The answer is: it depends. Here’s what to consider:
- If your home state is your primary trading area, then it may make sense to incorporate there. It’s usually the simplest and most cost-effective choice.
Compare state incorporation fees.
- If your company will conduct business nationally or internationally, then you have to form your corporation or LLC in one state, and then qualify to do business in other states. That involves additional filings and fees. Incorporators USA does not provide financial or legal advice, so we recommend consulting your accountant or lawyer to discuss your options.
- Some states offer an especially welcoming environment for formations. Delaware, for example, is the incorporation state of choice by 60% of companies listed on the New York and American stock exchanges, and by more than 50% of Fortune 500 companies.
Why incorporate in Delaware?
Cost, for one. Delaware is the least costly state in which to form a corporation or LLC. Speed for another - the incorporation process in Delaware is highly efficient so turnarounds are fast. Many businesses also appreciate Delaware’s favorable corporate laws, tax structure and Chancery Court. If you’ll be doing business in more than one state, you may want to consider incorporating in Delaware. We recommend that you discuss your options with a lawyer or financial advisor. To see how costs vary by state, review our incorporation packages.
State Fees
The fees listed in the chart below include state filing fees and expedited fees (where available) for each state. The total fee for your incorporation order will be the total state fees and the package price.
State | Fee to form Corporation | Fee to form LLC | Alabama | $91 | $81 | Alaska | $415 | $415 | Arizona | $175 | $170 | Arkansas | $55 | $55 | California | $120 | $90 | Colorado | $276 | $276 | Connecticut | $350 | $135 | Delaware | $89 | $90 | District of Columbia | $220 | $185 | Florida | $79 | $155 | Georgia | $250 | $250 | Hawaii | $170 | $170 | Idaho | $130 | $130 | Illinois | $325 | $675 | Indiana | $105 | $105 | Iowa | $55 | $55 | Kansas | $105 | $180 | Kentucky | $56 | $46 | Louisiana | $105 | $120 | Maine | $200 | $230 | Maryland | $191 | $171 | Massachusetts | $287 | $512 | Michigan | $85 | $70 | Minnesota | $163 | $163 | Mississippi | $62 | $62 | Missouri | $69 | $116 | Montana | $100 | $100 | Nebraska | $80 | $130 | Nevada | $230 | $230 | New Hampshire | $130 | $130 | New Jersey | $175 | $175 | New Mexico | $125 | $75 | New York | $195 | $235 | North Carolina | $240 | $240 | North Dakota | $112 | $160 | Ohio | $230 | $230 | Oklahoma | $90 | $140 | Oregon | $65 | $65 | Pennsylvania | $253 | $253 | Rhode Island | $235 | $155 | South Carolina | $213 | $188 | South Dakota | $155 | $155 | Tennessee | $120 | $320 | Texas | $335 | $235 | Utah | $139 | $139 | Vermont | $95 | $95 | Virginia | $78 | $103 | Washington | $225 | $225 | West Virginia | $65 | $115 | Wisconsin | $135 | $205 | Wyoming | $100 | $110 |
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