How Much Does an LLC Cost?

LLCs are created under state law, so filing fees and ongoing requirements depend on the state. Your total cost can also include licenses, permits, registered-agent services, professional help, taxes or state fees, and business insurance.

Rather than relying on a national "average," build your budget from the actual requirements where your LLC will operate.

State formation fee

The first direct cost is usually the fee charged by the state to file the LLC's formation document.

The amount varies. Use the official Secretary of State or equivalent business-registration website for your state to verify the current fee.

Avoid relying on an old blog post for a filing amount; state fees can change.

Registered agent

LLCs generally need a registered agent or equivalent contact for service of process under state law.

You may be able to act as your own registered agent if state requirements are met, or you can hire a commercial service. Hiring a service adds an ongoing expense.

Read LLC Registered Agent

DBA or assumed-name fees

If your LLC operates under a name different from its legal entity name, a DBA, assumed-name, or fictitious-name registration may be required.

Requirements and fees vary by state and sometimes by county or city.

Read Does an LLC Need a DBA?

Licenses and permits

Forming an LLC does not automatically give the business every license it needs to operate.

Depending on the activity and location, you may need state, county, city, or industry-specific licenses and permits.

Read Business License for an LLC

Annual or periodic state requirements

Some states require annual reports; others use different reporting schedules or terminology. State fees, franchise taxes, or other charges may also apply.

Read LLC Annual Report Requirements

Professional services

Some owners form and maintain LLCs themselves using official government resources. Others hire attorneys, accountants, filing services, or registered-agent providers.

Professional fees are separate from government filing fees.

Business insurance

Insurance is not part of the state filing fee, but it can be an important operating cost.

Premium depends on the business's actual exposures: industry, revenue, payroll, location, property, limits, claims history, services, vehicles, and other underwriting factors.

If you are specifically budgeting for coverage, see LLC Insurance Cost.

A better way to estimate your LLC budget

Build a checklist using actual requirements:

1. State formation filing.
2. Registered-agent cost, if any.
3. DBA registrations, if needed.
4. Licenses and permits.
5. State/local recurring filings or fees.
6. Banking/accounting/legal services.
7. Business insurance.
8. Industry-specific compliance costs.

Start with official state and local sources, then price optional services separately.