How to Start an LLC, State by State
Every state charges its own LLC filing fee — from $35 in Montana to $500 in Massachusetts — and has its own forms, agencies, and timelines. Pick your state below for exact costs and steps. FilingsHQ prepares and files in all 50 states for $0 in service fees: you pay only what the state charges.
State LLC guides
- LLC in Arizona$50 fee
- LLC in California$70 fee
- LLC in Florida$125 fee
- LLC in Georgia$100 fee
- LLC in Illinois$150 fee
- LLC in Michigan$50 fee
- LLC in New York$200 fee
- LLC in North Carolina$125 fee
- LLC in Ohio$99 fee
- LLC in Texas$300 fee
Guides for all 50 states are rolling out — new states are added every week. Filing in a state not listed yet? The formation flow supports all 50 states today.
Start your LLC now — $0 service fee, exact state fee shown before you pay.
What forming an LLC involves, everywhere
The details vary by state, but the process is the same six steps in all of them: choose an available name, appoint a registered agent with an in-state address, file the formation document with the state agency, get a free EIN from the IRS, adopt an operating agreement, and keep up with the state’s annual or biennial reports. Each state guide above covers the specifics — fees, forms, agencies, quirks like New York’s publication requirement or California’s $800 franchise tax.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC?
State filing fees range from $35 (Montana) to $500 (Massachusetts); most states charge $50–$200. With FilingsHQ's Starter package the service fee is $0 — you pay only your state's fee, shown exactly before checkout.
Which state should I form my LLC in?
For most small businesses: the state where you actually operate. Forming in a 'cheap' state you don't live in usually means registering as a foreign LLC at home anyway — double the fees and paperwork. Delaware, Wyoming, and Nevada mainly make sense for startups raising venture capital or specific privacy needs.
How long does LLC formation take?
It ranges from 1–3 business days (Ohio, Florida) to 2–3 weeks (Texas, Arizona) depending on the state and whether you pay for expedited processing. Each state guide lists current standard and expedited timelines.
Do I need a lawyer to form an LLC?
No. LLC formation is an administrative filing, and most owners file directly or use a filing service. A lawyer makes sense for complex ownership structures or industry-specific licensing questions — FilingsHQ is a filing service and doesn't provide legal advice.
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FilingsHQ is a private document filing service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal or tax advice. State fees change — figures last verified July 2026.