Business
Business Formation: What It Costs and What to Check
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
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The short answer
Registering your business usually costs less than $300 in state fees. It depends on your state and business type. Getting an EIN (your business tax number) from the IRS is free.
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What affects your formation cost
Price range
- State registration: usually less than $300 total, depending on your state and business type
- EIN from the IRS: free
- Formation services: charge extra on top of state fees
Not a quote or an offer. Your state and any service you choose set your price. Sources: SBA; IRS.
What moves the number
- Your state. Filing fees vary a lot.
- Business type. LLCs, corporations and nonprofits have different fees.
- Yearly fees. Many states charge a yearly report fee to stay in good standing.
- Extras. Formation services upsell things like registered agent service and operating agreements.
What to ask before you choose
- "Do I need to form an LLC at all?" A sole proprietorship doesn't need to register with the state.
- "What will my state charge every year?"
- "What does this service do that I can't do on my state's website?"
- "Do I need a local business license too?" Many cities and counties require one.
The catch: some websites charge for an EIN. The IRS says you never have to pay for one. Get it free at IRS.gov. And you can usually file your LLC yourself on your state's website. A formation service is a convenience, not a requirement.
Related services
Run your business: Registered agent · Payroll services · Merchant processing · POS systems · Business phone · Business internet · How to start an LLC · What an EIN is · Business license · DBA (doing business as) · All business services
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Related services
Guides
How to Start an LLC: Steps, Costs and What Your State Charges
Starting an LLC can cost as little as $70, and your EIN is free. Here are the 6 steps, the real costs in 5 states, and the yearly deadlines to put on your calendar.
Read the guideWhat Is an EIN? How to Get One Free From the IRS
An EIN is your business's tax ID number. The IRS gives it out free, often in minutes online. See who needs one, how to apply, and how to find a lost one.
Read the guide