LLC Filing Fee by State Calculator
Understanding exactly how much it costs to form an LLC in your state is the first step toward building a legally protected business. Every state charges a different filing fee — ranging from as low as $40 in Kentucky to $500 in Massachusetts — and many states also require ongoing annual report fees that can add up significantly over time. Use the calculator above to get an instant, state-specific estimate of your LLC formation costs, including optional registered agent or formation service fees.
How to Use the LLC Filing Fee Calculator
Getting your estimate takes less than 30 seconds. Simply follow these three steps:
- Select Your State: Choose the state where you plan to form your LLC. The calculator is preloaded with official filing fees and annual report fees for all 50 states.
- Enter Any Service Fees: If you plan to use a registered agent service or a third-party formation company, enter that fee in the second field. Many registered agent services cost between $49 and $299 per year.
- Set Your Projection Period: Choose how many years you want to project your ongoing costs. This helps you understand the true long-term expense of maintaining your LLC in good standing.
Click Calculate My LLC Costs and your results appear instantly below the form.
Understanding Your LLC Cost Results
The calculator returns five key numbers that tell the full story of your LLC expenses:
- State Filing Fee: This is the one-time fee you pay to your state’s Secretary of State office when you file your Articles of Organization. It is paid once at formation.
- Annual Report or Renewal Fee: Most states require LLCs to file an annual (or biennial) report and pay a renewal fee to stay in good standing. Missing this fee can result in your LLC being administratively dissolved.
- Formation Service Fee: If you use an online formation service or hire a registered agent, this optional cost is added to your total. Many business owners use services like this for convenience and compliance support.
- Projected Annual Fees: This shows you the cumulative cost of annual renewal fees over the number of years you selected — a helpful figure for long-term business budgeting.
- Total Estimated First-Year Cost: Your bottom line — the sum of your state filing fee, first-year annual report fee, and any service fees.
LLC Filing Fees Vary Widely by State
One of the most common surprises for new entrepreneurs is just how differently each state treats LLC formation costs. Some states like Wyoming, New Mexico, and Arizona are well-known for low fees and minimal ongoing requirements, making them popular choices for entrepreneurs seeking cost efficiency. States like California, Massachusetts, and Tennessee carry significantly higher costs — California’s $800 annual franchise tax alone can catch new business owners off guard.
If you’re forming an LLC in a state other than where you live or operate, factor in the cost of maintaining a registered agent in that state as well as the potential need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state, which adds a second round of filing fees.
What the Calculator Does Not Include
This tool calculates state-level filing and annual renewal fees only. There are several additional costs that may apply to your LLC depending on your business type and location:
- Business licenses (city, county, or industry-specific)
- EIN application (free from the IRS, but some services charge a convenience fee)
- Operating agreement drafting (often $0 to $150 if done through a template service)
- State and local business taxes beyond the LLC franchise tax
- Bank account setup fees or legal consultation costs
Always check with your state’s official Secretary of State website for the most current fee schedule before submitting your formation documents.
Frequently Asked Questions About LLC Filing Fees
What is the cheapest state to form an LLC?
Kentucky has one of the lowest LLC filing fees at just $40. Other low-cost states include Arizona ($50), New Mexico ($50), Colorado ($50), and Wyoming ($100). However, if you don’t live or operate in these states, you may also need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state, which adds additional fees.
Is the LLC filing fee a one-time cost?
The state filing fee — paid when you submit your Articles of Organization — is a one-time cost. However, most states also require annual or biennial reports with associated renewal fees to keep your LLC in good standing. Failing to pay these ongoing fees can result in your LLC being dissolved by the state.
Can I deduct LLC filing fees on my taxes?
In many cases, yes. LLC formation costs and ongoing state fees may be deductible as ordinary business expenses or organizational costs under IRS rules. Consult a qualified tax professional to determine what applies to your specific situation, as deductibility depends on how your LLC is taxed and when the expenses were incurred.
Does a registered agent cost extra?
Yes. Every LLC is required by state law to have a registered agent — a person or company designated to receive official legal and government correspondence. You can serve as your own registered agent for free, or hire a professional service that typically costs between $49 and $299 per year. Professional services offer privacy, reliability, and compliance reminders that many business owners find valuable.
Are LLC fees the same for single-member and multi-member LLCs?
In most states, the state filing fee is the same regardless of how many members your LLC has. However, some states do apply different annual fees or franchise taxes based on the number of members or the LLC’s annual revenue. California, for example, charges an additional fee based on total annual gross receipts for larger LLCs, on top of the standard $800 minimum franchise tax.
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