Filing Your LLC Formation Papers
What are LLC Formation Documents?
To establish your LLC, you need to file the necessary Formation Documents and pay the state filing fee.
To formally establish your LLC, you must have these documents which may also be referred to as the Certificate of Formation, Certificate of Organization, or Articles of Organization.
To finish the formation process, more documentation could be needed in some states.
Before Preparing Your Documents
These two tasks must be completed before you may create your LLC Formation Documents:
- Choose a Name for Your LLC: Make sure the name you've selected isn't currently being used by another business. Examine the LLC database in your state to confirm its availability.
- Appoint a Registered Agent: Decide on a Registered Agent for your LLC, or hire a Commercial Registered Agent.
Filling Out Your Documents
Your LLC Formation Documents will include your LLC's name, office address, effective date, and Registered Agent information.
Along with your LLC Formation Documents, you could also be required by law in a number of states to submit additional information or documents.
Since the LLC Formation Documents are state-specific, we needed to create 50 individual lessons that walk through how to file them step-by-step for each state.
Filing Your LLC Formation Documents
There are two methods you can submit your LLC Formation Documents to your state:
- By mail: Enclose a cheque or money order for the filing fee together with your paperwork.
- Online: Submit your documents through the state’s website and pay the fee with a debit or credit card.
The state charges a one-time fee to form your LLC, with no monthly fees. The fee amount varies by state and is listed below.
State Filing Fees
| State LLC | LLC Filing Fee | LLC Annual/Biennial Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama LLC | $200 | $50 minimum (every year) |
| Alaska LLC | $250 | $100 (every 2 years) |
| Arizona LLC | $50 | $0 (no fee and no information report) |
| Arkansas LLC | $45 | $150 (every year) |
| California LLC | $70 | $800 (every year) + $20 (every 2 years) |
| Colorado LLC | $50 | $10 (every year) |
| Connecticut LLC | $120 | $80 (every year) |
| Delaware LLC | $90 | $300 (every year) |
| Florida LLC | $125 | $138.75 (every year) |
| Georgia LLC | $100 | $50 (every year) |
| Hawaii LLC | $50 | $15 (every year) |
| Idaho LLC | $100 | $0 (information report must be filed every year) |
| Illinois LLC | $150 | $75 (every year) |
| Indiana LLC | $95 | $31 (every 2 years) |
| Iowa LLC | $50 | $30 (every 2 years) |
| Kansas LLC | $160 | $50 (every year) |
| Kentucky LLC | $40 | $15 (every year) |
| Louisiana LLC | $100 | $35 (every year) |
| Maine LLC | $175 | $85 (every year) |
| Maryland LLC | $100 | $300 (every year) |
| Massachusetts LLC | $500 | $500 (every year) |
| Michigan LLC | $50 | $25 (every year) |
| Minnesota LLC | $155 | $0 (information report must be filed every year) |
| Mississippi LLC | $50 | $0 (information report must be filed every year) |
| Missouri LLC | $50 | $0 (information report must be filed every year) |
| Montana LLC | $70 | $20 (every year) |
| Nebraska LLC | $100 | $13 (every 2 years) |
| Nevada LLC | $425 | $350 (every year) |
| New Hampshire LLC | $100 | $100 (every year) |
| New Jersey LLC | $125 | $75 (every year) |
| New Mexico LLC | $50 | $0 (no fee and no information report) |
| New York LLC | $200 | $9 (every 2 years) |
| North Carolina LLC | $125 | $200 (every year) |
| North Dakota LLC | $135 | $50 (every year) |
| Ohio LLC | $99 | $0 (no fee and no information report) |
| Oklahoma LLC | $100 | $25 (every year) |
| Oregon LLC | $100 | $100 (every year) |
| Pennsylvania LLC | $125 | $70 (every year) |
| Rhode Island LLC | $150 | $50 (every year) |
| South Carolina LLC | $110 | $0 (no fee and no information report) |
| South Dakota LLC | $150 | $50 (every year) |
| Tennessee LLC | $300 | $300 minimum (every year) |
| Texas LLC | $300 | $0 (no fee and no information report) |
| Utah LLC | $70 | $20 (every year) |
| Vermont LLC | $125 | $35 (every year) |
| Virginia LLC | $100 | $50 (every year) |
| Washington LLC | $200 | $60 (every year) |
| West Virginia LLC | $100 | $25 (every year) |
| Wisconsin LLC | $130 | $25 (every year) |
| Wyoming LLC | $100 | $60 minimum (every year) |
Ongoing Requirements
After your LLC is formed, there are still ongoing requirements.
Most states require you to file an Annual Report (or a similar document) and pay a recurring fee, typically once a year.
You will also need to file state taxes annually.
Where to get LLC Filing Forms
You can download the LLC filing forms by choosing your state from the list below: