How much does it cost to form an LLC?

The cost to form an LLC ranges from $35 to $500 depending on the state, with the national average being $132 for the state filing fee alone. Wyoming charges $100, Delaware charges $90, and Colorado charges just $50. Beyond the filing fee, expect to pay $100-$300 per year for a registered agent and $0-$800 for annual maintenance fees depending on your state.

The total first-year cost typically falls between $200 and $800 when you include the state filing fee, registered agent service, and operating agreement preparation. States like California add an $800 annual franchise tax regardless of revenue, making it the most expensive state for LLC maintenance. The cheapest path is to form in your home state, use a service like Lovie that includes the registered agent, and handle the EIN application yourself through the IRS website at no cost.