC | $150 | $50 (every year) |
| Tennessee LLC | $300 | $300 (every year) |
| Texas LLC | $300 | $0 for most LLCs (however a No Tax Due Report and Public Information Report must be filed every year) |
| Utah LLC | $59 | $18 (every year) |
| Vermont LLC | $125 | $35 (every year) |
| Virginia LLC | $100 | $50 (every year) |
| Washington LLC | $200 | $60 (every year) |
| Washington DC LLC | $99 | $300 (every 2 years) |
| West Virginia LLC | $100 | $25 (every year) |
| Wisconsin LLC | $130 | $25 (every year) |
| Wyoming LLC | $100 | $60 minimum (every year) |
📌 Average filing cost across the U.S. = $132
Cheapest State to Form an LLC?
Looking for the cheapest state to form an LLC? Some top contenders include:
| State | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Montana | $35 |
| Kentucky | $40 |
| Arkansas | $45 |
| Mississippi | $50 |
| Colorado | $50 |
| Arizona | $50 |
🚨 BUT… before you jump ship, remember: registering in a “cheap” state but operating from a different state means you’ll likely need to file a Foreign LLC, pay a second fee, and possibly hire a Registered Agent.
[Link to related article: Best State to Form an LLC in 2025]
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent?
Absolutely! One way to cut down your cost to start an LLC is to act as your own Registered Agent.
Requirements:
Must be 18+
Must have a physical address in the state where the LLC is formed (not a PO box)
Must be available during normal business hours
💡 If privacy is a concern, or you don’t live in the state you’re registering in, consider hiring a professional Registered Agent.
How to Form an LLC for Free (or Nearly Free)
Want to form an LLC on a budget? Here’s how to do it without hiring a formation service:
DIY LLC Formation Steps:
Choose your LLC name
Download and complete your state’s formation document
File it online (or by mail) with the appropriate fee
Create an Operating Agreement
Apply for a free EIN from the IRS
Stay compliant with annual reports
External link: IRS – Apply for an EIN Online
📣 Forming an LLC this way means no service fees, just state fees only. That’s how you achieve LLC low cost formation!
❓ FAQs: How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company?
1. How much does it cost to register a company in the U.S.?
It depends on the state. In 2025, filing fees range from $35 to $500. The average is about $132, plus any recurring annual or biennial report fees.
2. What is the cheapest state to register an LLC in?
Arizona, New Mexico, and Missouri offer some of the lowest LLC formation costs. However, if you don’t live or operate your business there, you may have to pay extra as a foreign LLC.
3. Can I form an LLC for free?
Technically, no state offers $0 filing — but you can save by doing it yourself and skipping paid services. And getting an EIN from the IRS is always free.
4. Do I have to pay ongoing fees after forming an LLC?
Yes. Most states require an Annual or Biennial Report, which comes with a fee. Failing to file can result in penalties or losing your LLC status.
5. How much does it cost to incorporate instead of an LLC?
Incorporation costs are similar but vary depending on the state and type of corporation (S-corp, C-corp). The key differences are in taxation and structure — not so much in filing fees.
6. Can I be my own Registered Agent to save money?
Yes! If you meet your state’s requirements, being your own agent is a great way to reduce ongoing costs.
📌 Final Thoughts: Choose Based on Where You Do Business
Even if a state is cheaper, you’ll end up paying more if you operate elsewhere. The best practice is to form your LLC in the state where you live or work, unless you have a legal or tax reason to go out of state.
