Home-state LLC
Usually simplest for freelancers, local service businesses, agencies, ecommerce sellers with one main home base, landlords, consultants, and owner-operated companies.
How to start an LLC
Start an LLC with a state-by-state plan.
Choose a state to get a practical LLC formation guide: how to name the company, where to file, who can act as registered agent, what costs to plan for, and what to calendar after approval.
Choose a stateClick any state
Every state links to its LLC guide.
Choosethe right state to form in
Filewith the correct state office
Maintainreports, agents, taxes, and licenses
All state guides
Choose your LLC formation state
Pick a state to see filing steps, registered agent rules, cost factors, compliance notes, and official filing-office links in one place.
ALAlabamaCertificate of FormationAKAlaskaArticles of OrganizationAZArizonaArticles of OrganizationARArkansasCertificate of OrganizationCACaliforniaArticles of OrganizationCOColoradoArticles of OrganizationCTConnecticutCertificate of OrganizationDEDelawareCertificate of FormationDCDistrict of ColumbiaArticles of OrganizationFLFloridaArticles of OrganizationGAGeorgiaArticles of OrganizationHIHawaiiArticles of OrganizationIDIdahoCertificate of OrganizationILIllinoisArticles of OrganizationINIndianaArticles of OrganizationIAIowaCertificate of OrganizationKSKansasArticles of OrganizationKYKentuckyArticles of OrganizationLALouisianaArticles of OrganizationMEMaineCertificate of FormationMDMarylandArticles of OrganizationMAMassachusettsCertificate of OrganizationMIMichiganArticles of OrganizationMNMinnesotaArticles of OrganizationMSMississippiCertificate of FormationMOMissouriArticles of OrganizationMTMontanaArticles of OrganizationNENebraskaCertificate of OrganizationNVNevadaArticles of OrganizationNHNew HampshireCertificate of FormationNJNew JerseyPublic Records FilingNMNew MexicoArticles of OrganizationNYNew YorkArticles of OrganizationNCNorth CarolinaArticles of OrganizationNDNorth DakotaArticles of OrganizationOHOhioArticles of OrganizationOKOklahomaArticles of OrganizationOROregonArticles of OrganizationPAPennsylvaniaCertificate of OrganizationRIRhode IslandArticles of OrganizationSCSouth CarolinaArticles of OrganizationSDSouth DakotaArticles of OrganizationTNTennesseeArticles of OrganizationTXTexasCertificate of FormationUTUtahCertificate of OrganizationVTVermontArticles of OrganizationVAVirginiaArticles of OrganizationWAWashingtonCertificate of FormationWVWest VirginiaArticles of OrganizationWIWisconsinArticles of OrganizationWYWyomingArticles of Organization
Where to form
Most LLCs should start where they actually operate
Delaware, Wyoming, Nevada, and other popular filing states can be useful in specific situations, but most small businesses save time by forming in the state where they have customers, employees, an office, inventory, or regular business activity.
Out-of-state LLC
Can add extra costs if you still need foreign registration where you operate. Compare registered agent fees, annual reports, state taxes, and privacy rules before choosing.
Foreign LLC registration
If an LLC formed in one state does business in another, the second state may require a foreign LLC filing, local licenses, and its own compliance calendar.
Formation process
The LLC steps that apply almost everywhere
Every state has its own form names, filing office, and maintenance calendar. The owner workflow is usually the same: decide, file, document, separate finances, and stay compliant.
- Decide whether to form where you operate or in another state and register as a foreign LLC where required.
- Search the state name database and confirm the name uses an accepted LLC designator.
- Choose a registered agent who can receive legal mail at a physical address in the formation state.
- File the state formation document and save the stamped approval, receipt, and entity number.
- Create an operating agreement that explains ownership, management, voting, profits, and exits.
- Apply for an EIN when needed, open a business bank account, and separate company records from personal records.
- Calendar annual reports, state taxes, license renewals, and registered agent updates.
LLC learning center
Go beyond the formation form
Build a cleaner business with detailed guides for the decisions that sit around the state filing: structure, company records, banking, tax IDs, and ongoing compliance.
US Company Formation Agents: How to Choose a Provider from Outside the United States
A due-diligence guide for choosing a U.S. company formation agent from abroad, covering LLCs, corporations, registered agents, EINs, addresses, banking, state selection, compliance, and tax limits.
Read guideOnline LLC Formation Service vs Full-Service Company Formation Agent
Compare basic online LLC filing services with full-service company formation agents that add international founder support, banking preparation, addresses, tax coordination, bookkeeping, and compliance.
Read guideFastest LLC Formation: Provider Preparation Time vs State Approval Time
Understand the difference between provider preparation speed and state approval time, including online filing, corrections, state expedite options, weekends, and realistic fastest-LLC timelines.
Read guideLLC cost planning
What affects the real cost of starting an LLC
The filing fee is only one part of the launch budget. Each state guide separates formation, registered agent, license, tax, and maintenance considerations.
State filing
The formation document and official fee charged by the filing office.
Registered agent
A required contact for legal mail, often hired as a yearly service.
Licenses
Local, professional, sales tax, or industry permits can matter more than the LLC filing.
Maintenance
Annual reports, franchise taxes, renewals, and agent updates keep the LLC active.
State fee table
Compare LLC filing fees by state
Use this table to spot low-fee and high-maintenance states before choosing a formation path. The filing fee is only one part of the decision, but it is the easiest cost to compare quickly.
| State | Formation filing | Annualized recurring | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $35 | $20 | Open guide |
| Kentucky | $40 | $15 | Open guide |
| Arkansas | $45 | $150 | Open guide |
| Arizona | $50 | $0 | Open guide |
| Colorado | $50 | $10 | Open guide |
| Hawaii | $50 | $15 | Open guide |
| Iowa | $50 | $15 | Open guide |
| Michigan | $50 | $25 | Open guide |
| Mississippi | $50 | $0 | Open guide |
| Missouri | $50 | $0 | Open guide |
| New Mexico | $50 | $0 | Open guide |
| Utah | $54 | $18 | Open guide |
| California | $70 | $810 | Open guide |
| Indiana | $95 | $15.5 | Open guide |
| District of Columbia | $99 | $150 | Open guide |
| Ohio | $99 | $0 | Open guide |
| Georgia | $100 | $50 | Open guide |
| Idaho | $100 | $0 | Open guide |
| Louisiana | $100 | $30 | Open guide |
| Maryland | $100 | $300 | Open guide |
| Nebraska | $100 | $6.5 | Open guide |
| New Hampshire | $100 | $100 | Open guide |
| Oklahoma | $100 | $25 | Open guide |
| Oregon | $100 | $100 | Open guide |
| Virginia | $100 | $50 | Open guide |
| West Virginia | $100 | $25 | Open guide |
| Wyoming | $100 | $60 | Open guide |
| Delaware | $110 | $300 | Open guide |
| South Carolina | $110 | $0 | Open guide |
| Connecticut | $120 | $80 | Open guide |
| Florida | $125 | $138.75 | Open guide |
| New Jersey | $125 | $75 | Open guide |
| North Carolina | $125 | $200 | Open guide |
| Pennsylvania | $125 | $7 | Open guide |
| Vermont | $125 | $35 | Open guide |
| Wisconsin | $130 | $25 | Open guide |
| North Dakota | $135 | $50 | Open guide |
| Illinois | $150 | $75 | Open guide |
| Rhode Island | $150 | $50 | Open guide |
| South Dakota | $150 | $50 | Open guide |
| Minnesota | $155 | $0 | Open guide |
| Kansas | $160 | $50 | Open guide |
| Maine | $175 | $85 | Open guide |
| Alabama | $200 | $50 | Open guide |
| New York | $200 | $4.5 | Open guide |
| Washington | $200 | $60 | Open guide |
| Alaska | $250 | $50 | Open guide |
| Tennessee | $300 | $300 | Open guide |
| Texas | $300 | $0 | Open guide |
| Nevada | $425 | $350 | Open guide |
| Massachusetts | $500 | $500 | Open guide |
Popular starting points
Common LLC formation states
CA
California
California has important post-formation tax and information-reporting requirements, so do not treat filing approval as the finish line.
DEDelaware
If you form in Delaware but operate in another state, budget for foreign registration too.
FLFlorida
Sunbiz records are public, so choose business addresses intentionally.
NYNew York
New York's publication requirement is one of the biggest state-specific steps to plan for.
TXTexas
Texas owners should set up Comptroller access after formation to avoid missing franchise tax notices.
WYWyoming
Wyoming is popular for privacy and maintenance reasons, but owners operating elsewhere may still need foreign registration.
DIY vs service
Should you file yourself or use an LLC service?
The answer depends on complexity. A simple single-member LLC can often be filed directly with the state. A service may help when you want registered agent coverage, reminders, prepared templates, or help avoiding administrative mistakes.
DIY can work well when
- You have one owner and a simple business model.
- You are forming in the state where you live and operate.
- You are comfortable tracking annual reports and taxes yourself.
A service may be worth it when
- You want a commercial registered agent address.
- You are forming or registering in multiple states.
- You want compliance reminders and document templates in one place.
Formation FAQ
Questions before you file
Should I form my LLC in my home state?
Usually, yes. If your LLC operates in your home state, forming elsewhere can add foreign LLC registration, registered agent, tax, and reporting costs.
What does each state guide include?
Each guide covers formation steps, naming, registered agents, cost factors, filing requirements, operating agreements, EINs, licenses, taxes, maintenance, and common mistakes.
Can I rely on this as legal advice?
No. These guides are educational. Confirm current forms, fees, deadlines, and tax treatment with the official state office, IRS resources, and a qualified advisor.