how much lawyer to start llc

by Annalise Donnelly 6 min read

If you hire a lawyer, it will cost you between $1,000 and $1,500. If you go through our free online course, it won't cost you anything. Regardless of which method you choose to form an LLC, you will still have to pay state filing fees. LLC state filing fees range between $40 and $500.Apr 5, 2022

What is the cheapest state to get 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 does it cost to set up a LLC?

Aug 13, 2021 · It costs between $50-$500 on average to register your business. There is no legal requirement to hire an attorney to form an LLC. Most states allow LLC formation by registering the business entity on your secretary of state's website …

What forms are needed to start a LLC?

Every state charges a fee to form a limited liability company, or LLC, but the amount varies from state to state, ranging from $50 to as high as $500. You can expect additional costs if you reserve a business name, receive expedited processing, get legal help, do business in multiple states, or hire a registered agent.

What are the benefits of opening a LLC?

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 …

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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 sam@mollaeilaw.com 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 a business attorney cost?

A business attorney can save time and money when business owners create a new business. For around $200 to $5000, they can handle the items you may not have time to consider, such as: 1 Creating an LLC operating agreement that explains the who, what, when, where, why, and how of your company (this is required in some states) 2 Creating articles of organization that list the registered agent, LLC management, and the date of formation 3 Keeping detailed records in case of lawsuits or audits 4 Filing fees and registering with the correct people 5 Registering your business name and checking that the LLC name is available 6 Completing and filing all legal documents

How much does it cost to register an LLC?

Your LLC will give you tax benefits and protect your personal assets if anything happens to your company. It costs between $50-$500 on average to register your business. You do not need an attorney to form an LLC.

What is a business lawyer?

Business lawyers if you need to change your business structure to a single-member LLC, S corporation, or another type of business, or need help with another business-related legal matter. General counsel to review compliance with state laws, state agencies, state fees, or annual fees.

Can an LLC be sued?

Once you register, you can buy or rent a building and have company bank accounts. Unfortunately, your company can also be sued.

Do I need an attorney to register my business?

However, by law, you do not need an attorney to register your own business. Other documents and legal services can be handled with a DIY approach or trusted to an attorney to save you time and prevent mistakes along the way.

Filing Fees for LLC Formation Documents

To start an LLC, you must file articles of organization with the state. Your LLC doesn't officially exist until your filing has been processed and approved. There are several fees you might pay:

The Cost of Getting Help

Many business owners would rather let someone else handle forms and fees and keep track of annual reporting requirements. And having a professionally prepared operating agreement can be invaluable in preventing disputes with your business partners. Here are some typical costs:

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 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.

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 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.

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Wyoming?

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 amount to form an LLC in Wyoming, as the filing fee is minimal as well ($100). The annual feel, to keep your business in force is $50.

How much does it cost to form an LLC?

Typically, state filing fees for forming an LLC are between $50 and $800, depending on which state you will be forming your LLC in.

What happens if an 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 to make sure this does not happen is to contact an experienced business attorney. If you want to make sure you always meet your filing requirements, contact an attorney.

How much is the California LLC tax?

California LLC Costs. A $20 reporting fee is required to file Statement of Information 90 days after formation and then every two years. Further, an annual $800 L LC tax is due by the 15th day of the fourth month after LLC formation and every year thereafter.

How often do you have to pay for an LLC?

However, you still need to pay an annual fee to keep your LLC from dissolving. This fee is remitted once every one or two years, depending on the state. You must pay this fee on an ongoing basis if you want to remain in business.

What happens if your business name is already used?

If your business name is already used by someone else, your registration will be rejected. This is when you’ll be required to submit an additional fee for refiling a new business name. To avoid such an issue, you should confirm with the office beforehand to know the availability of the business name.

How much is the annual tax for a Delaware LLC?

The ongoing cost of a Delaware LLC is an annual LLC tax of $300 due to each June 1st, beginning the year following formation. There is no state income tax for Delaware LLC.

What is annual report for LLC?

Annual/Biennial Report. Most states require LLCs to submit an annual or biennial report which includes updating the name, address, and ownership of the LLC. The report fee varies state by state. Visit our state-specific LLC Annual Report guides to learn more about annual fees and franchise tax.

What is LLC protection?

An LLC provides limited liability protection. This means an LLC protects your personal assets in the event of a business loss such as a lawsuit or unpaid debt. We recommend any small business that carries even the smallest amount of risk or liability, to form an LLC. Learn more in our Should I Start an LLC guide.

How much does it cost to reserve an LLC in Alabama?

If you’re forming an LLC in Alabama, you will also need to reserve your LLC’s name for a fee of $10-$28. Reserving a name is optional for all other States.

How much does it cost to form an LLC?

The main cost of forming a limited liability company (LLC) is the state filing fee. This fee ranges between $40 and $500, depending on your state.

How much does it cost to file articles of organization?

The fee to file the articles of organization varies from $40-$500, depending on your state.

What is a registered agent?

A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving and processing legal documents and service of process on behalf of your business. Many people choose to appoint a professional registered agent for privacy, convenience, and discretion.

What is an operating agreement?

An operating agreement is a governing document that outlines the ownership and management structure of an LLC. Purchasing a custom operating agreement from an online formation service is an easy way to ensure you’ll have a thorough and legally-binding document governing your new LLC.

How often do LLCs have to file a decennial report in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania requires LLCs to file a decennial report with the Department of State. Pennsylvania's decennial report is due every ten years in years ending in 1 (e.g., 2021, 2031, etc.).

What is LLC protection?

An LLC provides limited liability protection. This means an LLC protects your personal assets in the event of a business loss, such as a lawsuit or unpaid debt. We recommend any small business that carries even the smallest amount of risk or liability to form an LLC. Learn more in our Should I Start an LLC guide.

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Pennsylvania?

The cost to start a Pennsylvania limited liability company ( LLC) is $125. This fee is paid to the Pennsylvania Department of State when filing the LLC’s Certificate of Organization.

How much does it cost to file a certificate of organization in Pennsylvania?

The fee for filing a Certificate of Organization is $125 online and by mail.

How to get a copy of a business certificate in Pennsylvania?

Obtain certified copies of your Pennsylvania business documents by ordering through the Department of State. Fees vary. Also known as a Pennsylvania certificate of good standing, you can obtain this document by ordering through the Department of State and paying the $40 fee.

Is an S corp a business?

An S corporation (S corp) is an IRS tax status, not a type of business entity. An LLC can be taxed in the default way or as an S corp. For some businesses, being taxed as an S corp can make lots of sense. Check out our LLC vs. S corp guide to find out if S corp status is right for your business.

Does Pennsylvania have a registered office?

Pennsylvania does not record registered offices, but all LLCs must choose a registered office. A registered office is the place where the state can contact your business and is where your business will receive service of process in the event your business is sued.

What is LLC protection?

An LLC provides limited liability protection. This means an LLC protects your personal assets in the event of a business loss, such as a lawsuit or unpaid debt. We recommend any small business that carries even the smallest amount of risk or liability to form an LLC. Learn more in our Should I Start an LLC guide.

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Virginia?

The cost to start a Virginia limited liability company ( LLC) online is $100. This fee is paid to the Virginia State Corporation Commission when filing the LLC’s Articles of Organization.

How long do you have to reserve your name for an LLC?

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation: Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filing an Application for Reservation of a Business Entity Name ( Form SCC631) and paying the $10 filing fee. The reservation can be renewed for another 120 days by filing the same form.

How to get a copy of a business certificate in Virginia?

Obtain certified copies of your Virginia business documents by ordering through the State Corporation Commission and paying $6. Certificate of Fact of Existence: Also known as a Virginia certificate of good standing, you can obtain this document by ordering through the State Corporation Commission and paying the $6 fee.

Is an S corp a business?

An S corporation (S corp) is an IRS tax status, not a type of business entity. An LLC can be taxed in the default way or as an S corp. For some businesses, being taxed as an S corp can make lots of sense. Check out our LLC vs. S corp guide to find out if S corp status is right for your business.

How to form LLC in Arizona?

To form an LLC in Arizona you will need to file your Articles of Organization with the Arizona Corporate Commission, which costs $50 online . You can apply online, by mail, by fax, or in person. The Articles of Organization is the legal document that officially creates your Arizona limited liability company. Follow the step-by-step guide below ...

How to register LLC in Arizona?

To register your Arizona LLC, you'll need to file the following forms with the Arizona Corporation Commission: Form L010 - Articles of Organization. Statutory Agent Acceptance. Member or Manager Structure Attachment. Cover Sheet. You can apply online, by mail, or in person.

How long does it take to publish an LLC in Arizona?

This must be done within 60 days of formation.

What happens when an Arizona LLC is sued?

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your Arizona LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing the corporate veil.

What is a statutory agent in Arizona?

A statutory agent must be a resident of Arizona or a corporation, such as a registered agent service, authorized to transact business in Arizona. You may elect an individual within the company including yourself. To learn more about Arizona Registered Agents, read our full guide.

What is domestic LLC?

An LLC is referred to as a " domestic LLC " when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. Normally when we refer to an LLC we are actually referring to a domestic LLC. A foreign LLC must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state.

What is LLC business?

It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while providing many of the same benefits. An LLC is one of several business structures, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation (which includes C corp and S corp).

What is an operating agreement?

An operating agreement contains the details of the financial, legal and management rights of all members of the LLC. More specifically, it can include how profits will be distributed, how members leave the LLC and who contributes capital for the business. In essence, it should contain all relevant information pertaining to the operations of your LLC.

What is a registered agent for LLC?

A registered agent is someone who receives official or legal documents (such as subpoenas) on behalf of the LLC. Once received, the registered agent will then pass on these documents to the person in charge of the LLC. Anyone over 18 years old can be a registered agent—and there’s nothing wrong with naming yourself. Or, you can designate a company that provides registered agent services to do so. This will come at a fee, of course; pricing for registered agents may cost a few hundred dollars per year.

How to get a copy of articles of organization?

Go to your state’s Secretary of State website to get a copy of the articles of organization form. This document includes details about your proposed LLC so that you can establish it as a legally separate entity.

Why is it important to choose a business name?

Choosing a unique business name is important for both practical and branding purposes. For one, most states won’t allow two businesses to have the same name—it doesn’t matter where they’re located within the state. Some states also prohibit certain words, such as “city,” “insurance” or “bank.”

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