LLC Cost by State (2026)
The cost to form an LLC varies from $35 in Montana to $500 in Massachusetts. The average across all states is $130, with a median of $100.
Complete LLC Filing Fee Table
Base filing fee to form an LLC (Articles of Organization / Certificate of Formation) with each state's Secretary of State. Does not include annual report fees, registered agent fees, or expedited processing.
| State | LLC Filing Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | $35 | Cheapest state to file at $35. |
| Kentucky | $40 | |
| Arkansas | $45 | |
| Arizona | $50 | |
| Colorado | $50 | |
| Hawaii | $50 | |
| Iowa | $50 | |
| Michigan | $50 | |
| Mississippi | $50 | |
| Missouri | $50 | |
| New Mexico | $50 | |
| Utah | $59 | |
| California | $70 | Additional $800/year franchise tax applies to all CA LLCs regardless of income. |
| Indiana | $95 | |
| District of Columbia | $99 | Washington DC LLC fee is $99. |
| Ohio | $99 | |
| Georgia | $100 | |
| Idaho | $100 | |
| Louisiana | $100 | |
| Maryland | $100 | |
| Nebraska | $100 | |
| New Hampshire | $100 | |
| Oklahoma | $100 | |
| Oregon | $100 | |
| Virginia | $100 | |
| West Virginia | $100 | |
| Wyoming | $100 | |
| Delaware | $110 | |
| South Carolina | $110 | |
| Connecticut | $120 | |
| Florida | $125 | |
| New Jersey | $125 | |
| North Carolina | $125 | |
| Pennsylvania | $125 | |
| Wisconsin | $130 | |
| North Dakota | $135 | |
| Illinois | $150 | Additional $75 for filing certificate of publication may apply. |
| Rhode Island | $150 | |
| South Dakota | $150 | |
| Minnesota | $155 | |
| Vermont | $155 | |
| Kansas | $160 | |
| Maine | $175 | |
| Alabama | $200 | $200 by mail, $208 online. Name reservation ($28 online) required separately. |
| New York | $200 | Additional $200 publication requirement in many counties (can exceed $1,000 in NYC-area). |
| Washington | $200 | |
| Alaska | $250 | |
| Tennessee | $300 | |
| Texas | $300 | |
| Nevada | $425 | Includes mandatory Business License ($200) + Initial List ($150) + Articles ($75). All required at formation. |
| Massachusetts | $500 | Highest base filing fee in the nation at $500. |
5 Cheapest States to Form an LLC
5 Most Expensive States to Form an LLC
What the LLC Fee Covers
The LLC filing fee pays for:
- Filing your Articles of Organization (or Certificate of Formation) with the state
- Legal creation of your LLC as a business entity
- Liability protection separating your personal assets from business debts
The filing fee does not typically include:
- Annual report fees (most states charge $25-$300/year)
- Registered agent service ($100-$300/year if using a service)
- Operating agreement drafting ($0 if DIY, $500-$2,000 with an attorney)
- Name reservation ($10-$50 if needed)
- Expedited processing ($50-$500 depending on state)
Should You Form in Another State?
Delaware and Wyoming are popular for out-of-state LLCs due to favorable business laws, but for most small businesses, forming in your home state is the best choice. If you form in another state, you will still need to register as a "foreign LLC" in your home state, paying two sets of fees.
Out-of-state formation makes sense primarily for:
- Businesses with no physical location in any state (online businesses)
- Companies seeking specific legal protections (Delaware's Court of Chancery)
- Businesses planning to raise venture capital (investors prefer Delaware)
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Sourced from LLC University (llcuniversity.com) cross-referenced with llc.org and Chamber of Commerce. Represents the base Articles of Organization / Certificate of Formation filing fee with the state Secretary of State. Does not include name reservation, expedited processing, or annual report fees. Data last updated: 2026-03-26.