State Guide: Forms and Fees for Business Formation

Regardless of which business formation path you take — whether it’s a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or some other legal structure — you likely will need to file with the state in which you operate. This process typically requires the payment of certain fees as well. If you already have formed your business, you still may need to pay an annual reporting fee and other types of fees associated with specific processes.

The form you file depends on the business entity. For example, you may need to file the following forms:

• Corporation – File Articles of Incorporation

• Limited Liability Company – File Articles of Organization

• Limited Partnership – File Certificate of Limited Partnership

The following table provides you with access to business organization forms and filing fee information for the 50 states and Washington, DC. Please keep in mind that some states only allow access through their online portal and they tend to change their websites periodically.

Need help with business formation? Our trusted partner LegalZoom makes it easy—packages start at $0 + state filing fees.

See FindLaw’s Incorporation and Legal Structures section for more articles and resources.

Give Your New Business the Best Chance at Success: Talk to a Local Business Attorney

Deciding which of the many business structures is best for your business will depend on a number of factors, including the nature and size of your organization. In addition to identifying and filing the proper paperwork with your state, you will need to understand the tax and liability implications of a given business form. Contact a local business organizations attorney today for insight into the right business structure, tax considerations, and more.