How to Register Your LLC
If you have chosen to form an LLC you have made a great decision, an LLC offers flexibility regarding how you pay taxes and protection for the LLC owner. The process to register your LLC differs by state. We have included the LLC filing fee and annual registration by state down below. Although the process varies by state, we have outlined the necessary steps required.
- Choose the name of your LLC. Most states require that LLC or Limited Liability Corporation be included in the title. If you do not like LLC or Limited Liability Corporation in your business name, once you register you can opt to register a DBA (doing business as) where you can indicate the name you will use as your business name. You will want to check that no one else is already using the name that you have selected by searching. The state will not let you register as a name that has already been used.
- File the paperwork to register the LLC. This paperwork is usually called the Articles of Organization. A fee is generally required as well. (see your state’s filing fee and annual registration below).
- Draft the organization’s Operating Agreement. The operating agreement outlines the business’ financial and functional decisions. The purpose is to govern the business’ internal operations in a way that suits the owner.
- Secure any other additional licenses needed by your business. Clothing store owners will need a seller’s permit or resale license to purchase inventory. (Obtaining a seller’s permit will be covered in an upcoming blog.)
Some states require additional steps so be sure to understand all that is needed to register in your state.
| State | Filing Fee | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $183 | $100 minimum |
| Alaska | $250 | $100 |
| Arizona | $50 | $0 |
| Arkansas | $50 | $150 |
| California | $70 | $800 + $20 |
| Colorado | $50 | $10 |
| Conneticut | $160 | $20 |
| Deleware | $90 | $300 |
| Florida | $125 | $138.75 |
| Georgia | $100 | $50 |
| Hawaii | $50 | $15 |
| Idaho | $100 | $0 |
| Illinois | $150 | $75 |
| Indiana | $90 | $50 |
| Iowa | $50 | $60/mail $40/online |
| Kansas | $165 | $55 |
| Kentucky | $40 | $15 |
| Louisiana | $100 | $35 |
| Maine | $175 | $85 |
| Maryland | $100 | $300 |
| Massachusets | $500 | $500 |
| Michigan | $50 | $25 |
| Minnesota | $160 | $0 |
| Mississippi | $50 | $0 |
| Missouri | $105 | $0 |
| Montana | $70 | $20 |
| Nebraska | $105 | $10 |
| Nevada | $425 | $350 |
| New Hampshire | $100 | $100 |
| New Jersey | $125 | $50 |
| New Mexico | $50 | $0 |
| New York | $200 | $9 |
| North Carolina | $125 | $200 |
| North Dakota | $135 | $50 |
| Ohio | $99 | $0 |
| Oklahoma | $100 | $25 |
| Oregon | $100 | $100 |
| Pennsylvania | $125 | $70 |
| Rhode Island | $150 | $50 |
| South Carolina | $110 | $0 |
| South Dakota | $150 | $50 |
| Tennesse | $300 | $300 |
| Texas | $300 | $0 |
| Utah | $70 | $15 |
| Vermont | $125 | $35 |
| Virginia | $100 | $50 |
| Washington | $200 | $60 |
| Washington DC | $220 | $300 |
| West Virginia | $100 | $25 |
| Wisconsin | $130 | $25 |
| Wyoming | $100 | $50 |