New York LLC Cost
The minimum cost to start a New York LLC is $200 in state filing fees. Annual upkeep costs $9 per biennial cycle, plus any franchise/privilege tax. Here is the full 2026 breakdown.
One-time formation costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $200 |
| Name reservation (optional) | typically $10–$50 |
| Certified copy of Articles (optional) | typically $5–$30 |
| Expedited processing (optional) | typically $50–$1,000 depending on tier |
Annual recurring costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual report | $9 per biennial cycle |
| Franchise / privilege tax | Filing fee scales by income (NYS-204-LL) |
| Registered agent service (optional) | $0–$300/year |
Optional professional services
- Formation service (Bizee, Northwest, LegalZoom): $0–$299 + state fee
- Operating agreement template: $0 (DIY) to $200 (attorney-drafted)
- EIN: $0 direct from IRS — never pay a third party for this
Year-1 minimum spend
If you DIY everything: $209 for state fees in the first year. Add federal taxes, sales tax registration, and any local licenses based on your activity.
New York-specific note
New York requires LLCs to publish notice of formation in two newspapers in the county of the principal office for six consecutive weeks; cost varies dramatically by county (cheap upstate, expensive in NYC).
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to start an LLC in New York?
File the Articles of Organization yourself online with the New York SoS for $200 and act as your own registered agent.
What does it cost to keep a New York LLC active each year?
Minimum $9 for the biennial report, plus any franchise tax owed: Filing fee scales by income (NYS-204-LL).
Should I form in New York or a different state?
In general, you should form in the state where you actually operate. Forming elsewhere usually requires Foreign Qualification in your home state, which means paying both.
Sources & further reading
Disclaimer: Legal information, not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney or CPA in your state. See our full disclaimer.