Starting an LLC: State-by-State Fees and Requirements
Forming an LLC is done at the state level. Each state sets its own filing fee, annual report, registered agent rules and taxes. Here is each state's rule, linked to the Secretary of State or tax agency page it comes from.
Choose your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- 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
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Compare the states
Tools, guides and templates
- Employment law for employers and workers
- Small claims court for business disputes
- Consumer protection laws
Plain-English guides
- How Is an LLC Taxed?
- How to Get an EIN for an LLC
- LLC vs. Corporation: What's the Difference?
- What Is an LLC?
Frequently asked questions
What is an LLC?
A limited liability company is a business structure created under state law. It generally separates the owners' personal assets from the business's debts, and it can be taxed in different ways for federal purposes. You form one by filing with the state where it is organized.
Do I need a lawyer to form an LLC?
No state requires a lawyer to file the formation document. Most states let you file online with the Secretary of State. A lawyer or accountant can help with an operating agreement, taxes and complex ownership.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.