How Much Does an LLC Cost? 2026 State-by-State Answer

An LLC costs a median $100 to form and $45 a year to keep in state fees, but it ranges from $35 to $500 to form depending on the state.

The short answer

State fees alone: a median $100 to file, then a median $45 per year in recurring state costs (filing fee plus any mandatory state tax). Over five years the median is $335. A formation service adds its own price (many start at $0 plus state fees), and a registered agent, if you hire one, adds more.

Cheapest and most expensive to form

Cheapest filing fees: Montana ($35), Kentucky ($40), Arkansas ($45), Arizona ($50), Colorado ($50). Most expensive: Massachusetts ($500), Nevada ($425), Texas ($300), Tennessee ($300). Over five years, the cheapest is Arizona at $50 and the most expensive is California at $4,110. See cheapest states and most expensive states.

What is and is not in the number

Included: the state filing fee, recurring annual or biennial report fees, any mandatory annual state tax (for example California's $800 minimum), and required year-one extras.
Not included: registered agent fees, formation-service fees, local licenses, publication requirements (for example New York), income-based taxes, and attorney fees.

Find your state

All 50 states and DC in one sortable table · cost calculator · download the data · DIY vs a formation service.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest state to form an LLC?

By filing fee, Montana at $35. By five-year state cost, Arizona at $50. The cheapest state is usually the one where you live and work, because forming elsewhere often means paying twice.

Is it cheaper to form an LLC yourself?

Yes on paper: you pay only the state fee. A formation service charges extra for convenience, compliance reminders and registered agent service; see our DIY vs service guide.

Do I have to pay every year?

It depends on the state. 10 states charge no recurring state fee in our data; others charge an annual or biennial report fee or a state tax.

Want someone else to handle the filing?

A formation service files the paperwork for a fee on top of the state fee and often includes a first year of registered agent service. It saves time, but you can file directly with the state for the state fee alone. Compare DIY and services.

General information, not legal or tax advice. See our methodology and disclosure.