Every state requires you to form the entity with the state filing office before applying for an Employer Identification Number. Once your state filing is approved, an EIN is free directly from the Internal Revenue Service. You should never pay a third party for an EIN. Under federal rules effective August 14, 2026, entities formed inside the United States are exempt from federal Beneficial Ownership Information reporting. New York's Transparency Act similarly applies only to foreign entities, so US-formed companies face no corporate transparency filing fee.

If you choose a commercial filing service like ZenBusiness, their Starter package costs $0 plus the required state fee. Their Pro plan is $199 per year and Premium is $299 per year. On every tier, including Premium, registered agent service is a separate $199 annual add-on, discounted to $99 for the first year when forming through them. Other commercial services charge varying service fees as of 2026. This site earns a commission on some links, which never changes what we recommend, and we do not claim independent status. When you handle the filing directly with the state, your setup cost remains strictly limited to the official state fee.

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If you are deciding whether to file your own paperwork or hire a third party, read about how much money you actually save by forming an LLC yourself instead of paying a service:

How Much Money Do You Actually Save by Forming an LLC Yourself Instead of Paying a Service?

State Fee Guides

To see the exact statutory filing fees, annual report costs, and recurring taxes for a specific state, select your state guide below:

  • California: How Much Does it Really Cost to Start a California LLC on Your Own, Including the Franchise Tax?
  • Florida: How Much Does it Cost to Start an LLC in Florida if You Do it Yourself?
  • Georgia: How Much Does it Cost to Start a Georgia LLC on Your Own?
  • Michigan: How Much Does it Cost to Start a Michigan LLC by Yourself?
  • New York: How Much Does it Cost to Start an LLC in New York by Yourself?
  • Texas: How Much Does it Cost to Start a Texas LLC on Your Own?

Next Steps and Fees

State filing rules, initial formation fees, and ongoing filing requirements change whenever state legislatures update their fee schedules. Check your state's individual guide above for the specific requirements that apply to your business before submitting any paperwork.

Sources

This page provides general information rather than legal advice, and filing requirements vary by state and change over time.