Estimate LLC and corporation formation and ongoing fees by state. Confirm amounts with the official filing office before you file.
Calculate formation costs
Illustrative totals for California. Fees and rules change; verify with the Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
Cost summary
Reflects LLC and optional add-ons in the section below.
- Filing fee
- $70
- First year total
- $1020
- 5-year total (illustrative)
- $4820
Corporation and LLC costs in California
Base state fees shown side by side. The summary reflects the entity type you selected above.
- Filing fee
- $70
- Annual report
- $800 (Annual)
- Publication
- Not required
- Processing
- 5-7 business days
- Registered agent (state rule)
- Required
- Expedited option
- $350 (24 hours)
- Filing fee
- $100
- Annual report
- $800 (Annual)
- Publication
- Not required
- Processing
- 5-7 business days
- Registered agent (state rule)
- Required
- Expedited option
- $350 (24 hours)
Disclaimer
Estimates only (not legal or tax advice). Filing fees and requirements change. Confirm processing times, forms, and exact fees with the official state business registration office before you rely on these numbers.
Notes for California
- $800 minimum franchise tax due annually
- Additional LLC tax based on gross receipts
Lowest Cost States (LLC)
Highest Cost States (LLC)
Understanding Business Formation Costs
What's Included in Filing Fees?
- • State government processing of formation documents
- • Official registration in state business database
- • Certificate of Formation or Articles of Incorporation
- • Initial registered agent designation
- • Basic compliance requirements setup
Additional Costs to Consider
- • Registered Agent Service: $50-$300/year
- • Operating Agreement/Bylaws: $100-$500
- • EIN Application: Free (DIY) or $50-$200 (service)
- • Business License: Varies by industry
- • Bank Account Opening: $0-$100
LLC vs Corporation: Which Should You Choose?
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Best For:
Small businesses, freelancers, real estate investors, simple ownership structures
Advantages:
- • Flexible management structure
- • Pass-through taxation (no double taxation)
- • Fewer compliance requirements
- • Personal asset protection
Corporation
Best For:
Businesses seeking investment, complex ownership, employee stock options
Advantages:
- • Easier to raise capital and attract investors
- • Perpetual existence
- • Stock option plans for employees
- • Established legal precedent
💡 Money-Saving Tips
DIY Formation
File directly with the state to save $200-$500 in service fees. Most states offer online filing systems.
Choose Your State Wisely
Consider total costs including ongoing fees, not just formation costs. Some states have no annual reports.
Skip Expedited Processing
Unless you need immediate approval, standard processing saves $25-$350 with only a few extra days wait.
Compare Registered Agent Options
Shop around for registered agent services or use your own address if you qualify in your state.