How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in 2026?
Real cost breakdown of forming an LLC: state filing fees, registered agent, EIN, operating agreement, and annual compliance.
Forming an LLC costs anywhere from $40 to $800+ in the first year, depending mostly on your state. Here's where the money actually goes.
State filing fee (one-time)
Kentucky $40 · Arizona $50 · New Mexico $50 · Florida $125 · California $70 + $800/year franchise tax · Massachusetts $500. Most states fall in the $100–$200 range.
Registered agent ($0–$150/year)
Free if you act as your own agent. $100–$150/year for a professional service.
EIN (free)
The IRS never charges for an EIN. Any fee you see is for the filing service, not the number itself.
Operating agreement ($0–$100)
You can write one yourself with a template, or have one prepared by a formation service.
Annual compliance ($0–$800)
Most states charge $50–$300 per year for an annual report. California's $800 minimum franchise tax is the biggest outlier.
Plan on $150–$350 in year one for most states. California, Massachusetts, and Tennessee run higher.
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