How Much Does an LLC Cost?
LLC formation costs range from $50 to $500+ depending on your state. Here's a transparent breakdown of every cost — state filing fees, registered agent, annual maintenance — so you know exactly what you'll pay.
What Goes Into the Cost of an LLC?
Every LLC has the same cost components. Here's what you'll pay, whether you file yourself or use a service.
State Filing Fee
RequiredPaid directly to Secretary of State. Non-negotiable — every provider passes this through.
Registered Agent (Year 1)
RequiredRequired in all 50 states. Can be yourself (free but public), or a service ($49–$249/yr).
Operating Agreement
OptionalNot legally required in most states but strongly recommended. Template-based services cost $49–$99.
EIN (Federal Tax ID)
RequiredFree from IRS directly (online, instant). Services charge $49–$79 for convenience filing.
State Business License
OptionalSome states and cities require additional business licenses. Varies by location and industry.
Annual Report
RequiredRecurring state fee. Some states are free (MS, TX), others are significant (CA $800).
LLC Filing Fees by State (2026)
State filing fees are non-negotiable — every provider passes these through at cost. Annual costs vary dramatically.
| State | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| California | $70 |
| Delaware | $90 |
| Florida | $125 |
| Louisiana | $100 |
| Mississippi | $50 |
| Alabama | $200 |
| New York | $200 |
| Pennsylvania | $125 |
| Texas | $300 |
| Wyoming | $100 |
| Nevada | $425 |
| Georgia | $100 |
Filing fees are for standard LLC Articles of Organization. Expedited processing costs extra in most states.
LLC Formation Service Pricing Comparison
Service fees are on top of state filing fees. Watch for "$0 formation" pricing that requires expensive add-ons.
| Provider | Formation Fee | First-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| Eleet AI This is us | $199 | $199 + state fee |
| LegalZoom | $0 + $249/yr RA | $249+ + state fee |
| ZenBusiness | $0 + $199/yr RA | $199+ + state fee |
| Northwest | $39 + $125/yr RA | $164+ + state fee |
| Incfile / Bizee | $0 + $119/yr RA | $119+ + state fee |
| DIY (yourself) | State fee only | State fee + state fee |
Prices researched April 2026. Excludes state filing fees. Competitor pricing may change; verify directly.
The Bottom Line: What You'll Actually Pay
With Eleet AI
The most affordable option is always DIY — file yourself, be your own registered agent. But most business owners value their time and privacy enough to justify $199 for professional formation.
Watch out for "$0 formation" offers. These services make money through mandatory add-ons — especially registered agent service at $119–$249/year, billed automatically. After year one, you're paying more than you would have with an honest flat-fee service.
Frequently Asked Questions About LLC Costs
How much does it cost to start an LLC?
The total cost to start an LLC ranges from $50 to over $500, depending on your state. The minimum cost is the state filing fee (ranging from $50 in Mississippi to $500 in Massachusetts). On top of that, most business owners add a registered agent service ($49–$249/year) and optionally an operating agreement ($49–$99). With Eleet AI, total LLC formation cost is $199 including first-year registered agent service, plus your state filing fee.
How much does an LLC cost per year to maintain?
Annual LLC maintenance costs typically range from $50 to $800 per year. The main recurring costs are: annual report filing fee ($0 in some states, up to $800 in California), registered agent service ($49–$249/year), and any state-specific business taxes or license renewals. In most states, you can maintain an LLC for under $150/year total.
What is the cheapest state to form an LLC?
Mississippi has the lowest LLC filing fee at $50 with no annual report fee. Other affordable states include Kentucky ($40), Colorado ($50), and Louisiana ($100 filing + $35 annual report). However, you generally should form your LLC in the state where you do business — forming in a "cheap" state when you operate elsewhere means paying filing fees in both states (foreign qualification).
Is it worth paying for an LLC formation service?
For most first-time business owners, yes. While you can file LLC paperwork yourself for just the state fee, formation services save time, reduce errors, and typically include a registered agent. Common mistakes (wrong entity type, incomplete articles, missing publication requirements) can cost hundreds to fix. Eleet AI charges $199 total and handles the entire process including first-year registered agent.
Do I need a registered agent for my LLC?
Yes — every state requires LLCs to designate a registered agent with a physical address in that state. The registered agent receives legal documents (lawsuits, subpoenas) and state correspondence on your behalf. You can serve as your own registered agent, but your home address becomes public record and you must be available during all business hours. Most business owners use a service ($49–$249/year) for privacy and reliability.
Why do LLC formation prices vary so much between providers?
Most formation services charge $0 for the basic filing because they make money on required add-ons (registered agent at $119–$249/year, compliance packages, upsells). The "$0 formation" pricing is misleading — you always pay the state filing fee plus mandatory registered agent. Eleet AI charges $199 upfront with first-year RA included because transparent pricing is more honest than $0 with mandatory upsells.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Florida?
Florida LLC formation costs $125 for the state filing fee, plus a registered agent service ($49–$249/year). The total first-year cost with Eleet AI is $199 (formation + first-year RA) plus the $125 state fee, for a total of $324. Ongoing annual costs include the $138.75 annual report and registered agent renewal ($100/year with Eleet AI).
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Texas?
Texas LLC formation costs $300 for the state filing fee (Certificate of Formation). Texas has no annual report fee, but LLCs with revenue over $2.47 million must file a franchise tax return. Total first-year cost with Eleet AI: $199 (formation + first-year RA) plus $300 state fee = $499. Annual maintenance is just $100/year for registered agent if revenue is below the franchise tax threshold.
Can I form an LLC for free?
You cannot avoid the state filing fee, which ranges from $40 to $500. You can minimize other costs by: filing paperwork yourself (free), serving as your own registered agent (free but your address is public), writing your own operating agreement (free but risky), and getting an EIN directly from the IRS (free). The absolute minimum cost is the state filing fee alone.
What hidden fees should I watch for with LLC formation services?
Common hidden costs include: registered agent auto-renewal at higher rates after year one; compliance package upsells billed automatically; mail forwarding fees charged per document; annual report filing "convenience" fees ($50–$100 on top of state fee); and cancellation fees for leaving a multi-year contract. Always read the full pricing before purchasing. Eleet AI has no hidden fees — $199 formation, $100/year RA renewal, no auto-upsells.
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State-by-state agent rules and how to change agents.
How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost?
Compare RA pricing across major providers.
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