US Business Formation
Knowledge Base

Effective 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act requires almost all new LLCs to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with the U.S. Department of Treasury (FinCEN). This must be filed within 90 days of formation. Failure to file carries civil penalties of up to $500 per day. This is a federal requirement separate from your state filings.

Yes, you can serve as your own Registered Agent in all 50 states. However, your address will be listed on the public state database, accessible to marketers. Additionally, you must be available at that address during normal business hours to accept legal mail (Service of Process). Many founders hire a service to protect their privacy.

Yes. While single-member LLCs technically can use the owner's SSN, most banks require an EIN to open a business bank account. Obtaining an EIN also helps protect your personal identity from theft.

Yes. The 'Limited Liability' aspect means that if your business is sued or goes into debt, your personal assets (house, car, personal savings) are generally protected. This is the primary reason entrepreneurs choose an LLC over a Sole Proprietorship.

An Operating Agreement is an internal legal document outlining ownership stakes and rules. While not filed with the state, banks often require it to open a business account. It is critical for preventing disputes between co-founders.

Yes, but it is often more expensive. If you form an LLC in Delaware but live and work in California, you will likely have to register as a 'Foreign LLC' in California and pay taxes in both states. For most small businesses, it is best to register in your home state.

No. In 99% of cases, you can file the paperwork yourself or use a filing service. Lawyers are generally only needed for complex partnerships involving multiple investors or specialized industries.

The state filing fee for a Alabama LLC is $200. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Alabama is roughly 3-5 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Alabama LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Alaska LLC is $250. This is a one-time payment to the Division of Corporations. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Alaska is roughly 10-15 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Alaska LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Arizona LLC is $50. This is a one-time payment to the Corporation Commission. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Arizona is roughly 14-16 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Arizona LLCs must file a None. It is typically due Arizona LLCs generally do not file an annual report. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

Yes. Arizona is one of the few states that requires you to publish a notice of your LLC formation in local newspapers. (unless you are in Maricopa or Pima counties). You must then file an affidavit with the state. Failure to do so can limit your right to sue in court.

The state filing fee for a Arkansas LLC is $45. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Arkansas is roughly 2-3 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Arkansas LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a California LLC is $70. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for California is roughly 5-10 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most California LLCs must file a Statement of Information. It is typically due Every 2 years. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

Yes. California charges a $800 minimum annual franchise tax, even if your business makes $0 in revenue. This is a surprise cost for many new entrepreneurs, so be sure to budget for it.

The state filing fee for a Colorado LLC is $50. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Colorado is roughly Immediate (Online). However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Colorado LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Connecticut LLC is $120. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Connecticut is roughly 2-3 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Connecticut LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Delaware LLC is $90. This is a one-time payment to the Division of Corporations. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Delaware is roughly 1-2 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Delaware LLCs must file a Franchise Tax Report. It is typically due June 1st each year. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

Yes. Delaware charges a $300 flat annual tax, even if your business makes $0 in revenue. This is a surprise cost for many new entrepreneurs, so be sure to budget for it.

The state filing fee for a Florida LLC is $125. This is a one-time payment to the Division of Corporations (Sunbiz). If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Florida is roughly 2-4 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Florida LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due May 1st. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

Warning: Florida has a strict $400 mandatory late fee. The state is very unforgiving with deadlines, so we recommend setting a calendar reminder or using a compliance service.

The state filing fee for a Georgia LLC is $100. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Georgia is roughly 7-10 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Georgia LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Hawaii LLC is $50. This is a one-time payment to the Business Registration Division. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Hawaii is roughly 3-5 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Hawaii LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Idaho LLC is $100. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Idaho is roughly 5-7 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Idaho LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Illinois LLC is $150. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Illinois is roughly 10 days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Illinois LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Indiana LLC is $95. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Indiana is roughly Immediate (Online). However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Indiana LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Iowa LLC is $50. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Iowa is roughly 1-2 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Iowa LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Kansas LLC is $160. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Kansas is roughly Immediate (Online). However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Kansas LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Kentucky LLC is $40. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Kentucky is roughly Immediate (Online). However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Kentucky LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Louisiana LLC is $100. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Louisiana is roughly 1-2 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Louisiana LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Maine LLC is $175. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Maine is roughly 10-15 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Maine LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Maryland LLC is $100. This is a one-time payment to the Dept. of Assessments. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Maryland is roughly 4-6 weeks. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Maryland LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Massachusetts LLC is $500. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Massachusetts is roughly 3-5 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Massachusetts LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Michigan LLC is $50. This is a one-time payment to the LARA (Corporations Division). If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Michigan is roughly 10-15 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Michigan LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Minnesota LLC is $155. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Minnesota is roughly 2-3 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Minnesota LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Mississippi LLC is $50. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Mississippi is roughly Immediate (Online). However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Mississippi LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Missouri LLC is $50. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Missouri is roughly Immediate (Online). However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Missouri LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Montana LLC is $35. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Montana is roughly 5-7 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Montana LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Nebraska LLC is $105. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Nebraska is roughly 2-3 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Nebraska LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Nevada LLC is $425. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Nevada is roughly Immediate (Online). However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Nevada LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a New Hampshire LLC is $100. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for New Hampshire is roughly 5-7 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most New Hampshire LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a New Jersey LLC is $125. This is a one-time payment to the Treasury (Revenue). If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for New Jersey is roughly Immediate (Online). However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most New Jersey LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a New Mexico LLC is $50. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for New Mexico is roughly 1-3 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most New Mexico LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a New York LLC is $200. This is a one-time payment to the Department of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for New York is roughly 7-10 days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most New York LLCs must file a Biennial Statement. It is typically due Every 2 years. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

Yes. New York is one of the few states that requires you to publish a notice of your LLC formation in local newspapers. You must then file an affidavit with the state. Failure to do so can limit your right to sue in court.

The state filing fee for a North Carolina LLC is $125. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for North Carolina is roughly 3-5 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most North Carolina LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a North Dakota LLC is $135. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for North Dakota is roughly 3-4 weeks. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most North Dakota LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Ohio LLC is $99. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Ohio is roughly 3-7 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Ohio LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Oklahoma LLC is $100. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Oklahoma is roughly 1-2 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Oklahoma LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Oregon LLC is $100. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Oregon is roughly 1-2 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Oregon LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Pennsylvania LLC is $125. This is a one-time payment to the Department of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Pennsylvania is roughly 3-5 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Pennsylvania LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Rhode Island LLC is $150. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Rhode Island is roughly 2-3 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Rhode Island LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a South Carolina LLC is $110. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for South Carolina is roughly 1-2 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most South Carolina LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a South Dakota LLC is $150. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for South Dakota is roughly Immediate (Online). However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most South Dakota LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Tennessee LLC is $300. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Tennessee is roughly 3-5 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Tennessee LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Texas LLC is $300. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Texas is roughly 12-15 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Texas LLCs must file a Public Information Report (PIR). It is typically due May 15th. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Utah LLC is $54. This is a one-time payment to the Division of Corporations. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Utah is roughly 5-7 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Utah LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Vermont LLC is $125. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Vermont is roughly 1-2 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Vermont LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Virginia LLC is $100. This is a one-time payment to the State Corporation Commission. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Virginia is roughly Immediate (Online). However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Virginia LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Washington LLC is $200. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Washington is roughly 2-3 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Washington LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a West Virginia LLC is $100. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for West Virginia is roughly 5-10 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most West Virginia LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Wisconsin LLC is $130. This is a one-time payment to the Dept. of Financial Institutions. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Wisconsin is roughly 3-5 business days. However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Wisconsin LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due Annually. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.

The state filing fee for a Wyoming LLC is $100. This is a one-time payment to the Secretary of State. If you hire a professional service, you will pay this fee plus their service charge.

Standard processing time for Wyoming is roughly Immediate (Online). However, this varies by season. Expedited options are often available for an additional fee if you need it faster.

Yes, most Wyoming LLCs must file a Annual Report. It is typically due First day of anniversary month. Failure to file this report can lead to your LLC being dissolved by the state.