Get the real cost to form an LLC in your state — exact state filing fees plus ongoing annual costs.
Uses real 2026 state filing fees. All calculations stay in your browser. · Updated August 2026
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Forming an LLC in 2026 typically costs $35–$500 in one-time state filing fees, with a national average of approximately $132. Montana is cheapest at $35; Massachusetts charges $500 to file plus $500/year in annual fees. Total first-year costs including registered agent service generally run $150–$800 in most states, and ongoing annual fees range from $0 to $800/year. Consulting a licensed business attorney is advisable for multi-member LLCs or any business where liability protection is mission-critical.
Forming a legal LLC requires at minimum four things: (1) Filing Articles of Organization with your state Secretary of State — costs range from $35 (Montana) to $500 (Massachusetts) depending on state; (2) Designating a registered agent with a physical in-state address, available during business hours to receive legal documents; (3) Creating an Operating Agreement documenting ownership, management, and profit-sharing — required by law in California, Delaware, Maine, Missouri, Nebraska, and New York, and strongly advisable everywhere else; and (4) Obtaining a Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number) directly from IRS.gov — always free, despite numerous third-party services charging $50–$100 for what is a zero-cost task. A dedicated business bank account is also recommended to maintain proper separation between personal and business finances, as most banks require your Operating Agreement and EIN to open one. In New York, a mandatory publication requirement adds $1,000–$2,000 in local newspaper advertising fees — an often-overlooked cost that catches many new business owners off guard.
For many small businesses operating in one state, forming there is the simplest starting point. Forming elsewhere may still require foreign registration, fees, reports, a registered agent, and taxes where the business actually operates. Delaware, Wyoming, and New Mexico have different filing, privacy, court, and maintenance features, but no state is universally “best.” Compare total obligations—not just the initial fee—and consult a licensed attorney or tax professional before choosing a state for a multistate or investment-backed business.
A business attorney is worth the investment for LLC formation when: the LLC will have two or more members (a carefully drafted operating agreement is essential to prevent costly disputes); outside investors or equity is involved; your industry requires professional licensing (law, medicine, accounting, real estate brokerage) where a PLLC or PC structure may be required instead; you're operating across multiple states; the business owns significant real estate or intellectual property; or the operating agreement involves complex economic arrangements like preferred returns or different classes of membership interest. For a straightforward single-member LLC with no unusual features, online formation services or a direct state filing are generally sufficient.
Written by the FreeLegalIQ Editorial Team · Last updated: August 2026
State filing fees sourced directly from state Secretary of State websites and state business formation portals. Annual report fees verified against official state government publications.