LLC Costs: What You May Pay Before and After Filing

The cost to start an LLC depends mostly on your state filing fee and whether you use a paid formation service.

Common LLC costs include:

  • State filing fee
  • Registered agent service
  • Operating agreement
  • EIN help, if purchased
  • Annual report fees
  • State franchise or renewal fees
  • Business license costs
  • Compliance service add-ons

The mistake many new business owners make is judging a service only by the advertised starting price. A low-cost filing package may become more expensive once registered agent service, EIN help, or compliance tools are added.

Before paying, compare the total checkout price and the renewal price for any service that continues after the first year.