Start an LLC in USA $0 + State Filing Fee - Jupiter Filing

Start an LLC in the USA for $0 + State Filing Fee

Starting an LLC in the USA can be straightforward when you understand the formation process and the costs involved.

Some online LLC formation services advertise a $0 formation price plus state filing fees. This can mean that you do not pay a separate service fee for the basic formation package, while the state's government filing fee is still required.

The total cost of starting an LLC can be higher than the initial filing fee because you may also need a registered agent, business licenses, annual reports, tax filings, banking services, or other business support.

This guide explains how to start an LLC in the USA and what "$0 + state filing fee" means.

What Does It Cost to Start an LLC?

There are two different costs you should understand:

1. Formation Service Cost

This is the amount charged by a company helping you prepare and submit your LLC formation documents.

A basic package may be advertised at $0.

2. State Filing Fee

This is the government fee charged by the state for processing the LLC formation filing.

The amount varies by state.

Therefore, a "$0 + state filing fee" offer does not mean the state formation itself has no cost.

What Else Might You Pay For?

After forming your LLC, other costs may include:

• Registered agent

• Annual report

• State taxes

• Franchise taxes

• Business licenses

• Local permits

• EIN assistance

• Business address

• Accounting

• Tax preparation

• Banking-related services

The exact costs depend on your business and location.

How to Start an LLC in the USA

Step 1: Decide What Your Business Will Do

Before forming the LLC, identify the primary business activities.

This can help you determine:

• Which state is appropriate

• Whether you need licenses

• Whether special registrations apply

• What banking requirements may be relevant

• What tax considerations you should review

Step 2: Select a State

The state you choose affects your formation fee and ongoing compliance obligations.

Compare:

• Initial filing fee

• Annual report requirements

• Recurring state fees

• State tax rules

• Registered agent requirements

• Business location

If your business operates physically in a particular state, forming somewhere else does not necessarily eliminate obligations in the state where you actually conduct business.

Step 3: Select Your Business Name

Choose a name that complies with your state's LLC naming requirements.

Check the name before submitting the formation documents.

You can also check:

• Domain availability

• Trademark databases

• Social media availability

• State business records

Step 4: Appoint a Registered Agent

A registered agent is responsible for receiving official documents and certain legal notices for the LLC.

Most states require an LLC to maintain a registered agent.

For businesses without a physical presence in the formation state, a professional registered agent can be particularly useful.

Step 5: File Articles of Organization

The formation document may be called Articles of Organization, Certificate of Formation, or another name depending on the state.

It normally contains basic information about the LLC.

After the state approves the filing, the LLC becomes an official business entity.

Step 6: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement explains how the LLC will operate.

It can cover:

• Ownership

• Management

• Member responsibilities

• Profit distribution

• Voting

• Business decisions

• Procedures for changes in ownership

The filing requirements for an operating agreement vary, and it is generally maintained as an internal company document rather than filed with the state.

Step 7: Obtain an EIN

An EIN identifies a business for federal tax purposes.

Depending on the circumstances, an EIN can be needed for:

• Federal tax administration

• Hiring employees

• Banking

• Certain business activities

Non-US owners should review the applicable IRS process because requirements can differ based on the responsible party's tax identification information.

Step 8: Set Up Business Banking

Once your LLC is formed, consider separating business finances from personal finances.

Banks and financial platforms may request:

• LLC formation documents

• EIN

• Operating agreement

• Identification

• Business address

• Business activity information

Approval is determined by the financial institution.

Step 9: Obtain Required Licenses

An LLC formation does not automatically provide every license or permit your business may need.

Requirements can depend on:

• Industry

• State

• County

• City

• Business activity

Check the applicable government requirements before beginning regulated activities.

Step 10: Maintain Compliance

Your LLC may have continuing responsibilities after formation.

These can include:

• Annual reports

• State tax filings

• Franchise taxes

• Federal tax filings

• Licenses

• Permits

• Registered agent maintenance

Is Starting an LLC Really Free?

A "$0 + state filing fee" offer can reduce the service charge for the initial formation, but starting and maintaining a business still involves costs.

Think of the price in three stages:

Formation: service fee + state filing fee

Setup: registered agent + EIN + banking + licenses, where applicable

Ongoing: annual reports + taxes + licenses + other compliance costs

This gives you a more realistic picture of the total cost.

How Much Are State LLC Filing Fees?

State filing fees are not the same nationwide.

For example, current 2026 state fee information shows significant differences between states. LegalZoom's published 2026 table lists domestic LLC filing fees ranging from lower-cost states such as Kentucky to substantially higher-cost states such as Alaska and Alabama.

Always verify the current fee with the relevant state before filing because fees and requirements can change.

Can I Start an LLC Online?

Yes, LLC formation can often be handled online.

A typical online formation process is:

1. Select the state

2. Choose a business name

3. Provide LLC information

4. Select a registered agent

5. Prepare formation documents

6. Submit the filing

7. Pay the state fee

8. Receive state approval

9. Complete post-formation tasks

Online formation can simplify the administrative process, but it does not remove state or federal requirements.

Can Foreigners Start a US LLC?

Non-US residents can generally own and form US LLCs, subject to applicable rules.

Foreign entrepreneurs should pay particular attention to:

• Registered agent requirements

• EIN applications

• Banking

• Federal tax reporting

• State compliance

• Home-country tax obligations

The fact that an LLC can be formed remotely does not mean that every banking or tax process will be identical for US residents and non-residents.

$0 LLC vs. Completely Free LLC

These terms are not the same.

$0 LLC Formation

Usually means:

$0 service fee + state filing fee

Completely Free LLC

Would mean there are no formation or government costs.

That is generally not what "$0 + state filing fee" means.

Government filing fees are separate from a company's service fee.

What Is Included in a Basic LLC Formation?

A basic formation package may include services such as:

• Preparation of formation information

• Name availability check

• Preparation of formation documents

• Filing with the state

• Confirmation or formation documents

The exact inclusions depend on the provider.

Optional services such as registered agent services, operating agreements, EIN assistance, or compliance services may cost extra. start an LLC in USA $0 + state filing fee

Common Mistakes When Starting an LLC

Mistake 1: Looking Only at the $0 Price

Always calculate the complete expected cost.

Mistake 2: Choosing a State Without Research

Compare both initial and ongoing costs.

Mistake 3: Forgetting Annual Compliance

Formation is only the beginning of running an LLC.

Mistake 4: Assuming an EIN Is Automatically Included

Check whether EIN assistance is included in your selected package.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Tax Obligations

An LLC's tax treatment depends on its circumstances and applicable laws.

Start Your LLC With Jupiter Filing

Jupiter Filing provides US business formation and related services for entrepreneurs who want to establish a US business.

Before selecting a formation package, understand which services are included, which government fees are separate, and which ongoing obligations may apply.

FAQ

Can I start an LLC in the USA for $0?

A formation provider may offer a $0 basic service fee, but the state's filing fee is generally separate.

What does $0 + state filing fee mean?

It means the service fee may be $0 while you still pay the government filing fee charged by the state.

What is the cheapest way to start an LLC?

The total cost depends on the state, filing requirements, and services you need. Compare the complete formation and ongoing costs rather than only the advertised service price.

Can I start an LLC online?

In many cases, yes. LLC formation documents can often be prepared and submitted online.

Can a foreigner start an LLC in the USA?

Yes, non-US residents can generally form US LLCs subject to applicable requirements.

Do LLCs have ongoing costs?

They can. Depending on the state and business, you may have annual reports, taxes, licenses, registered agent fees, and other recurring obligations.

Do I need an EIN for my LLC?

An EIN may be required depending on your LLC's circumstances and federal tax obligations.

Final Thoughts

Starting an LLC in the USA for $0 + state filing fee can be an affordable way to begin the formation process when a provider offers a $0 basic service fee.

However, the state filing fee is separate, and additional costs can arise from registered agent services, licenses, taxes, annual reports, banking, and other business requirements.

Before forming your LLC, compare the total expected cost, understand your state's requirements, and make sure you know what is included in the formation service.