How Much Does it Cost to start LLC (Full Guide)
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LLC Filing Fees by State (2025 Guide)
Compare LLC filing costs in all 50 states. Find the cheapest states to form an LLC, and learn about initial filing fees, annual reports, and more.
✅ 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.
💡 What Are LLC Filing Fees?
LLC filing fees are the state-imposed costs for officially forming a Limited Liability Company. You typically pay these when filing your Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation.
💬 Also known as: LLC startup fee, formation cost, registration fee
📝 Key Points:
Paid to the Secretary of State (or similar office)
Required whether you file online or by mail
One-time fee — but annual maintenance fees may follow
Does not include optional services (registered agent, EIN, etc.)
📍 LLC Filing Fees by State (2025 Chart)
LLC filing fees range from $35 to $500. As of 2025,
| 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) |
🏆 Cheapest States to Form an LLC
If your primary concern is low startup cost, consider:
| State | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
|
Montana |
$35 |
|
Kentucky |
$40 |
|
Arkansas |
$45 |
|
Mississippi |
$50 |
|
Colorado |
$50 |
|
Arizona |
$50 |
These states offer the lowest LLC filing fees in 2025.
🚫 States With the Highest LLC Fees
High-fee states may still be worth it if you’re doing business there, but be aware:
| State | Filing Fee | Total First-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
Massachusetts |
$500 |
$1000+ with annual |
|
Nevada |
$425 |
$775+ |
|
California |
$70 |
$870 (w/ Franchise Tax) |
|
Texas |
$300 |
Varies by revenue |
🔁 What About Annual LLC Fees?
Even after paying the initial filing fee, you’ll face recurring costs to maintain your LLC:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
|
Annual Report Fee |
Yearly compliance document with fee |
|
Franchise Tax |
Business privilege tax in some states |
|
Registered Agent |
Must maintain a service or person in-state |
💡 States like Mississippi, Arizona, and Texas have no annual report fees.
🔎 Related Costs You Might Encounter
Name Reservation (Optional): $10–$50
Registered Agent Fees: $0 (DIY) to $150/year
EIN (Employer ID Number): Free from IRS
Operating Agreement: Free if self-made
❓ FAQs: People Also Ask
1. What is the average LLC filing fee in the U.S.?
The average is around $132, but varies widely by state.
2. Which state has the cheapest LLC filing fee?
Montana, at just$35 and Kentucky, at just $40 in 2025.
3. What is included in the LLC filing fee?
It typically covers the state processing of your Articles of Organization.
4. Can I start an LLC without paying a filing fee?
No. Every state requires at least a minimal payment.
5. What happens if I don't pay annual LLC fees?
Your LLC could be dissolved or placed in bad standing.
6. Can I get an LLC filing fee waived?
Most states do not waive LLC filing fees — but some offer discounts for veterans.
7. Is the LLC filing fee tax deductible?
Yes. It’s a business startup expense and usually deductible.
8. Are online LLC filing fees cheaper?
Not usually — they’re typically the same as paper filings.
9. Does hiring an LLC formation service affect filing fees?
No — they charge extra on top of the state filing fee.
10. Can I file for an LLC in a different state to save money?
You can, but you’ll pay foreign LLC registration fees in your home state.
📌 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.
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We specialize in guiding individuals through the process of forming LLCs across all states, while also offering a range of comprehensive business services tailored to entrepreneurs.
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- support@tostartanllc.com
- +1 (646) 347-3833
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