LLC Annual Fees by State (2026)
A definitive index of US LLC formation fees and recurring annual franchise taxes. Avoid the "free LLC" trap by understanding your 3-year compliance costs before incorporating.
Source-Backed Data
We do not rely on third-party affiliate blogs. Every fee in this index is pulled directly from official Secretary of State or Division of Corporations fee schedules through our open-source dataset.
info The Direct Answer
The true cost of an LLC is not the formation fee; it is the annual report fee (or franchise tax). While forming an LLC might cost $50 to $300 upfront, maintaining it can cost anywhere from $0 (e.g., New Mexico) to $800+ annually (e.g., California).
For non-US residents, these state fees compound with Registered Agent renewals and Form 5472 tax preparation costs. Always calculate the 3-year operational cost, not just the Day 1 filing fee.
The "Foreign LLC" Trap (Crucial for US Residents)
If you live in California and form an LLC in Wyoming because the fees are lower, you are legally required to register that Wyoming LLC back in California as a "Foreign LLC." You will end up paying both state fees. Unless you are a non-US resident or operating a highly specific holding company structure, always form the LLC in your home state.
2026 State Fee Matrix
api View Open-Source Dataset* Fees are verified directly from state `.gov` portals. Subject to legislative changes.