Calculate the True 5-Year Cost of Your US LLC
State filing fees are just the beginning. Uncover mandatory recurring franchise taxes, newspaper publication fees, and expensive double-registration traps across all 50 states.
California LLC 5-Year Cost Model
CAChoose a state and assumptions. Your five-year estimate updates instantly.
Future years assume today's reviewed rates remain unchanged. Historical estimates are not enabled because older rules have not been fully verified.
This estimate covers liabilities incurred in five taxable years (2026–2030), even when payment is due later.
Rules: ca-llc-annual-tax-2026.1Future years use an unchanged-current-law assumption. Income tax, legal advice, penalties, and unselected optional services are excluded.
Initial formation fee ($70) + publication + registered agent
Biennial ($20 every 2 yrs) + franchise tax
Estimated liability for the selected inputs and disclosed scope in California.
Five taxable years by cost category(Click any year to inspect)
Select a year to inspect its included liabilities and applicable tax due date.
Tax year 2026 included items
Total: $9295-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category
Save on your California filing fees & protect your personal privacy
Pro Tip: Filing directly through the state exposes your personal home address on public government records forever. You can keep your private details off the public registry and save time by using a top-rated Registered Agent service starting at $39 + state fees.
Open a zero-fee business checking account for your California LLC
Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.
5-Year Cost Rankings: Cheapest vs Most Expensive States
Based on standard compliance with a partner registered agent ($39/yr) and $100k gross revenue.
Top 5 Lowest 5-Year LLC States
Lowest Total CostTop 5 Highest 5-Year LLC States
High Taxes & MandatesWhere Should You Actually Form Your LLC?
Describe your business, location, and revenue goals. Our AI evaluates statutory nexus rules, franchise tax traps, and foreign qualification penalties across all 50 states.
The "Wyoming or Delaware LLC" Fallacy: Why Out-of-State LLCs Often Cost 2x More
Every month, thousands of new founders incorporate in Wyoming or Delaware after reading social media posts about "0% state tax" or "anonymous LLCs".
If you live, hire employees, or have a desk in California, Texas, New York, or any other home state, statutory law establishes that you have a physical nexus. You must legally register as a Foreign LLC in your home state.
Instead of saving money, you now pay two sets of filing fees, two annual reports, registered agents in both jurisdictions, and your home state's franchise tax (e.g. California's $800 minimum tax) anyway!
Explore All 50 State LLC Calculators
Select any state below to view its specific 5-year cost breakdown, publication mandates, and deadlines.