The cost of forming an LLC is set by each state. The one-time filing fee ranges from $35 in Montana to $500 in Massachusetts. Most states also charge a yearly or two-yearly report fee to keep the LLC active. With ZIS Consultants you pay the state fee plus one flat $149 service fee, whichever state you choose.
Quick answers
- Cheapest states to file an LLC: Montana, Kentucky, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado.
- Lowest first-year cost (filing fee + first report fee): Arizona ($50), Mississippi ($50), Missouri ($50), New Mexico ($50), Kentucky ($55).
- No annual report for most LLCs: Arizona, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina.
- Should you form in your home state? If you live in the US and run the business there, usually yes, because you’d otherwise register in your home state as a foreign LLC and pay twice. Non-US founders often choose Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico or Florida.
| State | LLC filing fee | Report fee | Report frequency | Corporation fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $200 | $50 minimum | Annual | $100 | Start → |
| Alaska | $250 | $100 | Every 2 years | $250 | Start → |
| Arizona | $50 | $0 | None | $60 | Start → |
| Arkansas | $45 | $150 | Annual | $50 | Start → |
| California | $70 | $800 franchise tax + $20 | Annual tax; Statement of Information every 2 years | $100 | Start → |
| Colorado | $50 | $25 | Annual | $50 | Start → |
| Connecticut | $120 | $80 | Annual | $250 | Start → |
| Delaware | $110 | $400 | Annual tax | $109 | Start → |
| District of Columbia | $99 | $300 | Every 2 years | $99 | Start → |
| Florida | $125 | $138.75 | Annual | $70 | Start → |
| Georgia | $110 | $60 | Annual | $110 | Start → |
| Hawaii | $50 | $15 | Annual | $50 | Start → |
| Idaho | $100 | $0 | Annual information report | $100 | Start → |
| Illinois | $150 | $75 | Annual | $150 | Start → |
| Indiana | $95 | $30 | Every 2 years | $90 | Start → |
| Iowa | $50 | $30 | Every 2 years | $50 | Start → |
| Kansas | $160 | $50 | Annual | $90 | Start → |
| Kentucky | $40 | $15 | Annual | $40 | Start → |
| Louisiana | $125 | $35 | Annual | $60 | Start → |
| Maine | $175 | $85 | Annual | $145 | Start → |
| Maryland | $100 | $300 | Annual | $120 | Start → |
| Massachusetts | $500 | $500 | Annual | $275 | Start → |
| Michigan | $50 | $25 | Annual | $60 | Start → |
| Minnesota | $155 | $0 | Annual renewal | $155 | Start → |
| Mississippi | $50 | $0 | Annual | $50 | Start → |
| Missouri | $50 | $0 | None | $58 | Start → |
| Montana | $35 | $20 | Annual | $35 | Start → |
| Nebraska | $100 | $13 | Every 2 years | $100 | Start → |
| Nevada | $425 | $350 | Annual | $725 | Start → |
| New Hampshire | $100 | $100 | Annual | $100 | Start → |
| New Jersey | $100 | $75 | Annual | $125 | Start → |
| New Mexico | $50 | $0 | None | $100 | Start → |
| New York | $200 | $9 | Every 2 years | $125 | Start → |
| North Carolina | $125 | $200 | Annual | $125 | Start → |
| North Dakota | $135 | $50 | Annual | $100 | Start → |
| Ohio | $99 | $0 | None | $99 | Start → |
| Oklahoma | $100 | $25 | Annual | $50 | Start → |
| Oregon | $100 | $100 | Annual | $100 | Start → |
| Pennsylvania | $125 | $7 | Annual | $125 | Start → |
| Rhode Island | $150 | $50 | Annual | $230 | Start → |
| South Carolina | $110 | $0 | None | $135 | Start → |
| South Dakota | $150 | $55 | Annual | $165 | Start → |
| Tennessee | $300 | $300 minimum | Annual | $100 | Start → |
| Texas | $300 | $0 for most LLCs | Annual franchise tax report | $300 | Start → |
| Utah | $59 | $18 | Annual | $59 | Start → |
| Vermont | $155 | $45 | Annual | $155 | Start → |
| Virginia | $100 | $50 | Annual | $75 | Start → |
| Washington | $200 | $60 | Annual | $200 | Start → |
| West Virginia | $100 | $25 | Annual | $100 | Start → |
| Wisconsin | $130 | $25 | Annual | $100 | Start → |
| Wyoming | $100 | $60 minimum | Annual | $100 | Start → |
Fees last checked Oct 15, 2026. States change fees from time to time, so we confirm the exact amount before filing. Report fees from state fee schedules compiled June 2026. ZIS service fee $149 for every state and company type.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest state to form an LLC?
Montana has the lowest filing fee at $35, followed by Kentucky ($40), Arkansas ($45), Arizona ($50). But the cheapest state isn’t always the best choice: if you live and do business in another US state, you’ll usually need to register there too.
What is the most expensive state to form an LLC?
Massachusetts at $500. California’s filing fee is low, but it charges an $800 minimum franchise tax every year.
How much does ZIS Consultants charge?
A flat $149 service fee plus the state fee, for an LLC, S Corp or C Corp in any state. Registered agent ($50 first year), EIN ($20) and operating agreement ($49) are optional.
Which states don’t require an annual report?
Arizona, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina don’t require an annual report from most LLCs.
Not sure which state to choose?
We’ll recommend the right state and company type for your situation. No obligation.