LLC State Filing Fees and LLC Annual Fees by State (2026 guide)

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Popular States and their LLC State Filing Fees and LLC Annual Fees by State

Wyoming LLC Filing Fees: $104
Wyoming LLC Annual Fees: $60
Delaware LLC Filing Fees: $110
Delaware LLC Annual Fees: $400
Florida LLC Filing Fees: $125
Florida LLC Annual Fees: $138.75
Nevada LLC Filing Fees: $425
Nevada LLC Annual Fees: $350
Texas LLC Filing Fees: $300
Texas LLC Annual Fees: $0
Colorado LLC Filing Fees: $50
Colorado LLC Annual Fees: $25
One of the first things international founders must consider when setting up a U.S. LLC are the LLC state filing fees and LLC annual fees.

In this article we’ll be breaking down the LLC state filing fees and llc annual fees for all 50 American states.

Before comparing the LLC fees, it is important to understand what these terms actually mean.

What Is an LLC State Filing Fee?

An LLC state filing fee is the fee charged by a state to officially form your LLC.

When you form an LLC, you submit the required formation documents, and the state charges a fee to process those documents and officially create your LLC.

The LLC state filing fee is generally a one-time fee paid when you form the LLC.

What Is an LLC Annual Fee?

An LLC annual fee is a recurring fee or tax that an LLC must pay to the state to keep the LLC in good standing.

These fees can go by different names depending on the state, including an annual report fee, annual registration fee, franchise tax, business privilege tax, or annual license tax.

There are a few states that do not have any LLC annual fees but in most cases these fees will be paid  to the state once every year or once every two years.

Which State Should You Choose for Your LLC?

Just because a state has low LLC state filing fees and low or no LLC annual fees does not mean it’s the best state to form your LLC in.

Where you should form depends largely on whether you are a U.S. resident or an international founder and what your business goals are.

If You’re a U.S. Citizen

In most cases, if you are a U.S. citizen operating your business from your home state, it makes sense to form your LLC in your home state.

If You’re an International Founder

The situation is different for international founders who live outside the United States.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen or non-U.S. resident setting up a U.S. LLC to run a remote business, Wyoming and Delaware are two of the most commonly considered options.

For an ecommerce retailer, freelancer, agency, consultant, or other online business serving U.S. customers, Wyoming is often considered one of the best states to form in.

If you plan to raise capital from American investors Delaware tends to be the best option, however, you will likely be looking at a Delaware C-Corp rather than a Delaware LLC.

For a detailed comparison of Wyoming and Delaware, see our guide: The Wyoming vs. Delaware LLC Debate

LLC State Filing Fees and LLC Annual Fees by State

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

Washington DC

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

LLC State Filing Fees and LLC Annual Fees FAQ

Is There a Free LLC With No State Filing Fee?

No. There are currently no U.S. states where you can form an LLC without paying a state filing fee. However, several states do not charge an annual LLC fee.

Which State Has the Cheapest LLC Filing Fees?

Kentucky is the cheapest state to register an LLC, with a filing fee of just $40. New Mexico and Missouri are close behind, with LLC filing fees of $50.

That said, the cheapest upfront filing fee shouldn’t be the only factor you consider. Privacy, ongoing compliance requirements, and annual fees can also vary by state, so it’s important to look at the overall cost and requirements when deciding where to form your LLC.

Do I Need a Registered Agent?

Yes. A registered agent is required when forming an LLC in any of the 50 states.

Do I Need an Operating Agreement?

It depends. Some states require LLCs to have an operating agreement, while most do not. California, Missouri, and New York all require you have an operating agreement.

Even in states where an operating agreement isn’t legally required, it’s generally recommended that you have one, even if it’s just a basic one.

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