How to Start an LLC Online 🧠 Expert Insight: This guide is tailored to help entrepreneurs, freelancers, small business owners, and digital creators launch their LLCs online across all 50 states. No fluff—just legal precision, clarity, and value.
Índice
Part 1: LLC Basics – Understanding the Foundation
💼 What Is an LLC and Why Should You Form One?
- ✅ Definition: A Limited Liability Company is a business structure combining the simplicity of a sole proprietorship with the protection of a corporation.
- 🔒 Limited Personal Liability: Your personal assets stay separate from your business debts.
- 💡 Tax Flexibility: Choose between pass-through or corporate taxation.
- 🤝 Professional Credibility: Boosts trust with clients and partners.
👤 Who Should Form an LLC?
- 🎨 Freelancers and consultants
- 🛒 E-commerce store owners
- 🏡 Real estate investors
- 👨👩👦 Family businesses
🆚 LLC vs. Other Business Structures
| Structure | Liability Protection | Taxation Type | Paperwork | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | ❌ | Personal | Minimal | Solo workers |
| Partnership | ❌ | Personal/Pass-through | Moderate | Co-owned ventures |
| Corporation | ✅ | Corporate | Alta | Startups, investment-backed firms |
| LLC | ✅ | Flexible | Medio | General business purposes |
🚫 Common Misconceptions
- “Too small to need one.” ❌
- “Too expensive to form.” ❌
- “You need a lawyer.” ❌
- “U.S. citizens only.” ❌
💡 Consejo profesional: Most U.S. states let you file your LLC completely online in under 30 minutes.
Part 2: 🚀 Step-by-Step LLC Formation Process
- 📝 Choose a Business Name
- Must be unique in your state.
- Avoid restricted words like “bank” or “insurance”.
- Use your Secretary of State’s database to check availability.
- 📍 Designate a Registered Agent
- Must reside or be authorized to do business in your state.
- Can be an individual or a registered agent service.
- 📑 File Articles of Organization
- Your official LLC formation form.
- File online or mail it depending on the state.
- 📃 Create an Operating Agreement(required in some states)
- Defines roles, ownership, and decision-making processes.
- 🧾 Apply for an EIN
- Needed for taxes, banking, and hiring.
- Apply free via IRS: Apply Here
- 📰 Publication Requirements (NY, AZ)
- Must publish your LLC info in local papers for legal visibility.
- 🛠️ Obtain State/Local Business Licenses
- Check your county or city’s requirements.
- 📋 File Initial Reports (Where Required)
- States like California require a Statement of Information shortly after formation.
- 📆 Maintain Compliance
- File annual/biennial reports
- Pay franchise taxes if applicable
🧩 Consejo profesional: Use an LLC compliance calendar to never miss a filing deadline.
Part 3: 📚 State-by-State LLC Formation Guide (2025 Edition)
Each state section now includes:
- 💰 Filing fee
- 🔗 Direct online application link
- ⏳ Processing time
- 📊 Taxation notes
- 📅 Reporting requirements
- 🧠 Expert insight or nuance
🗂️ Alabama
- 💵 Filing Fee: $200 via Secretary of State
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 5–10 business days
- 📊 Taxes: $100 annual Business Privilege Tax
- 📋 Annual Report: Due April 15
- 📌 Note: Probate judge filing also required. Unique to Alabama.
🗂️ Alaska
- 💵 Filing Fee: $250
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 7–10 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No state income or sales tax
- 📋 Biennial Report: Yes, every 2 years
- 📌 Note: Out-of-state LLCs must appoint a local agent.
🗂️ Arizona
- 💵 Filing Fee: $50
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 3–5 days
- 📊 Taxes: No annual LLC tax
- 📋 Annual Report: Required
- 📰 Publication Rule: Must announce formation in a newspaper
🗂️ Arkansas
- 💵 Filing Fee: $45 online / $50 mail
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 2–3 business days
- 📊 Franchise Tax: $150 yearly
- 📋 Annual Report: Due May 1
- 📌 Note: Low-cost and efficient. Ideal for new entrepreneurs.
🗂️ California
- 💵 Filing Fee: $70 + $20 initial report
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 5–7 days
- 📊 Franchise Tax: $800 minimum/year
- 📋 Statement of Information: Due every 2 years
- ⚠️ Warning: High tax state but favorable startup climate
🗂️ Colorado
- 💵 Filing Fee: $50
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: Immediate (real-time confirmation)
- 📊 Taxes: No franchise tax; standard income tax
- 📋 Periodic Report: $10 annually
- 🧠 Note: Extremely startup-friendly with fast processing and low fees.
🗂️ Connecticut
- 💵 Filing Fee: $120
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 2–4 business days
- 📊 Taxes: $250 business entity tax biennially
- 📋 Annual Report: Due by March 31, $80 fee
- 📌 Note: Requires NAICS industry code when filing.
🗂️ Delaware
- 💵 Filing Fee: $90
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 1–3 business days
- 📊 Taxes: $300 annual franchise tax
- 📋 No Annual Report for LLCs
- ⚠️ Note: Popular for privacy and asset protection. Often used by tech startups.
🗂️ Florida
- 💵 Filing Fee: $125
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 2–5 business days
- 📊 Taxes: $138.75 annual report fee, due May 1
- 📋 Annual Report: Required
- ☀️ Note: High tourism and service market. No state income tax on individuals.
🗂️ Georgia
- 💵 Filing Fee: $100
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 7–10 business days
- 📊 Taxes: $50 annual registration + corporate income tax
- 📋 Annual Registration: Due between Jan 1 and Apr 1
- 🍑 Note: Georgia has one of the lowest filing rejection rates in the U.S.
🗂️ Hawaii
- 💵 Filing Fee: $50
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 3–5 business days
- 📊 Taxes: $15 annual business report fee
- 📋 Annual Report: Filed in the quarter of formation anniversary
- 🌺 Note: Additional state GET license required for most businesses
🗂️ Idaho
- 💵 Filing Fee: $100 (online)
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 1–3 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No annual franchise tax
- 📋 Annual Report: Required but no filing fee
- 🧠 Note: Free registered agent service available for 1st year with some filing platforms
🗂️ Illinois
- 💵 Filing Fee: $150
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 10 business days (expedited available)
- 📊 Taxes: No franchise tax, but $75 annual report fee
- 📋 Annual Report: Due before anniversary month
- 🏙️ Note: Foreign LLCs must register separately with Department of Revenue
🗂️ Indiana
- 💵 Filing Fee: $95 (online)
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 1–2 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No franchise tax
- 📋 Biennial Report: $31 (online), due every 2 years
- 🧩 Note: Offers quick digital certificate upon approval
🗂️ Iowa
- 💵 Filing Fee: $50
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 1–2 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No annual franchise tax
- 📋 Biennial Report: Due every two years, $60 fee
- 🌽 Note: Online dashboard allows status tracking in real-time
🗂️ Kansas
- 💵 Filing Fee: $160 (online), $165 (paper)
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 24–48 hours (online)
- 📊 Taxes: No franchise tax, standard state income tax
- 📋 Annual Report: Due by the 15th day of the 4th month after fiscal year-end, $50
- 🧠 Note: Certificate of Good Standing available instantly online
🗂️ Kentucky
- 💵 Filing Fee: $40
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 1–2 business days
- 📊 Taxes: $175 annual limited liability entity tax (LLET)
- 📋 Annual Report: $15, due by June 30
- 🐎 Note: Among the lowest-cost states to form and maintain an LLC
🗂️ Louisiana
- 💵 Filing Fee: $100
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 2–4 business days
- 📊 Taxes: Franchise tax based on capital employed in LA
- 📋 Annual Report: $30, due on anniversary date
- 🎷 Note: State requires notarization for paper filings
🗂️ Maine
- 💵 Filing Fee: $175
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 5–10 business days
- 📊 Taxes: Annual franchise tax varies with assets
- 📋 Annual Report: $85, due June 1 annually
- 🦞 Note: Online filings limited—mail often required for changes
🗂️ Maryland
- 💵 Filing Fee: $100
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 7–10 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No franchise tax
- 📋 Annual Report: Due by April 15, $300 personal property return required
- 🦀 Note: Entity must register with Department of Assessments and Taxation (DAT)
🗂️ Massachusetts
- 💵 Filing Fee: $500
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 1–3 business days
- 📊 Taxes: $500 minimum excise tax for LLCs
- 📋 Annual Report: $500, due by anniversary date
- 🧠 Note: Higher fees offset by strong legal and financial infrastructure
🗂️ Michigan
- 💵 Filing Fee: $50
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 3–5 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No franchise tax
- 📋 Annual Report: $25, due by February 15
- 🚗 Note: LLC name must end in “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
🗂️ Minnesota
- 💵 Filing Fee: $135 (online), $155 (paper)
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: Same day (online)
- 📊 Taxes: No franchise tax
- 📋 Annual Renewal: Free if filed on time
- ❄️ Note: One of the easiest states to manage an LLC long-term
🗂️ Missouri
- 💵 Filing Fee: $50 (online), $105 (paper)
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 2–3 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No annual franchise tax
- 📋 Annual Report: Not required
- 🐻 Note: Known for ease of maintenance and low cost of formation
🗂️ Montana
- 💵 Filing Fee: $70
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 3–5 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No annual LLC tax
- 📋 Annual Report: $20, due by April 15
- 🏔️ Note: LLCs are popular for out-of-state vehicle registration due to no sales tax
🗂️ Nebraska
- 💵 Filing Fee: $100 (online), $110 (paper)
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 3–5 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No franchise tax
- 📋 Biennial Report: $10, due every two years
- 🌽 Note: Publication requirement if not filing online
🗂️ Nevada
- 💵 Filing Fee: $75 + $200 business license + $150 initial list
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 1–2 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No corporate or personal income tax
- 📋 Annual List & License Renewal: $350 total
- 🎰 Note: High privacy, strong protection laws but higher fees
🗂️ New Hampshire
- 💵 Filing Fee: $100
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 3–7 business days
- 📊 Taxes: Business Profits Tax (8.5%), Business Enterprise Tax
- 📋 Annual Report: $100, due by April 1
- 🌲 Note: No sales or personal income tax
🗂️ New Jersey
- 💵 Filing Fee: $125
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: Immediate (online)
- 📊 Taxes: Annual minimum tax $500–$2,000 based on income
- 📋 Annual Report: $75, due on anniversary date
- 🧾 Note: Requires separate tax/employer registration with Division of Revenue
🗂️ New Mexico
- 💵 Filing Fee: $50
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 1–3 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No annual franchise tax or business license tax
- 📋 Annual Report: Not required
- 🌵 Note: Ideal for privacy-seeking businesses; minimal ongoing costs
🗂️ New York
- 💵 Filing Fee: $200
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 7–10 business days
- 📊 Taxes: $25–$4,500 based on income
- 📋 Biennial Report: $9, due every two years
- 🗽 Note: Mandatory newspaper publication in county of principal office
🗂️ North Carolina
- 💵 Filing Fee: $125
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 5–7 business days
- 📊 Taxes: Flat franchise tax for LLCs taxed as corporations
- 📋 Annual Report: $202.50, due by April 15
- 🌲 Note: Easy online dashboard for updates and renewals
🗂️ North Dakota
- 💵 Filing Fee: $135
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 3–5 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No franchise tax
- 📋 Annual Report: $50, due Nov 15 annually
- 🛢️ Note: Strong compliance requirements; check industry-specific regulations
🗂️ Ohio
- 💵 Filing Fee: $99
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 2–5 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No annual franchise tax
- 📋 Annual Report: Not required
- 🌰 Note: Low-cost and compliance-light for local entrepreneurs
🗂️ Oklahoma
- 💵 Filing Fee: $100
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 1–2 business days
- 📊 Taxes: Franchise tax due annually if electing corporate tax treatment
- 📋 Annual Certificate: $25, due anniversary month
- 🌾 Note: Popular for local small businesses and real estate entities
🗂️ Oregon
- 💵 Filing Fee: $100
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 1–2 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No franchise tax; Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) applies over $1 million revenue
- 📋 Annual Report: $100, due on LLC anniversary
- 🌲 Note: Offers e-alerts and renewal reminders via Secretary of State dashboard
🗂️ Pennsylvania
- 💵 Filing Fee: $125
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 5–10 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No franchise tax; state income and local business tax apply
- 📋 Decennial Report: Due every 10 years, $70
- 🧠 Note: “LLC” abbreviation required in name; strict naming conventions
🗂️ Rhode Island
- 💵 Filing Fee: $150
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 2–5 business days
- 📊 Taxes: Minimum $400 annual business corporation tax
- 📋 Annual Report: $50, due March 1
- ⚓ Note: Registered agent must have physical address in Rhode Island
🗂️ South Carolina
- 💵 Filing Fee: $110
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 1–2 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No annual franchise tax
- 📋 Annual Report: Required only if LLC elects corporate taxation
- 🏖️ Note: Easy online interface with downloadable certificate of formation
🗂️ South Dakota
- 💵 Filing Fee: $150 (online), $165 (paper)
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 1–3 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No personal or corporate income tax
- 📋 Annual Report: $50, due by anniversary month
- 🦬 Note: Highly privacy-friendly; no disclosure of owners in public record
🗂️ Tennessee
- 💵 Filing Fee: $300 minimum (varies with number of members)
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 3–5 business days
- 📊 Taxes: Franchise and excise tax applies
- 📋 Annual Report: $300 minimum
- 🎸 Note: File with Department of State and Department of Revenue
🗂️ Texas
- 💵 Filing Fee: $300
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 5–7 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No personal income tax; Franchise tax threshold applies
- 📋 Annual Report: Combined with Franchise Tax Report
- 🤠 Note: No requirement for operating agreement but strongly advised
🗂️ Utah
- 💵 Filing Fee: $54
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: Immediate (online)
- 📊 Taxes: No franchise tax
- 📋 Annual Renewal: $18, due anniversary month
- 🏔️ Note: User-friendly portal and automatic email reminders
🗂️ Vermont
- 💵 Filing Fee: $125
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 1–3 business days
- 📊 Taxes: $250 annual fee for most LLCs
- 📋 Annual Report: $35, due March 15
- 🍁 Note: Low-cost and efficient processing
🗂️ Virginia
- 💵 Filing Fee: $100
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: Real-time (online)
- 📊 Taxes: No annual franchise tax
- 📋 Annual Report: $50, due on anniversary date
- 🏛️ Note: One of the fastest approval systems in the U.S.
🗂️ Washington
- 💵 Filing Fee: $200
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 3–5 business days
- 📊 Taxes: Business and Occupation (B&O) tax
- 📋 Annual Report: $60, due on anniversary date
- 🌲 Note: State offers in-depth online business license wizard
🗂️ West Virginia
- 💵 Filing Fee: $100
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 5–10 business days
- 📊 Taxes: Business franchise tax eliminated in 2015
- 📋 Annual Report: $25, due July 1
- ⛰️ Note: State requires all LLCs to register with State Tax Department
🗂️ Wisconsin
- 💵 Filing Fee: $130 (online), $170 (paper)
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: 1–2 business days
- 📊 Taxes: No franchise tax; LLCs taxed as corporations subject to 7.9% corporate tax
- 📋 Annual Report: $25, due end of anniversary quarter
- 🧀 Note: Certificate of Good Standing available instantly online
🗂️ Wyoming
- 💵 Filing Fee: $100 minimum (based on assets)
- 🔗 Online Filing
- ⏳ Processing Time: Same day (online)
- 📊 Taxes: No corporate or personal income tax
- 📋 Annual Report: $50 minimum, due anniversary month
- 🦬 Note: Known for privacy, minimal regulation, and asset protection laws
🧭 How to Start an LLC Online: Additional Resources & Expert Tips
📌 Top 5 States to Start an LLC in 2025 (Expert Picks)
- Wyoming — 🔒 Privacy, no income tax, low fees
- Delaware — ⚖️ Corporate-friendly legal system
- Florida — ☀️ No income tax, startup ecosystem
- Texas — 🤠 Economic diversity, easy compliance
- Nevada — 🎰 Business privacy, no corporate tax
📊 LLC Cost Comparison Table (Top 10 States)
| State | Filing Fee | Annual Report Fee | Tax Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $100 | $50 | No state tax |
| Delaware | $90 | $300 | Franchise tax applies |
| Florida | $125 | $138.75 | No income tax |
| Texas | $300 | Franchise tax | No personal income tax |
| Nevada | $425 | $350 | No income tax, high fees |
| New Mexico | $50 | Ninguno | No annual report |
| Montana | $70 | $20 | No sales tax |
| Indiana | $95 | $31 (biennial) | No franchise tax |
| Michigan | $50 | $25 | No franchise tax |
| Colorado | $50 | $10 | Low-cost ongoing maintenance |
💬 FAQ – How to Start an LLC Online
Q1: Can I start an LLC in a different state than where I live? Yes, but you may need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state.
Q2: What are the ongoing costs after forming an LLC? Most states require annual or biennial reports, plus taxes or fees ranging from $0 to $800.
Q3: Can I form an LLC without a lawyer? Yes. Many services allow easy online filing, but legal advice is helpful for complex structures.
Q4: Which state has the lowest maintenance costs? Wyoming and New Mexico are among the most cost-effective with minimal reporting.
Q5: Do I need an operating agreement? Not always legally required, but strongly recommended to define roles and avoid disputes.
🧠 Editor’s Insight
“When choosing a state to form your LLC, don’t just chase the lowest fees. Consider the full lifecycle: taxation, privacy, ease of compliance, and local business laws.”
How to Start an LLC Online
📩 Need help choosing your LLC state? Use our decision tool or speak with a business expert.
📩 Need help choosing your LLC state? Use our decision tool or speak with a business expert.
🧾 Don’t forget to bookmark this guide — it’s updated yearly with legal and tax changes.
🛡️ LegalDisclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized assistance.
