How Much Does an LLC Cost? | Inc Authority

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How Much Does an LLC Cost?

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Starting an LLC is the dream of many entrepreneurs. But it’s the LLC cost that holds people back from pursuing that dream. So, how much does it cost to start an LLC?

Unfortunately, there is no one answer to that question. This is because the cost of setting up an LLC varies from one state to the next, as do many of the annual fees.

We’ll answer the question “how much does it cost to get an LLC?” in today’s blog post, so you can go forward with LLC formation process, with confidence.

Let’s get started!

What is an LLC

Since we’ll be answering the question, “how much does an LLC cost?”, we’ll need to first define what an LLC is and why you should get one in the first place. Because for many business owners, it doesn’t matter how much—to start an LLC is to get an edge.

A Limited Liability Company or LLC is the most popular entity structure available. Blending aspects of corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships, they are simple and flexible business entities that protect the owners and operators from personal liability.

This isn’t possible as a freelancer or solopreneur, because with those type of business, there is no separation between your business and personal assets. So, if you’re ever targeted by a lawsuit (and business lawyers love targeting small business owners), you risk losing EVERYTHING—your bank account savings, home, retirement, and other personal property.

LLCs also comes with a ton of perks including federal tax return savings, privacy, brand protection, and greater access to business funding.

Our LLC setup service fee is 100% free here at Inc Authority. We waive our service charges, labor costs, and overhead. You only pay the mandatory Secretary of State Filing Fees, which you’ll need to pay regardless of who forms your LLC for you!

How much does it cost to start an LLC?

When it comes to determining the LLC fee, there are two factors to consider:

  • State formation fee
  • Business name reservation fee
  • Annual fee
  • Ongoing fees

Remember, the LLC cost by state varies for each of these things. We’ll provide a range of prices for each item in this blog, but for a comprehensive list of state LLC fees, click here.

State formation cost

Every state has a unique LLC filing fee for forming an entity. What exactly is being filed? Your Articles of Organization. This is the most important (and most expensive) form that you’ll file to start your LLC. This is because in the eyes of the state, your business doesn’t exist until you file the Articles of Organization.

This cost to file the Articles of Organization for an LLC costs between $40 and $500.The good news is that, as long as it’s accepted, this is a one-time filing, so you won’t need to pay this fee again.

Business name reservation fee

This step isn’t required (unless you’re forming your business in Alabama), but it comes in handy if you have a business name in mind but aren’t ready to file your Articles of Organization. Pricing between $10-$28, reserving your LLC name ensures that no one else can use it.

If you’re ready to start your business, skip this step and simply file the Articles of Organization instead. This will automatically register your name.

Annual fee

In most state law, you will have to renew your LLC and file an annual report. The state fees for this process range from $0 to $500 annually. In addition to the annual fee, there are several ongoing fees to running an LLC as well.

Ongoing fees

Registered Agent Service

A Registered Agent is a person or company who accepts service of legal documents and notifications from the state or other entities. Your registered agent serves as your business’ public address. In many cases, the owner will hire a commercial registered agent to act as their Registered Agent to provide additional privacy for the LLC members. Annual registered agent fees usually range from $179.

Business Licenses

Regardless of the business entity, a variety of licenses and permits such as a sales tax id number, business license, certificate of occupancy, and others may be required. To learn more about the costs of licenses and permits in your state, you’ll need to contact your Secretary of State.

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

The EIN is free in all 50 states, but if you decide to use professional LLC services, you could be charged an additional fee, usually around $50 to $100.

In conclusion

Starting a small business is an exciting experience, but so many people get defeated by the cost. Well, our goal here at Inc Authority is to make business ownership an achievable goal for all. That’s why our LLC setup service is 100% free and comes with legal advice (with no additional cost) and 9 free business management tools to make running your business a breeze!

So, get started today and enjoy the perks and protections of LLC formation services no matter where the road takes you!

Incorporating is the most powerful thing you can do to legitimize your startup. And at IncAuthority.com, our setup LLC services are 100% free. Always. So, don’t wait. Form your new LLC today and enjoy the protection due to you and your business under the law.

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