The recurring fee to keep an LLC alive ranges from $0 to $800 a year. It’s the cost most new owners forget — the filing fee is one-time, but the report fee comes back every year (or every two). Here’s how it works and where each state lands.
Annual vs biennial reports
A periodic report confirms your LLC’s current address, members/managers and registered agent. States fall into three groups:
- Annual — most states; due every year.
- Biennial — every two years (e.g., New York, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, DC). Divide the fee by two for the annual cost.
- None — no report fee at all.
States with no recurring fee
Arizona, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio and South Carolina charge nothing to maintain a standard LLC. Idaho, Minnesota and Mississippi require a report but the fee is $0.
The most (and least) expensive
| Tier | Examples (annual cost) |
|---|---|
| Highest | California $800 franchise tax · Massachusetts $500 · Nevada ~$350 · Delaware/Maryland/DC $300 |
| Mid | Maine $85 · Connecticut $80 · Illinois $75 · New Jersey $75 |
| Low | Hawaii $15 · Kentucky $15 · Utah $18 · Montana $20 · Pennsylvania $7 |
| None | Arizona · Missouri · New Mexico · Ohio · South Carolina |
See the full, sortable list on the LLC cost by state page, and your exact state’s figure on its state page.
Don’t miss the deadline
Late or missed reports trigger penalties (often $25–$400) and, eventually, administrative dissolution — which can suspend your LLC’s good standing and put your liability shield at risk. Put the due date on a calendar, or use a registered-agent service that reminds you (do you need one?).
Budget for it from day one
When you compare states, weigh the annual fee at least as heavily as the filing fee — over five years it dominates the total. The 5-year cost calculator does the math, and how much an LLC costs in 2026 covers the one-time costs. General information, not legal or tax advice — confirm current fees with your Secretary of State.