Initial State Filing Fees for Forming a Business Entity

The following table contains state fee information as of 2006 for the formation of a business entity.

Note that the fees in this table assume that a corporation is to be formed with the maximum number of authorized shares that corresponds to the minimum fee charged by the state (see our discussion of forming the business entity).

Business owners also should be aware that many states charge additional mandatory fees, which are not reflected in this table, for such things as recording documents. Fees for expedited service, which is optional, or the registering of fictitious names also are not reflected in this table.

Finally, states like Arizona, New York, and Pennsylvania may require newspaper publication related to the establishment of a particular business entity. These fees, which can be substantial, also are not reflected in the table.

The Business Tools section has sample funding forms, as well as a Sample Articles of Organization for a Delaware LLC and a Sample Operating Agreement.

State fee information. Click on your state on the map below for detailed information about its fee structure for forming an LLC or corporation. Be sure to research the latest changes in your state's laws and fees with the appropriate secretary of state's office.