How Much Does an LLC Cost?
Forming an LLC costs a one-time state filing fee — from $70 in California to $300 in Texas among the states below — plus any yearly fee your state charges, which ranges from $0 in Ohio and Texas to $800 in California for a typical small LLC. Add a registered agent if you don't use your own in-state address.
LLC costs by state
| State | Filing fee | First year | Every year after |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $70 | $890 | $800 (+$20 every two years) |
| North Carolina | $125 | $125 | $200 |
| Ohio | $99 | $99 | $0 |
| Texas | $300 | $300 | $0 for most small LLCs |
State fees only. Each state page lists every fee with links to the official source.
What you pay for
- Filing fee (once): what the state charges to create the LLC.
- Yearly fee: an annual report or franchise tax to keep the LLC active. Some states charge nothing.
- Registered agent: free if you use your own in-state address, usually $100–$300 a year for a service.
- Optional extras: name reservation, a DBA if you trade under another name, and faster processing.
Before you pay any fee — is your business name free online?
Then confirm it's free in your state with our state business name search.
After you form your LLC
- Find your domain
Get the matching domain
Customers search for you online before they buy. Lock in the .com while it's free.
- Start your store
Start selling online
Open a store under your new business name and take your first order.
- Get your email
Get a business email
Send from you@yourbusiness.com instead of a Gmail address — customers and banks take it more seriously.
- Build your site
Put up a website
A simple site makes your new business look real to customers and banks.
LLC cost questions
How much does an LLC cost?
Forming an LLC costs a one-time state filing fee — from $70 in California to $300 in Texas among the states below — plus any yearly fee your state charges, which ranges from $0 in Ohio and Texas to $800 in California for a typical small LLC. Add a registered agent if you don't use your own in-state address.
Is there a yearly fee to keep an LLC?
In most states, yes — usually an annual or biennial report fee, and in some states a franchise tax. A few states, such as Ohio, charge nothing after you form. Missing the yearly filing can get your LLC dissolved.
Do I have to form my LLC in the state where I live?
Usually you should. If you form in another state but do business where you live, you'll normally have to register there too as a foreign LLC — paying both states' fees.
What should I do before paying the filing fee?
Make sure the name is free. The state rejects a filing if the name is taken, and you'll want the matching .com and social handles too. Search your state's register and check the name online first.
Free tools to go with this
Everything you need to name, price and launch — no signup.
