Free tool
LLC Cost Calculator
See the real 1-year and 5-year cost of forming an LLC in any of the 50 US states. Includes franchise taxes, annual reports, registered agent, and publication where required.
LLC Cost Calculator
Estimate the real cost of forming and maintaining an LLC across 51 US jurisdictions. Includes state filing, registered agent, annual report, franchise tax, and (where applicable) publication.
Year 1 breakdown — Wyoming
| State filing fee | $100 |
| Registered agent (yr 1) | $50 |
| Annual report fee | $62 |
| Franchise / privilege tax (minimum) | $0 |
| Year 1 total | $212 |
| Recurring (yr 2+) | $112/yr |
Avg. $132 / year — compares to 5-yr baseline $660.
What this calculator does NOT include
- Federal BOI report (free, but mandatory)
- EIN application (free with SSN/ITIN; some services charge $50-$300)
- Operating Agreement drafting
- State-level business licenses (industry-specific)
- Local city/county fees (varies by municipality)
- Foreign LLC registration if operating outside formation state
- Federal and state income tax on profits
Educational estimate only. Not legal or tax advice. Verify with a licensed CPA or attorney before filing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC?
It depends entirely on the state. The cheapest states like Kentucky and Arkansas charge as little as $40-$45 to file. Massachusetts charges $500. California adds an $800 minimum annual franchise tax. The 5-year total cost in low-fee states like Wyoming is around $400, while California exceeds $4,500.
What is a registered agent and is it required?
A registered agent is a person or company that receives legal documents on behalf of your LLC. All US states require one. You can act as your own agent ($0) if you have a physical address in the state during business hours, or you can hire a service for $25-$300/year.
What is the cheapest state to form an LLC?
For pure cost over 5 years, Kentucky ($175), New Mexico ($300 with no annual report), and Wyoming ($400) consistently rank lowest among states that also offer reasonable banking accessibility.
Do all states require an annual report?
No. Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania have no annual report requirement (PA moved to annual reports in 2025). Some states like Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, and New York use biennial reports.
What is publication and which states require it?
Three states require new LLCs to publish a Notice of Organization in local newspapers: New York ($400-$2,000), Arizona (outside Maricopa/Pima counties, $30-$300), Georgia ($40-$200), and Nebraska ($40-$200). New York is by far the most expensive.