How Much Does a US LLC Cost for Non-Residents in 2026?
Full cost breakdown of a US LLC for foreign owners: state fees, registered agent, EIN, banking, annual reports and tax filing, with real first-year and yearly totals by state.
"How much does a US LLC cost?" has two answers: what you pay to set it up, and what you pay every year to keep it compliant. Many providers advertise only the first number. This guide gives you both, so you can budget properly.
First-year costs
| Item | What it is | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee | Paid to the state to form the LLC | $50 to $500 |
| Registered agent | Required in every state; receives legal and state mail | $50 first year with UCB |
| Formation service + EIN | Name check, filing, EIN from the IRS | $99 with UCB |
| Business address | A US address for banks and platforms | Optional, varies |
| Bank account | US business bank account application | Included in our bank packages |
| ITIN (optional) | Personal US tax ID for the owner | $249 if needed |
The EIN itself is free from the IRS; you pay for the work of preparing and submitting the application correctly for a non-resident. See EIN for non-residents.
Example first-year totals with UCB
LLC formation + EIN + first-year registered agent, all-in:
| State | State fee | Total with UCB |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $50 | $199 |
| New Mexico | $50 | $199 |
| Wyoming | $100 | $249 |
| Delaware | $110 | $259 |
| Florida | $125 | $274 |
| New York | $205 | $354 + publication cost |
| Texas | $300 | $449 |
| Nevada | $425 | $574 |
Prices for every state are on our company formation page. Packages with a bank account start at $198 plus state fee and registered agent; see pricing.
Yearly costs after the first year
| Item | Typical yearly cost |
|---|---|
| State annual report or tax | $0 (Arizona, New Mexico) to $300 (Delaware) or $800 (California minimum) |
| Registered agent renewal | Required every year |
| Federal tax filing (Form 5472 + pro forma 1120) | $300 per year with UCB |
| Business address (if used) | Varies |
| Bookkeeping | Your own time, or a bookkeeper |
Example yearly budgets
- Wyoming LLC: annual report from $60 + registered agent + tax filing.
- New Mexico or Arizona LLC: no annual report + registered agent + tax filing.
- Delaware LLC: $300 annual tax + registered agent + tax filing.
The cost that matters most: not filing
The single most expensive "cost" for a foreign-owned LLC is a missed federal filing. A foreign-owned single-member LLC must file Form 5472 with a pro forma 1120 every year, even with no income, and the penalty for missing it starts at $25,000. Budget for the filing; it is far cheaper than the penalty. See Form 5472 explained.
Costs people forget
- Publication requirements in New York and some Arizona counties.
- Registering in another state if you operate there (a second set of state fees). See state taxes.
- Sales tax registration if you sell taxable goods into states above their thresholds. See US sales tax for online sellers.
- Late fees for missed annual reports.
- Reinstatement fees if the state dissolves the company.
- Closing costs when you no longer need the LLC. See the company closure service.
Is the cheapest state the best?
Not always. New Mexico and Arizona have the lowest ongoing costs, Wyoming adds privacy and familiarity for banks and platforms at a small annual cost, and Delaware makes sense mainly for companies heading for investment (usually as a corporation). If you will operate in a particular state, forming there can be cheaper overall. See which state should a non-resident choose.
Watch for low headline prices
Some providers advertise very low formation fees and then add charges for the EIN, the operating agreement, the registered agent renewal or "compliance packages". Compare the total first-year cost and the yearly cost, not just the headline.
What's included with UCB
For $99 plus state fee and $50 registered agent:
- name availability check,
- LLC filing in your chosen state,
- registered agent for the first year,
- EIN from the IRS, and
- operating agreement template and digital copies of all documents.
How UCB helps
We give you the exact first-year and yearly cost for your state before you order, with no hidden extras, and remind you of every annual obligation.
Want an exact quote for your LLC? WhatsApp us at +91 8105 199 399 or email info@ucbsolutions.com and tell us which state you're considering.
Let our experts handle it for you
Every business is different. Message us with your country, business type and goals, and we will recommend the right structure, state and package. We do the work; you focus on your business.
This article is general information for non-resident business owners and is not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change; contact us to confirm what applies to your situation.
