State formation comparison
Quick reference—confirm fees on each secretary of state website before filing.
| State | Filing fee | Annual | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $300 state fee (Certificate of Formation) | Public information report + franchise tax considerations | Operators who want a large domestic market and no state income tax on individuals |
| Florida | $125 LLC articles of organization (+ optional registered agent) | $138.75 annual report for LLCs | Service businesses, real estate investors, and seasonal operators |
| Delaware | $90 LLC certificate of formation; corp fees vary | $300 annual tax minimum for LLCs (franchise tax rules differ for corps) | Venture-backed startups and companies raising institutional capital |
| Wyoming | $100 LLC articles of organization | $60 or 0.0002% of assets (minimum $60) | Privacy-focused LLCs, holding companies, and asset protection planning |
What to weigh
State filing fees
Published SOS fees change—always confirm on the official secretary of state site before you file.
Annual reports & franchise tax
Texas franchise tax, Delaware annual tax, and Florida annual reports have different triggers and penalties.
Registered agent
Every state requires a registered agent with an in-state address; many operators use a commercial agent.
Foreign qualification
If you form in Wyoming but operate in California, you typically register as a foreign entity where you have nexus.
Compare formation services
We compare official state fees with vetted partners. Clicking a partner link may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Northwest Registered Agent
Registered agent + formation bundles in all 50 states.
View packages →Bizee
Low-cost LLC packages with optional rush filing.
View packages →LegalZoom
Brand-name online formation and legal document tools.
View packages →