Form a US business in any state, with current 2026 rules.
State-by-state guides on LLCs, Corporations, S-Corps, and DBAs. Filing fees, registered-agent rules, annual reports, and taxes, sourced from each state's filing office and the IRS.
The numbers at a glance
Data last verified September 25, 2026. See how we collect and check it.
Popular states
Pick an entity type
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Limited Liability Company
A pass-through legal entity that limits owner liability while offering tax flexibility.
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Corporation (C-Corp)
A C corporation: a separate taxpaying entity, preferred for venture-backed startups.
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S-Corporation
A tax election (Form 2553) that an LLC or corporation can make to be taxed as an S corporation.
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DBA / Fictitious Name
A "Doing Business As" filing. It is a trade-name registration, not a separate legal entity.
Start here: guides and comparisons
- LLC Formation Checklist: 12 Steps
- BOI Reporting 2026: Corporate Transparency Act Status
- Best States to Form an LLC in 2026
- DBA vs LLC vs Trademark: Protecting Your Name
- How to Choose a Business Entity (2026 Guide)
- Registered Agent: What It Is and What You Pay For
- EIN Application: Step-by-Step (Free via IRS)
- Foreign Qualification: When You Must Register in Another State
- How to Dissolve an LLC or Corporation (Every State)
- Operating Agreement: What to Include (Plus Template Outline)
Recently updated pages
- How to Form an LLC in California (2026 Step-by-Step)
- California Registered Agent (Agent for Service of Process): Requirements & Cost
- California Statement of Information: LLC Annual Report Guide (2026)
- California LLC Taxes 2026: Franchise Tax, LLC Fee, and Federal
- How Much Does It Cost to Form an LLC in California in 2026?
- How to Form an LLC in Texas (2026 Step-by-Step)
- Texas Registered Agent: Requirements and Cost (2026)
- Texas LLC Annual Report (2026 Guide)
How LLCbyState works
Every state sets its own filing fees, report schedules, and taxes, and they change. We track them in one dataset, cite the state filing office or the IRS for state and federal rules, and show a last-updated date on every page. We are an independent publication: not a formation service, not a law firm, and not paid by any state or vendor to recommend one. Read our editorial policy and methodology.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest state to form an LLC?
Filing fees run from a few dozen dollars to a few hundred. The lowest fees in our data belong to Montana, Kentucky, and Arkansas, but for most owners the cheapest state overall is the one where they live and work, since forming elsewhere usually means paying in two states.
Should I form my LLC in Delaware, Wyoming, or Nevada?
Only if you have a specific reason, such as venture-capital plans or a holding-company structure. A business operating in one state generally does best forming there.
Do I need a registered agent?
Yes. Every state requires an LLC to keep a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. You can serve as your own agent or hire a commercial service.
Is LLCbyState a formation service or law firm?
No. We publish general information sourced from state filing offices and the IRS. We do not file paperwork, and nothing here is legal or tax advice.
Editorial standard. Every page cites the relevant filing office and IRS source. We are not a formation service and we earn no commission unless explicitly disclosed on the page. Information here is general; for advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney or CPA in your state.