What will it actually cost?
Free calculators for what it really costs to start and run a small business.
Every calculator is built on public data, such as state filing fee schedules, and shows its sources.
LLC costs at a glance
State fees only, filing yourself and acting as your own registered agent. The median state costs $175 in the first year. Fees verified October 2026.
Cheapest first year
- 1.Arizona$50
- 2.Mississippi$50
- 3.Missouri$50
- 4.New Mexico$50
- 5.Kentucky$55
Most expensive first year
- 1.Massachusetts$1,000
- 2.California$890
- 3.Tennessee$700
- 4.Rhode Island$600
- 5.Delaware$510
Cheapest over 5 years
- 1.Arizona$50
- 2.Mississippi$50
- 3.Missouri$50
- 4.New Mexico$50
- 5.Ohio$99
Recent state fee changes
Changes from 2025–2026 that many cost guides haven't caught up with yet.
- CaliforniaLLCs formed in 2026 owe California's $800 annual tax in year one (the old first-year exemption expired). Under SB 122, LLCs whose first tax year begins in 2027, 2028 or 2029 pay $400 in year one, then $800.
- DelawareDelaware's annual LLC tax rises from $300 to $400, first due June 1, 2027.
- New JerseyNew Jersey cut its formation fee from $125 to $100 on July 1, 2026.
- LouisianaLouisiana raised its formation fee from $100 to $125 on October 1, 2026.
- KansasSince February 27, 2026, Kansas charges $85 to form online (was $160) and the report is biennial at $90.
- GeorgiaGeorgia adopted a new fee schedule on September 6, 2025.
Official sources only
Fees come from each state's Secretary of State fee schedule or statute, linked on every state page.
Dated and rechecked
Each figure shows when it was last verified. When a state changes a fee, we update the page and note the change.
Ranges, not guesses
Where costs depend on your situation, like franchise taxes, we show the range and explain what moves it. How we work