Cheapest Way to Start an LLC

Discover the most affordable path to establishing your LLC, ensuring you navigate the business world with ease and efficiency – read on to unveil cost-effective strategies that can save you both time and money.

Starts at $0 + state fees and only takes 5-10 minutes

Excellent 4.8 out of 5 stars 15,853 reviews

What is the cheapest way to start an LLC?

Starting an LLC is a great way to help you protect your personal assets and receive some tax benefits. But what’s the cheapest way to start an LLC? You could organize and file the paperwork yourself, and you’d only pay the required state fees. But an error could be costly; in some states, the fees are non-refundable. But you could also use our LLC filing service for $0 plus state fees and ensure it’s done correctly without the hassle.

You have several options to choose from regarding business entities, but limited liability companies (LLCs) are one of the most popular. Finding cheap LLC filing options can help you spend less on forming your business so that you have more capital to invest in other startup costs. 

DIY LLC: How to File LLC Formation Documents

Forming a limited liability company generally involves gathering necessary information about your business, filing the appropriate paperwork, and paying the required fees. You’ll file your documents with the Secretary of State or whatever regulatory body oversees businesses in the state you’re filing in. There are a few steps you should take before filing your formation documents. 

  1. Determine a name for your business.
  2. Check to make sure your business name is available.
  3. Reserve your business name so no one else can take it before you’re ready to file your LLC. 
  4. Secure a registered agent (known in some states as a resident agent or agent for service of process). This person is responsible for receiving important legal notices and official correspondence on behalf of your company. 
  5. Determine if your LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed. 
  6. File your formation documents. In most states, these are called “Articles of Organization,” but they may be called “Articles of Formation,” or “Certificate of Formation.” Each state has slightly different forms and requirements. 
  7. Create an operating agreement to lay out the rules and other specifics of how your LLC will be organized and run.
  8. Secure your Employer Identification Number (EIN). This can usually be done after you file your LLC. 

Cheapest States to Form an LLC

The fees to form a limited liability company vary by state and are subject to change. These are some of the cheapest states to form an LLC in. There may be additional state filing fees for expedited filing or filing by mail in states that offer both online and mail-in submissions:

California – $70New Mexico – $50
Colorado – $50Hawaii – $51
Montana – $35Mississippi – $53
Kentucky – $40Utah – $56
Arkansas – $45Arizona – $85

Pros and Cons of Do-It-Yourself LLC Formation

There are a number of steps involved in forming your LLC. Though it’s possible to do it yourself, it’s important to weigh the value of using the cheapest LLC filing method against making sure your filing is done correctly the first time.

Pros 

If you’re looking for a way to file a cheap LLC, doing it yourself is an option. If you do it yourself, you don’t have to pay someone else additional fees. That means you only have to pay the necessary filing fees. 

Cheap LLC online formation may be available in your state. You’ll still need all of the necessary information explained above, so it’s important to determine what you need before you start the process to save time. 

Cons

Gathering all the necessary information can be a daunting task. You’ll also have to find your own registered agent, which is something we can help with. Not all states have the same requirements, and some paperwork is more tedious than others. 

If you miss a step in the process of filing your cheap LLC, you may end up having your filing rejected and having to redo the entire process. 

Low-Cost LLC Formation Services

Cheap LLC formation doesn’t have to be complicated. We can help. 

How to Start an LLC for Cheap with ZenBusiness

Starting a limited liability company in any state is easy and fast with our LLC Formation Service. If you have 5-10 minutes to spare, we can get started today!

We just need a few pieces of information to start your limited liability company, including the proposed name of your business, your name, address, and some additional details to get your business formed.  

Get started today for $0 and receive the support you need to navigate the filing process. We have a whole host of services and tools to keep your business compliant so that you can focus on running your business. 

Cheap LLC Filing FAQs

  • As of this writing, the cheapest state for an LLC is California. Filing to form a limited liability company in the Golden State is free. This is followed closely by Colorado, where it only costs $50. The most expensive state to form an LLC in is Massachusetts, where it costs $520 to get started.

  • There’s no way to avoid LLC filing fees because they’re mandated by the state. You can file a cheap LLC by choosing not to expedite the filing. You may also consider doing all the filing work yourself, but make sure you consider the associated risks.

  • Each state is different. You’ll need to pay your initial filing fees. You might also need to acquire licenses and permits specific to your business and location. These could be at the local, state, or federal level, so it’s important to do a detailed search or acquire a business license report. Your LLC may require an annual or bi-annual report, depending on your state.

  • It’s not mandatory to use an LLC filing service, but we’re confident that we can make the process faster and smoother. When evaluating the cheapest way to start an LLC, make sure you’re considering how much your time is worth and the benefits of your filing being correct the first time.

  • If you’re looking for a cheap LLC set up, our LLC formation services start at $0 plus state filing fees, so it’s basically like doing it yourself, but better, and more efficient.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.

zenbusiness logo

Written by Team ZenBusiness

Start Your LLC Today