MoneyMetric.io / Guides
LLC Cost by State: First-Year and Annual Fees Explained
Key Takeaways
-
LLC costs vary widely by state. The main items are the state filing fee, registered agent, possible publication costs, and ongoing annual report or franchise taxes.
-
Some states (like New York, Arizona, and Nebraska) still have publication requirements.
-
First-year cost is usually higher than ongoing costs due to one-time setup expenses.
Use the LLC Cost by State Calculator to estimate your first-year and annual costs with your own options.
What fees should you expect?
Typical components:
- State filing fee: paid once when you file your Articles of Organization.
- Registered agent: required in most states; you can appoint yourself in some cases, or hire a service.
- Publication: required in a few states, usually for new LLCs (e.g., New York).
- Name reservation (optional): some founders reserve the name before filing.
- Expedited processing (optional): faster turnaround for an extra fee if offered by your state.
- Ongoing fees: annual/biennial report fees and sometimes a minimum franchise tax.
States with publication requirements
Publication rules change over time. As of the latest update, the following states commonly require some form of LLC newspaper publication (county-specific):
| State | Publication Required? | Typical Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Yes | $600 (varies by county) | NY requires notices in two newspapers for 6 weeks; NYC counties are more expensive. |
| Arizona | Yes (in many counties) | $100–$300 | Varies by county; some counties publish online via the state. |
| Nebraska | Yes | $150–$300 | Three consecutive weeks in a legal newspaper. |
Sample first-year costs (illustrative)
These examples show how different components add up. Use the calculator for your exact scenario.
| State | Filing Fee | Registered Agent | Publication | Expedited | First-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $70 | $100 | $0 | $0 | $170 |
| Florida | $125 | $100 | $0 | $35 | $260 |
| New York | $200 | $100 | $600 | $0 | $900 |
Starting an LLC soon? Form your LLC with LegalZoom.
Ongoing annual costs
After the first year, typical recurring costs include an annual/biennial report and, in some states, a minimum franchise tax.
| State | Annual/Biennial Report | Franchise Min. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $0 | $800 | Minimum franchise tax due yearly once applicable. |
| Florida | $138.75 | $0 | Annual report due each year. |
| New Jersey | $75 | $0 | Annual report required. |
How to reduce costs
- Consider acting as your own registered agent if permitted and practical.
- File early to avoid expedited fees unless you truly need speed.
- Budget for ongoing annual fees so they never come as a surprise.
Estimate your exact costs: LLC Cost by State Calculator.
Educational Disclosure
MoneyMetric.io provides educational information, not legal or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.