Founders, when you're bootstrapping a new venture, every dollar counts. The cost to establish and maintain an LLC can swing wildly across the United States. Consider this, your initial filing fee might be as low as $35 in Montana or as high as $500 in Massachusetts for 2026. Beyond that, yearly reports can set you back anywhere from $0 in seven states to another $500 in Massachusetts. And then there's the franchise tax, an additional burden of $50 to $800 per year in eight specific states. When you look at the long game, say five years, the total ownership cost for an LLC can be a mere $50 in Mississippi, Missouri, or New Mexico, but it skyrockets to a hefty $4,070 in California. This article breaks down every state, every fee, and points you to the official sources.
Quick Overview for Busy Founders
Let's get straight to the point, what you need to know upfront. We've meticulously checked the LLC fees for all 50 states plus DC, cross-referencing with each state's Secretary of State website as of 2026-04-25. The spectrum of 5-year ownership costs is stark, from the most affordable, Mississippi, Missouri, and New Mexico at $50 each, up to the most expensive, California at $4,070.
For most states
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