Complete LLC Cost Guide: PA, WY, MI & KS in 2026

Forming an LLC in Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Michigan, or Kansas costs between $50 and $125 in state filing fees. Pennsylvania charges $125, Wyoming $100, Michigan $50, and Kansas $165. Annual maintenance fees vary widely — Wyoming is the most affordable long-term, while Kansas and Pennsylvania carry higher ongoing costs.

LLC Formation Costs: State-by-State Breakdown

Understanding exactly what you’ll pay to form and maintain an LLC in these four states helps you budget accurately before you commit. Below is a detailed breakdown of every fee category you need to know.

Pennsylvania LLC Costs

Pennsylvania charges a $125 filing fee for Articles of Organization submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of State. Expedited processing is available for an additional $100 (same-day) or $50 (next-day). Pennsylvania does not require an annual report, which reduces ongoing maintenance costs significantly. However, the state does require a decennial report filed once every 10 years, costing $70. Pennsylvania LLCs also benefit from no annual franchise tax, making it a solid mid-cost state for long-term operations. A registered agent is required; if you hire a professional service, budget $50–$150 per year.

Wyoming LLC Costs

Wyoming is widely considered the most LLC-friendly state in the country. The Articles of Organization filing fee is $100, and Wyoming charges an annual report fee of just $60 minimum (based on assets located in Wyoming, with a $60 minimum). Wyoming imposes no state income tax, no franchise tax, and offers strong charging order protections. Expedited processing is available for $50–$100 additional. For entrepreneurs looking for the lowest long-term LLC costs, Wyoming consistently ranks at the top. Many out-of-state business owners choose Wyoming as their formation state for exactly this reason.

Michigan LLC Costs

Michigan has one of the lowest initial filing fees in the country at $50 for Articles of Organization submitted to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). However, Michigan requires an annual statement with a $25 filing fee due February 15 each year. Expedited service costs $50–$100 extra. Michigan does not impose a state-level LLC franchise tax, and the $25 annual renewal makes it one of the most affordable states for ongoing maintenance. This combination of low startup and low maintenance costs makes Michigan attractive for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.

Kansas LLC Costs

Kansas charges a $165 filing fee for Articles of Organization — the highest among these four states. An annual report is required with a $55 fee due the 15th day of the fourth month after the LLC’s fiscal year ends. Kansas also requires a registered agent with a physical Kansas address. Expedited processing is available for an additional $20–$50. While Kansas’s initial fee is higher, the state does not impose a state-level franchise tax on LLCs, which helps manage long-term costs. Kansas is a practical choice for businesses actively operating within the state.

Comparing 5-Year Total LLC Costs Across All Four States

Looking at just the filing fee gives you an incomplete picture. Smart entrepreneurs calculate the total 5-year cost of ownership before choosing a formation state. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, understanding all ongoing compliance costs is a critical step in choosing the right business structure.

Here’s a simplified 5-year cost comparison based on base fees only:

• Pennsylvania: $125 formation + $70 decennial (prorated) + registered agent = ~$425–$625 over 5 years
• Wyoming: $100 formation + ($60 × 5 annual reports) = ~$400 over 5 years (lowest ongoing cost)
• Michigan: $50 formation + ($25 × 5 annual statements) = ~$175 over 5 years (lowest total cost)
• Kansas: $165 formation + ($55 × 5 annual reports) = ~$440 over 5 years

Michigan wins on pure cost, while Wyoming wins on tax advantages and legal protections. Your business model, where you operate, and whether you need out-of-state privacy protections should all influence your decision. Use our LLC startup cost calculator to model your specific situation before filing.

Hidden Fees and Ongoing Compliance Costs to Watch For

Beyond the base filing fees, several costs catch new LLC owners off guard. Based on state agency fee schedules and compliance requirements, here are the most common additional expenses across PA, WY, MI, and KS:

• Registered Agent Services: Required in all four states. Professional services cost $50–$300/year depending on the provider.
• Operating Agreement Drafting: Not legally required in most states but strongly recommended. Attorney fees range from $150–$500+.
• Business Licenses: Local city and county licenses may be required in addition to state formation. Costs vary by municipality.
• EIN (Employer Identification Number): Free from the IRS, but third-party services may charge $50–$100 unnecessarily.
• Foreign Qualification: If you form in Wyoming but operate in Pennsylvania, you’ll pay Pennsylvania’s foreign LLC registration fee of $250 on top of Wyoming’s fees.

According to the SBA’s business registration guide, many new business owners underestimate first-year compliance costs by 30–50%. Planning for these hidden fees from day one prevents cash flow surprises. You can also explore our annual LLC fee calculator to estimate your recurring compliance costs year by year.

How to Use the Calculator to Estimate Your LLC Costs

Our LLC cost calculator tools are built around official state fee schedules and updated annually to reflect legislative changes. To get your personalized estimate, visit the LLC cost by state calculator and follow these steps:

1. Select your target formation state (PA, WY, MI, or KS).
2. Enter your expected business start date to calculate prorated annual fees.
3. Indicate whether you need expedited processing.
4. Add optional services like registered agent and operating agreement drafting.
5. Review your 1-year and 5-year total cost projections.

The calculator pulls from current state agency fee schedules and flags any upcoming fee changes so your estimate reflects what you’ll actually pay in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which of these four states is cheapest to form an LLC in 2026?

Michigan has the lowest formation fee at $50 and the lowest 5-year total cost at approximately $175 in base fees. Wyoming is the most affordable when factoring in tax advantages and asset protection benefits for businesses operating nationally.

Do I have to form my LLC in the state where I live?

No. You can form an LLC in any state, but if you operate in a different state, you’ll typically need