how much does it cost for an attorney to set up an llc

by Eden Zieme I 3 min read

What is the average cost to set up a LLC?

52 rows · How much depends on where you form the LLC, and whether you do the work yourself or hire an attorney to help you. State LLC Formation Costs. To legally establish your LLC, you must file a document usually called articles of organization (sometimes called "certificate of formation" or "certificate of organization") with your state's business filing office. In most states, this is the …

How much do lawyers charge to set up a LLC?

Feb 17, 2022 · You do not need a lawyer to form an LLC, but having an attorney to answer questions and guide you through the certificate of formation is a pleasure. Depending on where you are located, the cost of a business lawyer is approximately $1,000-$1,500. That normally encompasses the start-up lawyer fees.

Why you should form a LLC?

Jun 11, 2016 · You will usually end up spending around $1,000-$3,000 in total attorney costs for creating the LLC. You might even end up spending around $3,500 to $5,000 or even more on attorneys fees if you have too many LLC members or different percentages of ownership among the members or any other situations or arrangements that make the process more complicated.

How long does it take to set up a LLC?

Whether you go through a business lawyer or choose an online service to file forms for your LLC, you will be responsible for covering the state required filing fees, and this cost will range depending on the state where you are filing. The average filing fee in the United States is $127 with ranges between $50 and $800.

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How much does it cost to maintain an LLC?

To maintain an LLC, you have to consider the ongoing costs after you have paid the start-up expenses for forming this type of business entity. You...

How much does an LLC cost yearly?

An LLC’s cost can vary annually. It depends where you decide to set up your business. You should establish your LLC in the state where you have a p...

Is an LLC a one time fee?

An LLC’s filing fee is only paid one time, as are some of the other set-up costs. However, you still need to pay an annual fee to keep your LLC fro...

Do I need to renew my LLC every year?

Yes, you will need to renew your LLC yearly, or once every two years, depending on the state in which you establish your company. The cost can vary...

What happens if my LLC expires?

If an LLC expires, or you do not comply and pay the annual fee, which is also known as a reporting fee, your business will shut down. The only way...

Do I need a lawyer to create an LLC?

Yes. You should retain the services of a top business lawyer, such as Sam Mollaei. Email me at [email protected] for a consultation. Doing so will...

How much does a lawyer charge for forming an LLC?

What you pay to establish an LLC will depend on the state where you form your business and the state’s filing fee. Normally, you can pay a minimal...

What taxes does an LLC pay?

An LLC enjoys pass-through taxation. Therefore, it is treated as a sole proprietorship or partnership tax-wise, depending on the number of LLC memb...

How much does it cost to start an LLC?

In most states, this is the Secretary of State, and the fee to file articles of organization is usually $50 to $100, ...

What is the minimum annual tax for an LLC?

This is a tax you must pay regardless of how much your LLC earns. The state with the highest minimum annual tax for LLCs is California, which charges $800 per year.

How to use a fictitious business name?

To use a fictitious business name, you must file an application and pay a filing fee. In some states, you file a single state-wide application with one state agency, such as the Secretary of State. In other states, you must file an application at the county level in every county where you have a business office.

How often do you need to file an LLC?

In most states, an LLC is required to make a filing every one or two years with the Secretary of State to keep the LLC's contact information up-to-date. This filing is often called an annual (or biennial) report, periodic report, or statement of information. A filing fee must be paid along with the report or statement.

What happens if you fail to pay an LLC?

If you fail to pay these fees, your LLC could lose the legal right to do business in the state.

How much does it cost to file articles of organization?

In most states, this is the Secretary of State, and the fee to file articles of organization is usually $50 to $100, although in Alaska it's $250.

How much does it cost to get a business license?

Most states have local license requirements. The cost to obtain a business license is usually $50 to $100.

Cost to Set Up an LLC

The main cost involved in forming an LLC is the state filing fee which is your company’s articles of organization that must be filed with the Secretary of State.

Additional LLC Costs and Fees

Depending on where you form your limited liability company, there are additional costs and fees. Below are the most common costs that business owners face once the articles of organization are filed.

LLC Maintenance Costs

There are three main ongoing maintenance costs that small businesses may have to pay after filing the articles of organization and establishing LLC formation:

Hire an LLC formation Service

Are you thinking about hiring a professional LLC formation service to start your LLC?

How to Start an LLC Yourself

Setting up an LLC yourself is the cheapest LLC formation by far. Don’t get overwhelmed, we are going to walk you through the five basic steps to start your LLC.

Hire a Lawyer to Set up Your LLC

You do not need a lawyer to form an LLC, but having an attorney to answer questions and guide you through the certificate of formation is a pleasure. Depending on where you are located, the cost of a business lawyer is approximately $1,000-$1,500. That normally encompasses the start-up lawyer fees.

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Benjamin is the Co-Founder and CEO of FinancePond. He worked at a private accounting firm before he created FinancePond. Benjamin is an entrepreneur at heart and firmly believes in strong personal finance and investing education. He has a passion for finance and his goal is to cut out the fluff and make personal finance simple for everyone.

How Much Will an LLC Cost?

The fees for State filing to set up an LLC can go anywhere from $75 to $1,000, or even more. Before getting started, be sure to contact your Secretary of State office and ask about the requirements and fees for creating an LLC in your state.

Should the average working Joe set up an LLC?

You should start an LLC only if you plan to start a business. If you’re already employed, then you shouldn’t be required to start an LLC.

How much does an operating agreement cost for an LLC?

If you DIY, you will most likely need to purchase an Operating Agreement online. Fees range $50 to $200. You may also be able to find one for free online. Just remember, bigger is not always better.

What happens if you don't pay your LLC fee?

If you do not pay your annual LLC fee on time, your state may dissolve and shut down your LLC.

How much does incorporation cost?

Fees could be $50 to $100 depending on their hourly rate. If you use an online incorporation website, it’ll either be included (if you purchase a mid-level or high-end package), or you will need to pay extra. Fees range $50 to $100.

Do I need to order a certified copy of my LLC?

Next is certified copies, which are usually paid three, four, five X what they actually do cost. You do not need to order certified copies when you’re forming your LLC. Ninety percent of the time you won’t even need it. If you do need it later on, you can just contact your state. It will only cost you a few dollars.

Do I need to pay extra for an operating agreement?

You may need to pay extra for an operating agreement, a federal tax ID number, and a commercial registered agent if you or a friend or a family member are not going to be your LLC’s registered agent. Again, those are the base fees. Now, some websites do charge for a bunch of other crap.

Can I be an LLC's registered agent?

If you have a street address located in the state where you are forming your LLC, then you can be your LLC’s Registered Agent. A friend or family member can also be your LLC’s Registered Agent, so long as they also have a street address located in the state where you are forming an LLC.

Can I order a copy of my state certificate?

Just google “secretary of state [state name] phone number”, call, and they’ll tell you what is needed. Fees for Certified Copies are usually just a few dollars. You also don’t need to decide right away. These can be ordered at any time.

How much does it cost to file articles of organization?

Filing fees for LLC articles of organization vary widely—from $40 in Kentucky to $500 in Massachusetts—though most states charge between $50 and $200. You may also choose to pay an additional fee to speed up the processing of your articles of organization.

Do I need to register for taxes?

And speaking of taxes, tax registration may also be required in order to receive state notices about taxes. You should consult with a tax professional to make sure you file the proper annual report and tax paperwork for your state, along with the required fees.

Can I reserve my LLC name?

In most cases, you may choose to reserve the name with the state to secure your right to use it before you file your LLC paperwork. In some states, the process for reserving an LLC name can often be done online, while others provide a name reservation form to download and mail.

Do I have to file an annual report for an LLC?

Some states, though not all, require businesses to file annual reports or statements even within a few months of filing to form an LLC. The state may allow you to file your initial annual report along with the articles of organization. Some states also have additional LLC-related fees.

Do LLCs need a registered agent?

All LLCs must have a registered agent to accept service of process documents and other official notifications on behalf of the company. A registered agent may be an individual or a business. Costs for registered agents vary depending on whom you hire for this responsibility.

What is an LLC

An LLC or limited liability company is a business structure that helps provide flexibility and savings on taxes for small business owners. In an LLC, the business entity status separates it from the owners in the event of personal liability. This will prevent the owners from being responsible for business debts.

Cost to form an LLC

When forming an LLC, there will be two primary costs that you will need to consider. The first costs will include what are known as start-up costs and include:

Cost to Form an LLC: Do It Yourself

When forming the LLC yourself, you will be required to pay state filing fees. You will also need to retain the services of a business lawyer to file for the Certificate of Formation, otherwise known as the Articles of Organization, with your area Secretary of State.

Cost to Form an LLC: Name Reservation

You can reserve your name for your LLC for a period of time and pay a small fee by filing the proper papers with the Secretary of State. At this time, most states will conduct a name search to see if there is a company with a similar name before approving and reserving it.

Is an LLC Right for You?

An LLC is a business structure with many of a corporation’s benefits and with the tax advantages and flexibility of a partnership. There are several options for business entities, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

What is the Average Cost to Set Up an LLC?

The cost varies with your location. There are many steps and legal documents needed to set up an LLC.

Starting a Business? What Will Your Costs Be?

What is the average cost to set up an LLC? Setting it up is just the beginning. Most people creating an LLC are either switching an existing business from another entity or starting a new business.

Starting a Business? Dickson Frohlich Can Help

You’re investing too much money, energy, and time into your business to risk serious legal mistakes. Choose an experienced corporate law firm to help your business start and grow. For decades, we’ve provided legal services to companies of all sizes in the Seattle and Tacoma area.

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State Filing Fee

  • Creating this type of entity requires you to file articles of organization with a designated state agency, usually the Department of State. Many states have a one- or two-page form that's easy to complete, which typically calls for the business name, a list of members (which are the LLC owners), the business address, and the identity and address of a registered agent. Each state ch…
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Registered Agent Fee

  • A registered agentis the person or entity designated to accept service of process of legal documents on the company's behalf. The agent's address is public record, and requires availability at that address during regular business hours, so many people choose to use a professional registered agent service. If you opt for a professional service, they will charge a fee.
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Other State Registration Requirements

  • Some states require new LLCs to complete additional requirementsfor registration, which carry additional fees. For instance, in some states you may need to search a state database of existing businesses to confirm that the name you choose for your company isn't already in use. In New York, you must publish a notice about your intent to establish a new company in the newspaper …
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Operating Agreement

  • Every LLC should have an operating agreement, which is a contract among the members establishing each one's share in the business and management responsibilities. In fact, some states require you to file your operating agreement with them. If you are the only member, you can find forms online. Your cost to develop an operating agreement will vary depending on its compl…
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Ongoing Costs

  • In most states, the business must file an annual report and pay a tax or fee every year. Typically, the purpose of this report is to confirm that your company is still active and that the information the state has on file is correct and remains current. Filing the report keeps your company in good standing. As of 2018, these fees and taxes ranged from $10 to $800, depending on the state. Yo…
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