Cost of LLC by State: PA, WY, MI, and KS Compared for 2026

Why State Filing Fees Matter When Starting an LLC

When you decide to form a limited liability company, the state you choose to register in has a direct impact on your startup costs and ongoing annual expenses. The cost of LLC by state varies dramatically — from as low as $100 in some states to several hundred dollars in others. For entrepreneurs comparing Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Michigan, and Kansas, the differences are meaningful enough to influence where you decide to register your business. (Related: How to Start a Business in Indiana: LLC Formation Costs and State-Specific Requirements) (Related: Sole Proprietor vs LLC: Real Costs, Risks & How to Choose) (Related: 7 Hidden Costs of LLC Formation Most Entrepreneurs Overlook in 2026) (Related: Cost breakdown and LLC formation requirements for 17 popular small business ideas) (Related: Essential Guide to LLC Post-Formation Costs in 2026) (Related: Complete Guide to Non-Profit LLC Formation Costs in 2026)

This guide breaks down every major cost you need to know for forming and maintaining an LLC in PA, WY, MI, and KS, so you can make a financially smart decision from day one.

Pennsylvania LLC Cost: Filing Fees and Ongoing Expenses

Pennsylvania charges a $125 filing fee to submit your Certificate of Organization with the Pennsylvania Department of State. This is a one-time fee paid at the time of formation. Compared to many other states, this is a moderate upfront cost, though Pennsylvania adds some complexity that can increase your total expenses.

One important requirement unique to Pennsylvania is the mandatory publication rule. After forming your LLC, you are required to advertise your new business in two local newspapers — one general and one legal — for three consecutive weeks. This publication requirement can add anywhere from $200 to over $1,000 depending on the county where your LLC is located. Philadelphia County tends to be the most expensive for this requirement, while rural counties are significantly cheaper.

Pennsylvania does not charge an annual report fee in the traditional sense, but it does require LLCs to file a decennial report every ten years, which currently costs $70. While that sounds minor, the publication requirement remains the biggest hidden cost surprise for new Pennsylvania LLC owners.

Wyoming LLC Cost: The Affordable Favorite for Business Owners

Wyoming has earned a strong reputation as one of the most business-friendly states in the country, and its LLC costs reflect that philosophy. The state charges a $100 filing fee to file your Articles of Organization with the Wyoming Secretary of State. That is among the lowest initial filing fees of any state in the nation.

Wyoming also charges an annual report fee to maintain your LLC in good standing. This fee is calculated based on the value of assets located in Wyoming, with a minimum of $60 per year. For most small businesses, especially those using Wyoming as a holding company or privacy vehicle, the annual cost stays right at that $60 minimum.

Wyoming offers zero state income tax, zero franchise tax on LLCs, and strong asset protection laws. This makes it a popular choice not only for Wyoming residents but also for out-of-state entrepreneurs forming a foreign LLC. If you register a Wyoming LLC but operate in another state, remember you will likely also need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state, which adds another $50 to $300 in fees depending on where you operate.

Michigan LLC Cost: Reasonable Fees With Simple Maintenance

Michigan is one of the more affordable states for LLC formation on the East-Central side of the country. The state charges a $50 filing fee to submit your Articles of Organization with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). This is one of the lowest base filing fees among all 50 states, making Michigan an attractive option for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.

Michigan requires LLCs to file an annual statement each year, which currently costs $25. That annual maintenance cost is exceptionally low, meaning the total first-year cost for a straightforward Michigan LLC can be as little as $75 when you include the initial filing and first annual statement.

Michigan does not impose a separate franchise tax on LLCs, and the state’s business registration process is relatively quick, often processing online filings within one to two business days. For small businesses and sole proprietors looking to formalize their operations without a large upfront investment, Michigan offers a genuinely low-cost pathway to liability protection.

Kansas LLC Cost: Straightforward Pricing in the Midwest

Kansas charges a $160 filing fee to file your Articles of Organization with the Kansas Secretary of State. This is the highest initial filing fee of the four states covered in this guide, though it remains reasonable compared to states like Massachusetts ($500) or Nevada ($425).

Kansas requires an annual report with a fee of $55 per year for online filing. Paper filings cost slightly more at $65. The annual report is due each year by the 15th day of the fourth month following your LLC’s fiscal year close, so most calendar-year businesses will have an April deadline.

Kansas does not have a publication requirement like Pennsylvania, and its formation process is entirely online through the Kansas Business Center portal. For entrepreneurs already operating in Kansas or serving a Kansas-based market, registering locally avoids the additional cost and complexity of filing as a foreign LLC in a second state.

Side-by-Side Comparison: PA vs. WY vs. MI vs. KS

Here is a clear breakdown of the core costs across all four states to help you compare at a glance:

Pennsylvania: $125 formation fee + $200 to $1,000+ publication requirement + $70 decennial report fee every 10 years.

Wyoming: $100 formation fee + $60 minimum annual report fee. No state income tax or franchise tax.

Michigan: $50 formation fee + $25 annual statement fee. One of the lowest total-cost options in the country.

Kansas: $160 formation fee + $55 annual report fee. Higher upfront cost but no hidden publication requirements.

When comparing true first-year costs, Michigan is the clear winner at roughly $75. Wyoming comes in second at around $160 for residents. Kansas totals approximately $215, while Pennsylvania can exceed $1,200 once the publication requirement is factored in. Use our free LLC cost calculator to generate an exact cost estimate based on your specific county and business situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest state to form an LLC in among PA, WY, MI, and KS?

Michigan has the lowest combination of formation and annual fees, costing just $50 to file and $25 per year to maintain. If you are already operating in Michigan, it is almost always the most cost-effective choice. Wyoming is the better option if you are seeking privacy protections or tax advantages and do not need to operate in a specific state.

Does Pennsylvania really require newspaper publication for an LLC?

Yes, Pennsylvania law requires new LLCs to publish a notice of formation in two newspapers for three consecutive weeks. The cost varies widely by county, from around $200 in rural areas to over $1,000 in Philadelphia. This is one of the most significant hidden costs for Pennsylvania LLC owners and should be budgeted for before you file.

Can I form a Wyoming LLC even if I live in Pennsylvania, Michigan, or Kansas?

Yes, any U.S. resident can form an LLC in Wyoming regardless of where they live. However, if you are actively conducting business in your home state, you will typically need to register your Wyoming LLC as a foreign entity there, paying that state’s foreign registration fee as well. This adds cost and compliance requirements, so weigh the benefits carefully.

Are there any other fees I should expect beyond the state filing fee?

Yes, most LLCs also need a registered agent, which costs between $49 and $300 per year if you use a professional service. You may also pay for an operating agreement, an EIN (free from the IRS), business licenses, and potentially a local city or county business permit. These costs apply in all four states and should be included in your total budget.

How often do I need to pay fees to keep my LLC active in these states?

Wyoming, Michigan, and Kansas all require annual filings to keep your LLC in good standing, with fees due once per year. Pennsylvania uses a unique decennial report system, meaning you only file a maintenance report every ten years for $70 — though the one-time publication requirement at formation is a significant upfront cost. Missing any of these deadlines can result in late fees or administrative dissolution of your LLC.

Use Our Free LLC Cost Calculator

Stop guessing and start planning with real numbers. llccostcalc.com gives you an instant, state-specific breakdown of exactly what it will cost to form and maintain your LLC — including filing fees, annual report fees, publication costs, and registered agent expenses. Head to our free LLC cost calculator right now and get a personalized dollar-by-dollar estimate for Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Michigan, Kansas, or any of the other 46 states we cover. In under two minutes, you will know your true first-year cost, your ongoing annual expenses, and how much you could save by choosing the right state for your business.

Conclusion

The cost of forming an LLC varies significantly across Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Michigan, and Kansas. Michigan offers the most affordable path with just $75 in combined first-year fees. Wyoming provides unmatched tax advantages and privacy for a competitive $160. Kansas delivers straightforward, predictable costs at around $215, while Pennsylvania’s publication requirement can push first-year costs well past $1,000 depending on your county. Understanding these differences before you file ensures you make the best financial decision for your new business — and avoid costly surprises down the road.

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