LLC Cost by State: PA, WY, MI, and KS Filing Fees Explained for 2026

Why LLC Filing Fees Vary So Much From State to State

One of the most common questions new business owners ask is why forming an LLC in one state costs dramatically more than in another. The answer comes down to how each state funds its business registration infrastructure, enforces compliance, and generates revenue from commercial activity. When you search for LLC cost by state PA WY MI KS filing fees, you quickly discover that these four states represent a wide spectrum — from some of the cheapest formation costs in the country to mid-range fees with additional annual obligations. Understanding what drives those numbers helps you make a smarter decision about where and how to form your LLC. (Related: Complete Guide to LLC Benefits and How They Compare to Other Business Structures (with cost analysis)) (Related: Business Registration Cost by State: What You’ll Really Pay) (Related: DIY LLC Formation vs Formation Service: Complete 2026 Cost Analysis)

Filing fees are just one part of the total cost equation. You also need to factor in annual report fees, franchise taxes, registered agent costs, and any state-specific publication requirements. The sections below break down Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Michigan, and Kansas individually so you have accurate, current numbers before you commit to a state.

Pennsylvania LLC Filing Fees and Ongoing Costs

Pennsylvania charges a $125 filing fee to submit your Certificate of Organization with the Department of State. This is a one-time formation cost and is paid at the time you file, whether you submit online or by mail. Compared to states like Massachusetts ($500) or Tennessee ($300+), Pennsylvania sits in a moderate price range for initial formation.

What Pennsylvania does not require is a traditional annual report fee, which is a genuine cost advantage. However, Pennsylvania LLCs are subject to a Decennial Report requirement — filed once every ten years — which carries a $70 fee. If you miss this filing, your LLC can be dissolved by the state, so it is a deadline worth tracking. Pennsylvania also imposes a Capital Stock Tax and may require certain businesses to register for employer withholding, sales tax, or other licenses depending on their industry, adding to the total compliance cost over time.

Entrepreneurs who want a Northeast presence without paying premium formation fees often find Pennsylvania to be a reasonable middle ground, especially when avoiding states like New York that layer on publication requirements costing hundreds of dollars.

Wyoming LLC Filing Fees: Why It Attracts So Many Out-of-State Businesses

Wyoming is widely regarded as the most LLC-friendly state in the country, and its filing fees reflect that reputation. The initial Articles of Organization cost just $100 online or $102 by mail, making it one of the lowest formation fees in the nation. More importantly, Wyoming has no state income tax on LLCs, no franchise tax, and very strong charging order protection laws that shield members from personal liability.

Wyoming does require an annual report with a fee based on assets located in Wyoming. For most small LLCs, this fee starts at a minimum of $60 per year. If your Wyoming LLC holds significant in-state assets, the fee scales upward at $0.0002 per dollar of Wyoming assets above $300,000. For a small service-based business or a holding company, this almost always means paying just the $60 minimum annually.

The combination of low formation costs, no income tax, strong privacy laws, and minimal annual fees is why Wyoming consistently tops lists of the best states for LLC formation. Even non-Wyoming residents form LLCs there purely for asset protection and tax efficiency, then register as a foreign LLC in their home state if they do business locally.

Michigan LLC Filing Fees and Annual Requirements

Michigan charges $50 to file your Articles of Organization, making it one of the most affordable states in the Midwest for LLC formation. The filing is submitted to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), and online processing is generally faster than mail submissions.

Michigan LLCs must file an annual statement each year, which costs $25. This keeps the ongoing compliance cost very low compared to states that charge $100, $200, or more per year. Michigan does not impose a separate franchise tax on most standard LLCs, though LLCs taxed as corporations face the Michigan Corporate Income Tax.

For small business owners operating in Michigan or neighboring states, forming locally in Michigan offers excellent value. The low formation fee plus a modest $25 annual obligation means your total first-year cost can be well under $100 if you handle the filing yourself. Use our free LLC cost calculator to see exactly how Michigan compares to your current state or any alternative you are considering.

Kansas LLC Filing Fees and What to Expect Each Year

Kansas charges $160 to file your Articles of Organization online with the Kansas Secretary of State, or $165 by mail. This places Kansas slightly above the national average for initial formation fees, though it is far from the most expensive state in the country.

Where Kansas becomes notably more expensive is in its annual report requirement. Kansas LLCs must file an annual report with a fee of $55 per year. That brings your total first-year cost to $215 online just for state fees, and $220 or more in subsequent years when you factor in renewals. Kansas does not impose a separate franchise tax on LLCs, but the higher upfront formation cost should be weighed carefully, especially if you are a sole proprietor or very early-stage startup comparing multiple state options.

Kansas residents who actually operate their business in Kansas generally benefit from forming in-state rather than paying both Kansas’s foreign LLC registration fee and fees in another state. The foreign registration fee in Kansas is also $165, so forming out of state rarely saves Kansas-based businesses money in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which of these four states — PA, WY, MI, or KS — has the lowest total first-year LLC cost?

Michigan has the lowest combined first-year cost at roughly $75 total ($50 formation plus $25 annual statement). Wyoming comes in second at approximately $160 for the first year when you add the $100 formation fee and $60 minimum annual report, but Wyoming’s tax advantages can more than offset that cost for many businesses.

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

No, you can legally form an LLC in any state regardless of where you live or operate. However, if you conduct business in your home state, you will typically need to register as a foreign LLC there, which means paying both the out-of-state formation fee and the foreign registration fee in your home state. This makes out-of-state formation most cost-effective for holding companies, online businesses, or investors who are not physically present in one location.

Are there hidden costs beyond the state filing fee?

Yes. Beyond the initial filing fee, you should budget for registered agent service ($50–$300 per year), annual report fees, potential publication requirements (New York requires this, Pennsylvania does not), business licenses, and any professional preparation fees if you hire an attorney or formation service. Always calculate your total annual cost, not just the one-time formation fee.

How long does it take for an LLC to be approved in PA, WY, MI, and KS?

Processing times vary: Michigan and Wyoming typically process online filings within 5 to 7 business days, and both offer expedited options for faster turnaround. Pennsylvania processes most online filings within 7 to 15 business days. Kansas online filings are generally completed within 2 to 3 business days, making it one of the faster states in this group for standard processing.

Can I change my LLC’s state of formation after I’ve already filed?

You cannot technically “move” an LLC from one state to another by amending a filing. Instead, you would need to dissolve the original LLC and form a new one in the desired state, or use a statutory conversion or domestication process if both states allow it. Wyoming, Michigan, and Pennsylvania all permit domestication under certain conditions, but the process involves legal paperwork and should be reviewed with a business attorney before proceeding.

Conclusion

When comparing LLC cost by state for PA, WY, MI, and KS, the differences are significant enough to influence your decision — especially when ongoing annual fees, tax obligations, and legal protections are factored in alongside the initial filing fee. Michigan offers the lowest barrier to entry at $50. Wyoming provides the strongest combination of low taxes and asset protection. Pennsylvania delivers a moderate-cost option with no traditional annual report fee. Kansas sits slightly higher in upfront cost but remains manageable for in-state operators. The best state for your LLC ultimately depends on where you do business, your revenue expectations, and your long-term legal strategy.

Use Our Free LLC Cost Calculator

Head to llccostcalc.com right now to get an instant, side-by-side dollar breakdown of LLC formation and annual costs across all 50 states. Our free calculator shows you exact filing fees, annual report costs, and potential savings so you can see at a glance whether forming in Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Michigan, Kansas, or any other state makes the most financial sense for your specific situation. Stop guessing and start your business with clear numbers in hand.

Related: LLC Cost by State: PA, WY, MI & KS Filing Fees Explained (2026 Guide)