How much does it cost to form a C-Corp?

The cost to form a C-Corp ranges from $89 (Delaware online) to $500+ (Massachusetts), with most states charging between $100 and $300 for the filing fee. Total first-year costs including registered agent, bylaws preparation, stock issuance, and initial board meeting documentation typically range from $500 to $2,000.

Cost breakdown for a typical Delaware C-Corp (most popular for startups): Filing fee $89 (standard) or $189 (24-hour expedited), registered agent $100-$150/year, franchise tax $400/year (minimum for authorized shares method), federal tax return preparation $500-$1,500/year (Form 1120), state tax return $200-$500/year, annual report $50/year. Additional one-time costs: stock certificates and corporate kit $50-$200, 83(b) election filing for founders $0 (but critical to file within 30 days of stock issuance), and legal review of bylaws and shareholder agreements $1,000-$5,000 if using a lawyer. For VC-track startups, budget $3,000-$5,000 total for proper incorporation including legal setup.