Free · Updated 2026 · All 50 States

Start Your LLC the Right Way
State-Specific Guides, Exact Fees

Every state has different filing fees, processing times, and annual requirements. We cover all 50 so you know exactly what to file, when to file it, and how much it costs.

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All 50 States

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State-specific fees, deadlines, and step-by-step instructions — search above or browse the grid

ALAlabama$200GuidesAKAlaska$250GuidesAZArizona$50GuidesARArkansas$45GuidesCACalifornia$70GuidesCOColorado$50GuidesCTConnecticut$120GuidesDEDelaware$90GuidesFLFlorida$125GuidesGAGeorgia$100GuidesHIHawaii$50GuidesIDIdaho$100GuidesILIllinois$150GuidesINIndiana$95GuidesIAIowa$50GuidesKSKansas$160GuidesKYKentucky$40GuidesLALouisiana$100GuidesMEMaine$175GuidesMDMaryland$100GuidesMAMassachusetts$500GuidesMIMichigan$50GuidesMNMinnesota$135GuidesMSMississippi$50GuidesMOMissouri$50GuidesMTMontana$35GuidesNENebraska$100GuidesNVNevada$425GuidesNHNew Hampshire$100GuidesNJNew Jersey$125GuidesNMNew Mexico$50GuidesNYNew York$200GuidesNCNorth Carolina$125GuidesNDNorth Dakota$135GuidesOHOhio$99GuidesOKOklahoma$100GuidesOROregon$100GuidesPAPennsylvania$125GuidesRIRhode Island$150GuidesSCSouth Carolina$110GuidesSDSouth Dakota$150GuidesTNTennessee$300GuidesTXTexas$300GuidesUTUtah$54GuidesVTVermont$125GuidesVAVirginia$100GuidesWAWashington$200GuidesWVWest Virginia$100GuidesWIWisconsin$130GuidesWYWyoming$100Guides
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Everything you need to start and maintain your LLC

Start Your LLC

🏛Formation Guides

Step-by-step instructions to file your LLC in any state — exact fees, forms, and timelines.

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📍LLC Guides by State

State-specific LLC guides covering exact filing fees, processing times, compliance deadlines, and formation steps for all 50 states.

Browse by state →
🤔Should I Form an LLC?

5 clear signals that it's time to formalize your business — and 3 situations where it can wait. Includes a 4-question decision framework.

Take the quiz →
🔢Get an EIN

Free IRS application walkthrough — takes 15 minutes, required for every LLC.

Get your EIN →
🏢Registered Agent Guides

Every state requires a registered agent. Learn the rules, costs, and whether you can be your own.

Find your state's requirements →
📄Operating Agreement Templates

Free templates and state requirements for single-member and multi-member LLCs.

Get templates →
👤Single-Member LLC Guide

Everything a solo owner needs — taxes, liability, operating agreement requirements, and compliance.

Read the guide →
💼Industry-Specific Guides

LLCs for freelancers, real estate investors, contractors, Etsy sellers, and 18 more professions.

Browse profession guides →
🎯Best State by Business Type

Cheapest and best state to form an LLC for consultants, sellers, investors, and foreign founders.

See the rankings →
🔒Anonymous LLC Guide

Keep your name off public business records with the right state and structure.

Compare all 50 states →
🛒Marketplace KYC

Pass Amazon, Stripe, Shopify & PayPal identity verification with your LLC.

See verification guides →

Taxes & Money

📊LLC Tax Guide

How LLCs are taxed by default, how to elect S-Corp or C-Corp status, and what self-employment tax actually costs you — with state-level breakdowns.

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🏗️Choose Your Structure

LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, or sole proprietorship? Decision framework, comparison table, and 4 qualifying questions to find the right entity for your business.

Find the right structure →
⚖️LLC vs Corp

LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, or sole proprietorship? Compare all four structures across taxes, liability, and annual maintenance requirements.

Compare structures →
💰LLC vs S-Corp

At what income level does an S-Corp election save you self-employment tax? State-specific breakdowns.

See the math →
📈LLC vs C-Corp

When a C-Corp makes sense — investors, retained earnings, employee stock options, and benefits.

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🏪LLC vs Sole Proprietorship

Free and instant vs. protected and credible. The exact point where an LLC pays for itself.

Compare in your state →
💵How to Pay Yourself from an LLC

Draws, guaranteed payments, and salary options — with the tax implications for each.

Learn how it works →
🧓Self-Employed & Social Security

Working while collecting Social Security? How self-employment income and the 2026 earnings limit affect your benefits — and why your LLC's tax structure changes the math.

Read the guide →
🏦Business Banking

Compare business checking accounts for LLCs in every state — ranked by fees, features, and small-business fit.

Find the best bank for your LLC →
💸Small Business Incentives & Grants

State-specific micro-grants, tax incentives, and funding programs available to LLC owners in all 50 states.

Find grants in your state →

Stay Compliant

📋Annual Reports & Compliance

Due dates, fees, and filing instructions for every state's annual report or franchise tax.

Browse compliance guides →
⚠️LLC Annual Report Late Fees

State-by-state late penalties and how to reinstate a dissolved LLC before you lose your name.

Check your state's penalties →
🌐Foreign LLC Registration

Incorporated in Delaware or Wyoming but operate elsewhere? Learn when you must register as a foreign LLC and what it costs in each state.

Check your requirements →
🏁Dissolution Guides

Step-by-step instructions to properly wind down and dissolve your LLC in any state.

Browse dissolution guides →

Free Tools & Calculators

📊S-Corp Break-Even Calculator

Find the exact income where S-Corp status starts saving you money on self-employment taxes.

Calculate break-even →
💰5-Year LLC True Cost

See exactly what your LLC costs over 5 years — home state vs. Delaware vs. Wyoming.

Run the projection →
🧮LLC Cost Comparison Calculator

Compare LLC filing fees, annual report costs, and state taxes side by side — find the cheapest state to form or maintain your LLC.

Compare LLC costs →
💡LLC vs Corp Tax Calculator

Enter your income and state — see exactly how much you'd owe as an LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp. Side-by-side tax math with self-employment savings.

Run the numbers →
📅Annual Report Deadline Calculator

Pick your state and formation date — get your exact filing deadline and a calendar reminder.

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📝BOI Compliance Calculator

Check whether your business must file a Beneficial Ownership Information report with FinCEN.

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✍️Articles of Organization Generator

Generate a free, state-specific Articles of Organization in minutes — covers all 50 states with correct form names and required fields.

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🔍Name & Brand Check

Check domain and social handle availability for your business name before you file.

Check my name →
🛒Economic Nexus & Sales Tax

Find economic nexus thresholds and sales tax rates for all 50 states. Know when your LLC must collect sales tax in a new state.

Check nexus rules →

Compare & Research

🗺️State Comparison Guides

Side-by-side fee, tax, and deadline comparisons across any two states.

Compare states →
📊Research & Data

Data-driven insights on LLC formation trends, top companies by state, and small-business statistics.

Explore research →
💰LLC Filing Fees by State

Compare formation costs, annual fees, and year-1 totals across all 50 states.

Compare costs →
📈LLC Formation Index

New business applications by state — growth, per-capita, and employer-likely share from Census data.

See the data →
🔚Hardest States to Close an LLC

All 50 states ranked by dissolution cost, tax-clearance gates, and red tape — from a 2026 primary-source review.

See the ranking →
Why an LLC

Why Form an LLC?

The four reasons most entrepreneurs choose an LLC over operating as a sole proprietor

🛡

Personal liability protection

An LLC separates your personal assets from business debts. If your business is sued, creditors can't come after your house, savings, or car.

💰

Tax flexibility

By default, LLC profits pass through to your personal return. At higher income levels, electing S-corp status can save thousands in self-employment tax.

🏆

Professional credibility

"Smith Consulting LLC" signals permanence and professionalism. Banks, clients, and landlords take LLCs more seriously than sole proprietors.

📋

Simple compliance

Unlike corporations, LLCs have no board meeting requirements or complex governance rules. Most states require only an annual report and a registered agent.

Trust & Accuracy

Reviewed by Licensed Attorneys

Our LLC guides are reviewed by independent licensed attorneys for general legal accuracy.

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Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about forming and maintaining an LLC

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