Calculator
LLC formation cost calculator by state
Formation is cheap in most states. Staying registered is where the money goes. Pick a state to see the first year cost and what it costs every year after that.
Your LLC
Twelve states covered, chosen for volume and for range.
Acting as your own agent is legal in every state, but your address becomes public and you must be available during business hours.
California: The filing fee is low but the $800 minimum franchise tax applies every year, including years with no revenue.
First year cost
$970 to $1,520
Ongoing cost each year
$1,200 to $2,300
First year line items
| Line item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| California formation filing feePaid once to the state when the articles of organization are accepted. | $70 | $70 |
| Formation service packageEntry packages are often free plus state fees, with real money charged for operating agreements, EIN filing and compliance add ons. | $0 | $350 |
| Registered agent service, first yearKeeps your home address off the public record and catches service of process. | $100 | $300 |
| First year annual or franchise obligationAnnual franchise tax of $800 | $800 | $800 |
| First year total | $970 | $1,520 |
Every year after that
| Line item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| State annual or franchise obligationAnnual franchise tax of $800 | $800 | $800 |
| Registered agent serviceRenews every year for as long as the LLC exists. | $100 | $300 |
| Bookkeeping and tax preparation for the entityNot a state fee, but a real cost of keeping an LLC in good standing and filing its returns. | $300 | $1,200 |
| Annual total | $1,200 | $2,300 |
Publication requirements. New York is the best known, but Arizona and Nebraska also require newspaper publication after formation. Budget a few hundred dollars in low cost counties and well over $1,500 in expensive ones.
Want the detail for one state? Our LLC cost by state pages cover fees, quirks and first year totals for ten states, including California, Texas and New York.
State fees at a glance
| State | Filing fee | Recurring obligation |
|---|---|---|
| California | $70 | Annual franchise tax of $800 |
| Texas | $300 | No annual fee for most LLCs |
| New York | $200 | Biennial statement of $9, shown here as a yearly average |
| Florida | $125 | Annual report fee of $138.75 |
| Delaware | $110 | Annual franchise tax of $300 plus registered agent minimums, budgeted at $400 |
| Wyoming | $100 | Annual report minimum of $60 |
| Washington | $200 | Annual report fee of $60 |
| Illinois | $150 | Annual report fee of $75 |
| Pennsylvania | $125 | Annual report fee of $7 |
| Georgia | $110 | Annual registration fee of $60 |
| Montana | $35 | Annual report fee of $20 |
| Massachusetts | $500 | Annual report fee of $500 |
How we estimate this
- Filing fees and recurring obligations are the 2026 published amounts for standard domestic LLC formation, filed online where the state offers it.
- Montana is the cheapest state to form in at $35. Massachusetts is the most expensive at $500 to file and $500 a year to renew.
- California is shown with its $800 minimum annual franchise tax because that payment is due whether or not the business earns anything.
- New York is shown with a yearly average of the $9 biennial statement, plus a separate publication line of $300 to $1,600 because county rates vary that much.
- Registered agent pricing is the common market band of $100 to $300 a year. Cheaper introductory offers usually renew higher.
- We exclude business licences, local permits, sales tax registration, foreign qualification in other states and any industry specific filings.
Where people get caught out
- Forming in Delaware or Wyoming while operating somewhere else. You usually end up registering and paying in both states.
- Free formation offers that bundle a first year registered agent, then renew at full price.
- Missing an annual report deadline and paying a reinstatement fee to fix it.
- Assuming a low filing fee means a cheap state. California is $70 to form and $800 a year to keep.
Educational estimates only. The figures on this page are general market research, not legal advice, and no attorney client relationship is created by using this site. Cost of Legal does not provide, broker or arrange legal services, and does not sell or pass on your details to anyone. Confirm current fees with the relevant government office or a licensed professional before you spend money.