LLC Cost Calculator — Formation Costs by State

LLC formation costs vary by state, ranging from $40 (Kentucky) to $500 (Massachusetts) for the filing fee alone. Additional costs include annual report fees, registered agent services ($100-$300/year), and optional operating agreement preparation.

A registered agent is a person or business designated to receive legal documents, tax notices, and official government correspondence on behalf of your LLC. Most states require LLCs to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state.

Yes, all 50 states and DC require LLCs to designate a registered agent. You can serve as your own registered agent in most states, or hire a professional service for $100-$300 per year.

An annual report (sometimes called a biennial report or statement of information) is a filing required by most states to keep your LLC in good standing. It updates the state on your business address, members, and other basic information.

Ongoing LLC costs typically include annual report fees ($0-$800 depending on state), registered agent fees ($100-$300/year), state franchise taxes (if applicable), and business license renewals. Some states like California charge an $800 annual franchise tax.

Kentucky ($40), Arkansas ($45), Arizona ($50), Colorado ($50), Hawaii ($50), Iowa ($50), Michigan ($50), Mississippi ($50), Missouri ($50), and New Mexico ($50) have the lowest LLC filing fees. However, consider total annual costs, not just the filing fee.