Form an LLC in any state - fast, simple, and done right
State-specific filing requirements, fees, and compliance deadlines - researched and kept current, so you know exactly what your state expects before you commit.
Find your state
Pick a state on the map or choose one from the list.
Before you choose
Which state should you form in?
Form where you operate
For most businesses the home state is the answer. Forming elsewhere usually means registering back home as a foreign LLC anyway - two filings, two sets of fees, two registered agents, for one business.
The filing fee is only part of the cost
The one-time formation fee is the number everyone compares. Annual or biennial reports, franchise taxes, and registered agent service are what you actually pay year after year.
Deadlines differ by state
Some states want a report every year, some every two, and a few none at all. Missing one risks penalties or your good standing - each guide spells out what is due and when.
Form in your state
Pick your state to see plans and pricing, including its filing fee.
For most small businesses, the answer is the state where you actually operate. Forming in another state usually means registering as a foreign LLC back home - paying two sets of fees and maintaining two registered agents. States like Delaware and Wyoming suit specific situations, typically companies raising outside investment.
Do all states require a registered agent?
Yes. Every state requires your LLC to designate a registered agent with a physical street address in that state, available during normal business hours. A P.O. Box does not satisfy the requirement. Registered agent service is included free for your first year on every BizUpUSA plan.
Do I need an operating agreement?
Only California, Missouri, and New York legally require one. We recommend creating one regardless - it defines ownership, roles, and profit distribution, and banks and investors often ask to see it. Even single-member LLCs benefit.
Why do filing fees vary so much between states?
Each state sets its own fees. Formation fees range from about $35 in Montana to $500 in Massachusetts, and ongoing report fees range from nothing to several hundred dollars a year. Select your state above to see its exact figures.
Which states have no annual report?
Ohio is the notable one - it requires no annual or biennial LLC report at all. Several other states ask only for an informational report with no fee. Your state’s guide spells out exactly what is due and when.
How current is this information?
We review state requirements regularly and update these guides as states change their fees and rules. State requirements can change at any time, so for a binding answer always confirm with your Secretary of State’s office or a qualified professional.
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Start your LLC the right way. Keep it protected. Operate with confidence.
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The information on this page is general guidance, not legal or tax advice. State requirements change, and while we work to keep these guides accurate and current, we recommend confirming with your Secretary of State’s office or a qualified professional for requirements specific to your business.
