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What it really costs to form and maintain an LLC in 2026 — the state filing fee, recurring annual fees, registered agent, and the hidden extras, with a full state-by-state range.

Montana, Kentucky and Arkansas have the lowest LLC filing fees — but the cheapest state over five years depends on the annual fee, and forming out-of-state usually backfires.

Every US state requires an LLC to have a registered agent. Here's what they do, whether you can be your own, and when paying $100–$125/yr for a service is worth it.

The recurring fee to keep an LLC active ranges from $0 to $800/year. Here's how annual vs biennial reports work, which states charge nothing, and which are the most expensive.

An S-corp is a tax election, not a business type. Here's how electing S-corp status for your LLC can cut self-employment tax — and roughly the profit level where it starts to pay off.

A sole proprietorship is free but offers no liability protection. An LLC costs a state fee but shields your personal assets. Here's how to decide — with the cost and protection trade-offs.