State Filing Fees, Requirements, and Official Sources
The table below outlines official government requirements, standard fees, and filing prerequisites for LLC formation. Providers mentioned throughout this page are listed alphabetically, not ranked.
| Filing Step or Requirement | Mandatory Fee or Rule | Official Government Source |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | Varies by state; filed directly with state Secretary of State | State Secretary of State Office |
| Registered Agent | Required in all 50 states; must maintain physical street address | Small Business Administration (SBA.gov) |
| Operating Agreement | Internal document; statutory requirement in select states | Small Business Administration (SBA.gov) |
| Federal Tax ID (EIN) | $0 (free) directly from IRS; form entity with state first | Internal Revenue Service (IRS.gov) |
| BOI Federal Reporting | Exempt for U.S.-formed companies under rule effective August 14, 2026 | Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN.gov) |
Evaluating DIY versus Professional Formation Services
Deciding whether to form an LLC yourself or hire a service comes down to how you balance direct cost against convenience, privacy, and ongoing compliance support. State filing procedures are published directly by your state Secretary of State, so filing yourself is entirely legal and manageable. When you handle the filing independently, you pay only the mandatory state filing fee.
However, many owners choose a commercial service to streamline submission or protect personal privacy. A central difference between DIY and service filings involves the registered agent requirement. Every state mandates that an LLC designate a registered agent with a physical street address in the state to receive official legal notices. If you serve as your own registered agent when filing DIY, your personal name and physical address become public record on state databases. Using a formation service that includes registered agent representation provides a commercial street address, keeping your personal residence off public logs.
Below is an overview of major formation service providers, listed alphabetically, not ranked:
- Bizee: Offers basic formation plans starting at $0 plus state fees, with registered agent services available as an add-on as of 2026.
- LegalZoom: Features business filing and legal document templates, with entry-level formation packages starting at $0 plus state fees and registered agent representation priced separately as of 2026.
- Northwest Registered Agent: Focuses on privacy-first state filings and registered agent services with flat upfront pricing plus state fees as of 2026.
- Rocket Lawyer: Combines state entity formation with ongoing legal document subscriptions and attorney consultations as of 2026.
- Tailor Brands: Bundles state filing services with branding tools, website building, and logo generation as of 2026.
- ZenBusiness: Offers structured multi-tier formation plans with optional compliance tracking.
Understanding Service Costs and ZenBusiness Plans
When evaluating service pricing, review total multi-year costs rather than initial formation rates alone. For example, ZenBusiness structures core packages as follows: Starter is $0 plus state fee, Pro is $199/yr, and Premium is $299/yr. On every tier, including Premium, registered agent representation is a separate $199/yr service, though it is discounted to $99 for the first year when you form with them.
For a sole proprietor running a single-member business on a tight budget, filing directly with the state Secretary of State is the better call. There is no reason to pay platform fees when state forms are simple to complete online. Nothing is filed until you submit it, and state portals guide you through each entry box. Conversely, if you want an online dashboard to manage state filings, track annual report deadlines, and provide a registered agent address to protect your home privacy, choosing ZenBusiness is a practical decision that matches those operational needs.
Multi-Member Realities and Tax Considerations
A common misconception is that hiring a commercial service solves internal governance for multi-owner businesses. When a business has multiple owners, an operating agreement must detail profit allocations, voting rights, member buyouts, and dispute mechanisms. Generic automated templates supplied by formation platforms or state portals provide basic frameworks, but they cannot draft tailored protections for co-owners. Multiple members mean an operating agreement that actually has to say something specific, which is not what a formation service produces.
Tax classification also requires attention during setup. The IRS automatically assigns a single member LLC tax classification as a disregarded entity, meaning business income passes through directly to the owner's individual tax return. A multi-member LLC is classified by default as a partnership for federal tax purposes. An LLC can also elect corporate tax treatment by submitting appropriate election forms to the IRS after formation.
Regardless of your chosen path, key facts remain fixed. An EIN is free directly from the IRS at $0 (free), and you should never pay a third party for an EIN. Always form the entity with the state before applying for an EIN . Furthermore, BOI reporting rules effective August 14, 2026, explicitly state that U.S.-formed companies are exempt from federal Beneficial Ownership Information reporting . Note that this site earns a commission on some links, but that never changes which option this page recommends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I form an LLC myself using state filing, a registered agent, and an operating agreement?
To form an LLC yourself, submit Articles of Organization directly to your state Secretary of State office with the required fee. Designate a registered agent who maintains a physical address in the state to accept official mail. Draft an internal operating agreement to establish business guidelines, and apply for a free EIN on the IRS website after the state approves your formation.
How do I register my business LLC with the state Secretary of State?
Visit your state Secretary of State business portal, select the option to register your business, complete the online Articles of Organization form, and pay the state filing fee. Processing times vary by state from immediate online approval to several business days.
What is the IRS tax classification for a single member LLC?
The IRS tax classification for a single member LLC is a disregarded entity by default. Business income and expenses are reported directly on the owner's personal tax return via Schedule C unless the owner elects corporate tax status.
Sources
- Internal Revenue Service, “Get an employer identification number”
- Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, “Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting”
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice; requirements vary by state and change over time.