Phone, to schedule a free consultation.
Have questions? Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

What are the costs of maintaining an LLC?

Julian Drago
November 13, 2023

Starting and maintaining an LLC has some costs, but it also offers many benefits. Business owners must pay annual fees to keep their LLC in good standing. The costs of maintaining an LLC are relatively low, at just a few hundred dollars per year.

This post will cover in detail how much it costs to maintain an LLC.

Cost of Forming an LLC

Once you have formed your LLC, the costs of maintaining it are much lower. However, you must first form your LLC before you can enjoy the benefits of this business structure. The costs of forming an LLC are manageable due to the small number of fees involved. The total cost of forming an LLC varies by state, but you should keep the following fees in mind:

  • Business name registration
  • Filing articles of organization
  • Publication of LLC in a newspaper
  • Hiring professional services (if needed)

These costs should not exceed $1,000, and most people can form an LLC for even less.

Costs of Maintaining an LLC

LLCs are relatively inexpensive to maintain, but it is important to understand the ongoing costs before committing to this business structure. Here are the ongoing costs you will need to pay for your LLC:

1. Annual Fees

LLCs must file annual reports and pay fees. The amount of the fees varies by state and the size of the business. Larger businesses pay more. California has the highest annual fees for LLCs, while Arizona has none. Most states charge less than $100.

2. Business Compliance

Some businesses need to obtain licenses and permits. These can have upfront and recurring costs. However, some businesses don't need licenses and permits. Check with your state to see what's required for your LLC.

3. Business Insurance

Business owners need insurance to protect themselves from financial losses. General liability insurance covers a lot, but you may need other types of insurance depending on your business.

Insurance premiums vary depending on the size of the policy and other factors. However, you can get a $1 million general liability insurance policy for about $500 per year. Each additional insurance policy will increase your costs.

4. Taxation

LLCs have pass-through taxation, which means that the profits are taxed on your personal tax return. This avoids double taxation, but it increases your taxable income. You may also have to pay franchise tax, state income tax, payroll tax, and other taxes.

All businesses have to pay taxes, regardless of their corporate structure.

5. Registered Agent Service

Registered agents receive legal documents for your LLC. They must have an address in the state where your LLC is formed. Registered agent services typically cost up to $300 per year.

You can save money by being your own registered agent, but you'll need to stay on top of your LLC's mail, including lawsuits and other legal documents. A registered agent can save you a lot of time.

6. Professional Services

You may need to hire professionals to help you maintain your LLC, such as accountants, attorneys, and LLC compliance services. These professionals can be expensive, but they can help you save money and avoid problems in the long run.

For example, an accountant can help you file your taxes correctly, which can save you from paying penalties.

Openbiz can help you get the best professionals for these services, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

7. Miscellaneous

All businesses have miscellaneous costs, such as salaries, web hosting fees, and trademark registration fees. These costs vary for each business, but tracking your expenses can help you minimize them. You can set monthly budgets and cut expenses that are no longer necessary.

An LLC can increase your income potential and offer several other benefits. Once you have formed your LLC, it is important to maintain your business and stay compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.

Business owners can use Openbiz's LLC business formation services to start their LLCs and grow and manage their businesses.

Cost of Forming an LLC

Once you have formed your LLC, the costs of maintaining it are much lower. However, you must first form your LLC before you can enjoy the benefits of this business structure. The costs of forming an LLC are manageable due to the small number of fees involved. The total cost of forming an LLC varies by state, but you should keep the following fees in mind:

  • Business name registration
  • Filing articles of organization
  • Publication of LLC in a newspaper
  • Hiring professional services (if needed)

These costs should not exceed $1,000, and most people can form an LLC for even less.

Costs of Maintaining an LLC

LLCs are relatively inexpensive to maintain, but it is important to understand the ongoing costs before committing to this business structure. Here are the ongoing costs you will need to pay for your LLC:

1. Annual Fees

LLCs must file annual reports and pay fees. The amount of the fees varies by state and the size of the business. Larger businesses pay more. California has the highest annual fees for LLCs, while Arizona has none. Most states charge less than $100.

2. Business Compliance

Some businesses need to obtain licenses and permits. These can have upfront and recurring costs. However, some businesses don't need licenses and permits. Check with your state to see what's required for your LLC.

3. Business Insurance

Business owners need insurance to protect themselves from financial losses. General liability insurance covers a lot, but you may need other types of insurance depending on your business.

Insurance premiums vary depending on the size of the policy and other factors. However, you can get a $1 million general liability insurance policy for about $500 per year. Each additional insurance policy will increase your costs.

4. Taxation

LLCs have pass-through taxation, which means that the profits are taxed on your personal tax return. This avoids double taxation, but it increases your taxable income. You may also have to pay franchise tax, state income tax, payroll tax, and other taxes.

All businesses have to pay taxes, regardless of their corporate structure.

5. Registered Agent Service

Registered agents receive legal documents for your LLC. They must have an address in the state where your LLC is formed. Registered agent services typically cost up to $300 per year.

You can save money by being your own registered agent, but you'll need to stay on top of your LLC's mail, including lawsuits and other legal documents. A registered agent can save you a lot of time.

6. Professional Services

You may need to hire professionals to help you maintain your LLC, such as accountants, attorneys, and LLC compliance services. These professionals can be expensive, but they can help you save money and avoid problems in the long run.

For example, an accountant can help you file your taxes correctly, which can save you from paying penalties.

Openbiz can help you get the best professionals for these services, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

7. Miscellaneous

All businesses have miscellaneous costs, such as salaries, web hosting fees, and trademark registration fees. These costs vary for each business, but tracking your expenses can help you minimize them. You can set monthly budgets and cut expenses that are no longer necessary.

An LLC can increase your income potential and offer several other benefits. Once you have formed your LLC, it is important to maintain your business and stay compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.

Business owners can use Openbiz's LLC business formation services to start their LLCs and grow and manage their businesses.

Schedule a consultation with an advisor to solve all your doubts.

For free