What does an LLC actually cost?
Compare formation costs across all 50 states + DC. Filing fees, franchise tax, annual reports, registered agent — Year 1 and 5-year projections.
Pick up to 3 states to compare
Default: $150 (mid-tier service). Free if you use your own in-state address. Premium services charge $300+. NOHO Mailbox customers in CA: included free with the $2,000 bundle.
Wyoming WYCheapest
View WY guide →Filing fee
$100
One-time
Franchise tax
$0
Annual
Annual report
$60
Annualized
Reg. agent
$150
Annual
Year 1 total
$310
5-year total
$1,150
Delaware DE
View DE guide →Filing fee
$110
One-time
Franchise tax
$300
Annual
Annual report
$0
Annualized
Reg. agent
$150
Annual
Year 1 total
$560
5-year total
$2,360
California CA
View CA guide →Filing fee
$70
One-time
Franchise tax
$800
Annual
Annual report
$10
Annualized
Reg. agent
$150
Annual
Year 1 total
$1,030
5-year total
$4,870
$2,000 BUSINESS LAUNCH BUNDLE
California LLC done right — for one flat price
California LLC formation + EIN + brand kit + 5-page website + 12 months of mail at our LA address + free notarized Form 1583. Everything you need to launch — done in 14 days flat. Most piecemeal services run $4,000-$6,000 for the same components.
See the bundle →What's included in the calculation
Filing fee
One-time fee to file the LLC formation document with the Secretary of State. Range: $35 (Montana) to $300 (Tennessee).
Franchise / privilege tax
Annual flat tax some states charge LLCs regardless of revenue. California: $800/yr (the famous one). Most states: $0. A few states have minimum-tax structures (TN $100, AR $150, AL $100).
Annual report fee
Annual or biennial filing required to keep the LLC in good standing. Range: $0 (free in MS / TX with conditions) to $300 (NV / MD biennial).
Registered agent
If you're forming in a state where you don't have a physical address, you need a registered agent service. We use $150/yr as a typical mid-tier price (range $50-$300).
What's NOT included
Operating Agreement drafting (typically $0 if DIY, $200-$500 if attorney-drafted). EIN (free from IRS, paid services charge $50-$70). Local business licenses (varies by city). Trademark filings (separate process). Banking fees (varies).
Disclaimer:calculator is informational, not tax or legal advice. State fees change — last reviewed 2026 Q1. Verify current fees with your state's Secretary of State office.