Forming an LLC, Made Simple
Starting an LLC shouldn’t be complicated or expensive. Our free step-by-step guides will make the process easy. Choose your state and start an LLC today.
What is an LLC?
An LLC is a Limited Liability Company. It is a business structure used to protect the personal assets of its owners. LLCs are a “hybrid entity”, combining the advantages of Corporations and Partnerships, without taking on their disadvantages.An LLC can be used to run a business, or it can be used to hold assets (such as real estate, vehicles, boats, or aircraft).
Where is the best to state to form an LLC?
It is best to form your Limited Liability Company in the state where you are doing business. For online businesses, you can select any state where yearly renewal fee and yearly maintainance cost is low as well as taxes are low.
How much does it cost to form an LLC?
The average state filing fee to form an LLC in the 50 states cost between $50 to $500.You can see the LLC filing fees and annual fees in all 50 states here: LLC filing fees by state.
Expensive States to Form an LLC
There are a few states that have higher than average LLC filing fees, like Alaska ($250), Massachusetts ($500), Tennessee ($300), and Texas ($300).
However, just because your state has high LLCs fees does not mean you should form an LLC outside of your home state. Doing so will cost you even more!
If you form an LLC out-of-state, you’ll be required to register that out-of-state LLC as a Foreign LLC in your home state. This will double your LLC fees.
LLC Annual Reports
Most states require LLCs to file and pay an LLC Annual Report (also called Annual Fee).
The annual fee of the 50 states cost between $20 to $800 per year.
States with no LLC Annual Fee
There are few states where there is no LLC Annual Fee (although a report may be due), such as Arizona, Idaho, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas.
States with Expensive Annual LLC Fees
There are a few states with higher than average LLC Annual Report fees, like California ($800), Delaware ($300), Maryland ($300), Massachusetts ($500), Nevada ($500), Tennessee ($300), and Washington D.C. ($300).
What is an LLC Registered Agent?
A Registered Agent (also referred to as a Resident Agent or Statutory Agent) is a person or company who agrees to accept legal mail and documents on behalf of your LLC. All states (except for a few exceptions) require that your LLC list a Registered Agent in your LLC Formation Documents.
LLC Registered Agent Fees
Commercial Registered Agents fees range between $25 to $300 per year depending on states.