🏢 LLC Formation Advisor

LLC formation costs vary significantly by state. Filing fees range from $50 in states like Kentucky and Mississippi to $500+ in Massachusetts. Most states fall in the $50–$200 range. Some states like California also impose annual minimum franchise taxes ($800/year). Use this advisor to get the exact fee for your state.

Standard LLC formation typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on the state. Many states now offer expedited processing (24–72 hours) for an additional fee. Wyoming and Delaware are among the fastest, often processing online filings within 1–2 business days. Your state-specific guide from this advisor will include current timeline estimates.

Yes — every LLC is required to have a registered agent in the state of formation. The registered agent must have a physical street address in that state (not a P.O. box) and be available during business hours to accept legal documents. You can act as your own registered agent, designate a trusted person, or use a registered agent service ($50–$150/year).

The core document is your Articles of Organization (sometimes called Certificate of Organization or Certificate of Formation). Most states require the LLC name, registered agent information, management structure, and purpose. After formation, you should create an Operating Agreement (internal governance — required by some states, best practice for all), get an EIN from the IRS, and open a business bank account.

For most small businesses and startups, form in your home state. Delaware formation makes sense if you plan to raise venture capital, go public, or have complex multi-investor structures — Delaware's Court of Chancery has centuries of corporate law precedent. But if you form in Delaware and operate in another state, you'll still need to register as a foreign LLC there (double the fees and compliance). The cost-benefit rarely favors Delaware for solo founders and small businesses.