How Much Does an LLC Cost?

LLC costs are easiest to understand when you separate required state fees from optional help and ongoing maintenance costs.

The state filing fee is the cost most people notice first, but it is not the only number to plan around. Depending on your state and business, you may also need a registered agent, annual report, business license, sales tax permit, payroll registration, bookkeeping setup, tax advice, or legal review.

The main LLC cost buckets

Most LLC costs fall into these categories:

• state formation filing fee
• name reservation fee if required or useful
• registered agent service if you do not act as your own agent
• annual or biennial report fee
• franchise tax, annual tax, or public information report where applicable
• local business license or professional license
• sales tax or employer registration if your business needs it
• optional formation service fee
• optional legal, tax, bookkeeping, or compliance help

The cleanest way to compare costs is to write down the required state fee first, then list every optional service or follow-up cost separately.

Filing fees vary by state

Every state sets its own LLC filing fee and processing rules. Some states are inexpensive to start but have recurring fees that matter later. Others cost more upfront but have simpler ongoing report requirements.

Use the LLC cost by state guide for the full 50-state table, then open your state guide before filing so you can confirm the official filing office, document name, fee, approval estimate, and follow-up requirement.

Registered agent costs

Most LLCs need a registered agent or equivalent service-of-process contact. If you meet your state rules, you may be able to serve as your own agent. Some founders pay for a commercial registered agent because they want a more reliable in-state address, privacy support, or multi-state consistency.

Before paying, check the first-year price, renewal price, cancellation terms, mail handling rules, and whether the address can be used on the state filing.

Optional service fees

LLC formation services can save time, but they are not the same thing as the state filing fee. A service may charge for preparing the filing, providing registered agent service, creating templates, obtaining an EIN, providing compliance reminders, or bundling add-ons.

Before buying, compare:

• the service fee
• the state filing fee
• registered agent renewal pricing
• subscription terms
• EIN markup
• cancellation rules
• what support is included after filing

Ongoing costs matter

After approval, many LLCs have recurring obligations. These may include annual reports, biennial reports, periodic statements, franchise taxes, public information reports, annual business licenses, or tax registrations.

Add each deadline to a calendar as soon as the LLC is approved. Missing a report or tax deadline can lead to late fees, loss of good standing, or administrative dissolution.

Bottom line

The real cost of an LLC is the state filing fee plus any optional services and recurring requirements that apply to your business. Start with your state guide, confirm the current official fee, then decide whether paid help is worth it for your situation.