Understanding company formation fees is the first step before registering a business in the United States. Costs differ widely based on the state, business structure, and services you choose.
Many founders underestimate ongoing fees while focusing only on registration costs. This guide explains company formation fees clearly, with real numbers and examples.
Company formation fees are the official and service-related costs required to register a business in the United States legally. These fees are paid to state authorities and service providers during and after incorporation.
Every state sets its own filing fees through the Secretary of State. On top of that, businesses must budget for compliance-related expenses like registered agents and annual reports.
Company formation fees are not limited to one single payment. They usually include multiple cost components.
State Filing Fees
Paid to the Secretary of State
Varies by state and entity type
Ranges from $50 to $500 or more
Required in most US states
Provides a physical address for legal notices
Costs around $100 to $300 per year
Free when obtained directly from IRS
Service providers charge around $200
Required for banking and tax filing
Mandatory in many states
Includes franchise taxes or annual reports
Example: California charges $800 annually
The USA LLC registration fee depends heavily on the state of formation.
There is no fixed nationwide fee.
Montana: $35
Idaho: $100
Arizona: Minimal or no filing fee
Massachusetts: $500 filing plus annual fees
California: $70 filing plus $800 annual fee
Florida: $155 for LLC registration
These figures are confirmed from state and industry sources.
Several factors influence company formation fees across the US.
When all costs are combined, the real company formation fees look like this:
|
Cost Type |
Estimated Amount |
|
State filing fee |
$50 to $500 |
|
Registered agent |
$100 to $300 |
|
EIN service |
$0 to $200 |
|
Annual compliance |
$100 to $800+ |
|
Total estimated cost |
$500 to $1500+ |
Legal or consulting services may add further costs.
At Ebizfiling, we help founders make cost-aware decisions by:
Explaining state-wise company formation fees clearly.
Guiding on the most cost-effective state selection.
Assisting with USA LLC registration fee planning.
Coordinating registered agent and EIN support.
Helping manage annual compliance obligations.
Our focus stays on transparency, accuracy, and long-term compliance.
Company formation fees in the US vary widely by state and structure. A clear understanding of filing, agent, and annual costs helps founders plan better. Choosing the right state reduces long-term financial burden. Ebizfiling helps simplify cost planning for US company registration.
Company formation fees include state filing fees, registered agent charges, EIN-related costs (if using a service provider), and ongoing annual compliance expenses required to keep the company active.
No. Each state sets its own LLC registration fee, which can range from as low as $35 to over $500 depending on the state.
Yes. The IRS issues Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) free of cost. However, service providers may charge fees for assisting with the application process.
Yes. Many states require annual or biennial reports and franchise taxes to maintain an active company status. These fees vary by state.
California imposes an $800 annual franchise tax on LLCs regardless of business activity, making it one of the most expensive states for ongoing compliance.
Yes. Non-residents can register a company in the US, but they must still pay applicable formation fees, registered agent fees, and ongoing compliance costs.
Delaware has moderate filing fees, but founders should consider recurring franchise taxes and registered agent costs when evaluating total expenses.
Yes. Formation services charge additional fees, but they help reduce filing errors, manage compliance, and save time for founders.
Most founders should budget between $500 and $1,500 for initial company formation, including state fees, registered agent services, and basic compliance.
You can reduce costs by choosing a low-fee state, applying for the EIN directly with the IRS, and planning compliance requirements in advance.
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