What Is an LLC?
An LLC is a legal business structure that combines the limited liability of a corporation with the simplicity of a sole proprietorship or partnership. It protects your personal assets while allowing flexibility in how your business is taxed and managed.
How to Form an LLC in 2026 (General Steps)
- Choose Your LLC Name: Make sure it’s available in your state and follows naming rules. Need more guidance to choose a name for your LLC? Feel free to reference our quick LLC naming guide.
- Designate a Registered Agent: This person or service will receive legal documents on your behalf. Not sure if you need one? You do, and we explain why here.
- File Articles of Organization: This is your official formation document, submitted to your Secretary of State.
- Create an Operating Agreement: Not always required, but highly recommended (even for single-member LLCs). Learn more about operating agreements and what they include here.
- Get an EIN from the IRS: This is your business’s tax ID number. You can learn more about getting an EIN or start your application on the IRS website here.
- Comply with Ongoing Requirements: Some states require annual reports, franchise taxes, or publication notices.
While you can file directly with the state, working with a trusted formation service like URA can save time, reduce errors, and simplify compliance from day one.
LLC Filing Fees & Turnaround Times by State (2026)
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the state filing fees, standard processing times, and expedited options for each U.S. state. This information can help you plan your timeline and budget more accurately.
Up to date as of January 2026.
| State | State Filing Fee | Standard Processing Time | Expedited Time | State Expedited Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $208 | 5-10 days | 1-3 business days | $100 |
| Alaska | $250 | 5-10 days | 1 day | $0 |
| Arizona | $60 | ~3 weeks | Next day | $100 |
| Arkansas | $50 | 15 days | N/A | $0 |
| California | $75 | 1-5 days | 24 hours | $350 |
| Colorado | $100 | Same day | N/A | $0 |
| Connecticut | $120 | 1-3 days | N/A | $0 |
| Delaware | $105 | 1-3 days | 24 hours | $65 |
| District of Columbia | $99 | 3-5 days | Same day | $100 |
| Florida | $125 | 3-5 days | Next day | $35 |
| Georgia | $100 | 5-10 days | 4 days | $150 |
| Hawaii | $51 | 5-10 days | 1-3 days | $25 |
| Idaho | $100 | 7-10 days | Same day | $100 |
| Illinois | $150 | 10-15 days | Next day | $145 |
| Indiana | $97.13 | 1-3 days | N/A | $0 |
| Iowa | $50 | 5-10 days | 2 days | $50 |
| Kansas | $166 | 5-10 days | 24 hours | $40 |
| Kentucky | $90 | Same day | N/A | $0 |
| Louisiana | $100 | 1-3 days | 24 hours | $50 |
| Maine | $175 | 15-30 days | Supposed 24-hr | $100 |
| Maryland | $155 | 2-3 weeks | 2-hour | $425 |
| Massachusetts | $520 | 1-2 days | N/A | $0 |
| Michigan | $50 | 7-10 business days | 1-2 days | $50 |
| Minnesota | $205 | Same day | N/A | $0 |
| Mississippi | $50 | Same day | N/A | $0 |
| Missouri | $50 | 1-3 days | Same day | $0 |
| Montana | $70 | Same day | N/A | $0 |
| Nebraska | $113.30 | 1-3 days | N/A | $0 |
| Nevada | $435.63 | Same day | N/A | $0 |
| New Hampshire | $100 | 5-10 days | N/A | $0 |
| New Jersey | $128.50 | Same day | N/A | $0 |
| New Mexico | $50 | 1-3 days | N/A | $0 |
| New York | $225 | Same day | N/A | $0 |
| North Carolina | $250 | 2-5 days | N/A | $0 |
| North Dakota | $145 | 1-5 days | N/A | $0 |
| Ohio | $99 | 1-3 days | Same day | $100 |
| Oklahoma | $100 | 1-3 days | N/A | $0 |
| Oregon | $100 | Same day | N/A | $0 |
| Pennsylvania | $125 | 3-5 days | N/A | $0 |
| Rhode Island | $156 | 3-4 days | N/A | $0 |
| South Carolina | $110 | Same day | N/A | $0 |
| South Dakota | $150 | Same day | N/A | $0 |
| Tennessee | $306.87 | Same day | N/A | $0 |
| Texas | $300 | 1-5 business days | N/A | $0 |
| Utah | $70 | 1-3 weeks | N/A | $0 |
| Vermont | $125 | 1-2 days | N/A | $0 |
| Virginia | $100 | Next day | Same day | $200 |
| Washington | $200 | 1-3 days | 2 day | $50 |
| West Virginia | $100 | 1-3 days | N/A | $0 |
| Wisconsin | $130 | Same day | N/A | $0 |
| Wyoming | $102 | Same day | N/A | $0 |
Need Help Forming Your LLC?
We make it easy. Our team handles the paperwork, monitors compliance deadlines, and helps keep your business in good standing—so you can focus on what you do best. Get started today!
