How much is an LLC? In 2026, the answer depends on the state where you form it and the costs you face after filing. State formation fees currently range from about $35 to $500 across U.S. jurisdictions, with many states charging between $50 and $200.
The filing fee is only the starting point, though. Your total cost can also include annual reports, franchise taxes, registered agent services, licenses, publication requirements, and optional formation help.
| LLC cost | What you may pay | When you pay |
|---|---|---|
| State formation filing | About $35–$500 | When forming |
| Annual or biennial report | $0–$800+ depending on state | Recurring |
| Franchise or state tax | Varies widely | Recurring or tax-period based |
| Registered agent | Often $50–$150 per year when outsourced | Usually annual |
| EIN | $0 from the IRS | When required |
| Business licenses | Varies by location and activity | As required |
Direct answer: Forming an LLC in the U.S. usually starts with a state filing fee, often between $35 and $500 in 2026. Your real first-year cost can be higher because some states add annual reports, franchise taxes, publication rules, or other required charges. The amount depends mainly on your state of formation and business circumstances.
Quick takeaway: Budget for more than the initial filing fee when planning an LLC. Check your state’s formation charge, recurring report fee, state taxes, registered agent requirements, and any local licenses before you file.
How Much Is an LLC to Form?
The main cost is the state filing fee for the document that creates the LLC. States may call this document Articles of Organization, Certificate of Organization, or Certificate of Formation.
Current 2026 sources place the U.S. formation-fee range at roughly $35 to $500, although exact figures can change and some states add mandatory charges around the basic filing. For example, Utah lists a $59 domestic LLC formation fee, while California lists $70 and Texas lists $300.
Massachusetts is one of the higher-cost examples, with a $500 LLC formation fee. Montana is currently at the low end with a $35 filing fee, based on current 2026 state-fee comparisons.
That range shows why a single national price can be misleading. Your state’s Secretary of State or equivalent filing agency should be the final source for the fee you will pay.
LLC Cost by State: Examples for 2026
State fees differ substantially, so the cheapest filing fee does not necessarily mean the lowest long-term cost. A state can charge a modest formation fee but impose a larger annual tax or recurring report fee.
| State | Formation fee | Recurring cost example |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | $35 | Annual report fee applies |
| Arizona | $50 | No annual report fee |
| Colorado | $50 | $25 annual report |
| Utah | $59 | $18 annual report |
| California | $70 | $800 annual tax plus reporting requirements |
| Florida | $125 | $138.75 annual report |
| Texas | $300 | No separate annual filing fee for the standard report |
| Massachusetts | $500 | $500 annual report |
These examples illustrate the difference between a formation fee and the cost of keeping an LLC active. California, for example, has a relatively low initial filing fee but also has an $800 annual tax, subject to the state’s rules and exceptions.
Texas provides a different example because its LLC formation fee is higher than many states. It does not charge a separate annual report filing fee for LLCs, although Texas has its own franchise-tax rules and reporting requirements.
What Does an LLC Cost After Formation?
Your LLC expenses do not necessarily stop when the state approves your formation filing. Many states require an annual or biennial report, and some impose franchise taxes or other recurring charges.
A registered agent can also become a recurring expense if you hire a commercial service. You may be able to serve as your own registered agent if you meet your state’s requirements, which can reduce this particular cost.
Business licenses and permits can add another layer of expense. These depend on your location, industry, business activities, and sometimes your city or county.
- Annual or biennial reports: Many states require these to maintain good standing.
- Franchise taxes: Some states charge these under their own tax rules.
- Registered agent services: Optional when you can legally serve yourself, but often outsourced.
- Business licenses: Required for certain activities and locations.
- Publication requirements: Required in limited jurisdictions and situations.
Is an EIN Included in the Cost of an LLC?
An Employer Identification Number is different from the state filing that creates your LLC. The IRS provides EINs directly at no charge, so you don’t need to pay the federal government just to get the number.
You may need an EIN depending on your business structure and circumstances. If you use a third-party formation service, check whether its advertised package includes an EIN application or whether it charges an additional service fee.
Be careful when comparing formation packages because a service fee is not the same thing as a government filing fee. Separating those amounts makes it easier to see what you must pay and what you are choosing to purchase.
Can You Form an LLC Yourself?
Yes, you can generally form an LLC yourself by using the official filing process provided by your state. The basic process usually involves choosing a compliant business name, selecting a registered agent, completing the formation document, paying the state fee, and saving the approved records.
Veriibe’s LLC articles of organization guide explains the formation document, common information requirements, and the filing process. It also explains why the document’s name differs between states and what to do after approval.
- Choose your formation state. Start with the state where your business is actually organized or operates.
- Check your business name. Confirm that the name meets state rules and is available.
- Select a registered agent. Make sure the person or service meets your state’s eligibility requirements.
- Complete the formation filing. Use the current form or online portal provided by the state.
- Pay the required fee. Check for additional mandatory charges before submitting.
- Save your approved documents. Keep the filing confirmation and formation records with your company documents.
DIY formation can keep costs close to the required state fees. The tradeoff is that you must understand the filing instructions and check ongoing requirements yourself.
What Other Costs Should You Budget For?
The right budget depends on what your business needs beyond basic formation. A simple local business may have different expenses from an online company operating across several states.
Before filing, check whether you will need any of these additional services or requirements. Some are optional, while others depend on your industry or location.
- Registered agent service
- Business licenses and permits
- Local registrations
- Operating agreement preparation
- Legal or accounting advice
- Business banking fees
- Insurance
- Foreign qualification in another state
Foreign qualification can matter if your business forms an LLC in one state but conducts enough business in another state to trigger registration requirements. That can create another filing and another set of state compliance costs.
Should You Choose a State Because Its LLC Fee Is Lower?
A low filing fee helps, but it shouldn’t be the only number you compare. Recurring taxes, report fees, publication rules, registered agent costs, and the practical connection between your business and the state can change the calculation.
For many small businesses, forming where the business is actually based can be simpler than choosing a distant state solely because its filing fee looks lower. Forming elsewhere can create additional registration obligations if you still operate in your home state.
Compare the full cost structure before deciding. Look at the formation fee, recurring state charges, taxes, licensing requirements, and any extra registration you may need.
How Much Is an LLC in Your State?
The most accurate answer depends on your state, business type, and filing situation. In 2026, published state comparisons show formation fees ranging from roughly $35 to $500, while recurring costs can range from zero to hundreds of dollars or more.
Start by checking your state’s official business filing website for the current formation fee. Then add recurring reports or taxes, any required licenses, and optional services you expect to use.
If you’re comparing states, calculate at least the first-year and second-year costs. That approach gives you a clearer picture than comparing formation fees alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an LLC in the U.S.?
How much an LLC costs depends on the state and the costs of keeping it active. In 2026, formation fees range from about $35 to $500 across U.S. jurisdictions, with additional recurring costs possible.
What is the cheapest state to form an LLC?
Montana currently has a $35 formation fee in 2026, based on current state-fee comparisons. A low filing fee does not automatically mean the lowest total cost, so compare recurring charges before choosing a state.
Does an LLC cost money every year?
It can. Many states charge annual or biennial report fees, while some states impose franchise taxes or other recurring obligations.
Is an LLC free if I file it myself?
No, not usually. Filing yourself can eliminate a private formation-service fee, but the state filing charge still applies in jurisdictions that require one.
How much does an EIN cost for an LLC?
An EIN is free when obtained directly from the IRS. A private service may charge for submitting or assisting with an EIN application.
What is the biggest mistake when budgeting for an LLC?
Focusing only on the formation fee can produce an incomplete budget. Recurring taxes, annual reports, licenses, registered agent services, and multi-state registration can materially change the total.
Plan the Full LLC Cost Before You File
The answer to “how much is an LLC” starts with your state’s filing fee, but that is only part of the budget. A realistic estimate should include recurring state charges and any business-specific requirements you expect to face.
Before submitting your paperwork, check the current state fee schedule and list every required cost. Once you know the first-year and ongoing expenses, you can structure your business budget with fewer surprises.
For a state-specific formation question or a complicated multi-state situation, consider getting advice from a qualified professional. State requirements can change, and the official filing agency remains the best source for the current rules.
