LLC Annual Report Fees by State (2026)
Forming your LLC is just the first step. Here is what every state charges to keep your business legally active year after year.
Quick Answer
Almost every state charges an ongoing fee to keep your LLC active, ranging from $0 in New Mexico to $800/year in California. The average annual report fee is around $100. If you fail to file this report and pay the fee on time, your state will eventually revoke your LLC's legal status.
Key Points
- Filing frequency varies: While most states require an annual report, some (like New York and Alaska) only require a biennial (every two years) report.
- Late fees are steep: Missing a deadline can trigger late fees that are sometimes higher than the report fee itself.
- Registered Agent renewals: The annual report fee goes to the state; you must separately pay your registered agent their annual fee (usually $39-$150).
The biggest mistake new business owners make is looking only at the initial filing fee when choosing a state for their LLC. The true cost of an LLC is the recurring Annual Report fee (and in some states, a Franchise Tax).
What is an Annual Report?
An annual report is a basic form filed with your state's Secretary of State to confirm your business details are up to date. It usually requires you to verify your LLC's name, principal address, registered agent, and member/manager names.
Failing to file this report on time will result in late fees and the eventual administrative dissolution of your LLC.
Annual Report Fees Table (2026)
Here are the standard recurring state fees to maintain an LLC. Note that some states require this biennially (every two years) instead of annually.
| State | Recurring Fee | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $0 (Minimum Privilege Tax $100) | Annual |
| Alaska | $100 | Biennial |
| Arizona | $0 | None |
| Arkansas | $150 | Annual |
| California | $20 (Plus $800 Franchise Tax) | Biennial / Annual |
| Colorado | $10 | Annual |
| Delaware | $300 (Alternative Franchise Tax) | Annual |
| Florida | $138.75 | Annual |
| Massachusetts | $500 | Annual |
| Nevada | $150 (Plus $200 Business License) | Annual |
| New Mexico | $0 | None |
| New York | $9 | Biennial |
| Texas | $0 (Franchise Tax Info Report) | Annual |
| Wyoming | $60 | Annual |
* This table highlights popular and notable states. Always verify with your specific state's Secretary of State website for the most current fees.
Franchise Taxes vs Annual Fees
In addition to or instead of a standard annual report fee, some states charge a "Franchise Tax." This is not an income tax, but a tax paid for the privilege of existing in that state.
- California: Charges a flat $800 minimum franchise tax every year, even if your LLC loses money.
- Delaware: Charges a flat $300 alternative entity tax (essentially an annual fee) for LLCs.
- Texas: Requires an annual Franchise Tax report, but the tax itself is generally $0 unless your annualized total revenue exceeds $2.47 million (for 2024/2025 thresholds).
Your registered agent service is a separate recurring cost (typically $39–$150/year). If you use a professional service, you must renew it annually in addition to paying these state fees.
Example Scenario
Maria formed a Florida LLC in November 2025. In Florida, all annual reports are due by May 1st of the calendar year following the year of formation. Therefore, Maria had to pay her $138.75 annual report fee by May 1, 2026, even though her LLC was only 6 months old. If she had forgotten, Florida would have hit her with a massive $400 late fee on May 2nd, bringing her total bill to $538.75.
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring mail from the state: If you use your home address as your registered agent and move, or if you ignore official mail, you will miss your annual report deadline.
- Paying scam services: You will likely receive official-looking mail from third-party companies demanding $200+ to file your "annual minutes" or "annual report" for you. Always check that correspondence is directly from your Secretary of State before paying.
- Letting the LLC dissolve: If you stop operating your business, you must officially dissolve the LLC with the state. If you just stop paying the annual fee, the fees and penalties will continue to rack up until the state forcefully shuts it down.
What to Do Next
- Find your due date: Check your state's Secretary of State website to determine when your annual report is due (anniversary date vs flat date).
- Set a calendar reminder: Put the date on your personal calendar at least 30 days in advance.
- File online: Most states have a simple online portal where you can verify your address and pay the fee in less than 5 minutes.
Official Sources
- Always refer to your specific state's Secretary of State or Department of Revenue business portals for the exact due dates and filing procedures.