We already explained at the beginning of the article that filing fees can range from $40 to $900 depending on the state. There’s also the fee that you might have to pay to re-file if the state conducts a name search during the filing process and finds out that the name is already in use (this is why it makes sense to check first). You may wish to trademark the name to stop other from using it or anything similar; this process can cost over $200.
If you live in one of the states where you must declare your intention of starting a LLC in the local newspaper, this doesn’t come cheap. In 2010, the fee to publish the notice in New York City was $1,250. If your company is not located in the state it’s registered in, you will require the services of a Register Agent (mentioned above), which equate to around $100 annually. In some states, it’s not unusual for LLCs to be charged a yearly license fee or franchise tax and the costs can vary dramatically; from $80 a year in Delaware to $800 a year in California.
Some businesses choose to enlist the help of a service to make sure the whole setting up process goes smoothly. Prices start from around $50, but vary if you want more services or want the whole process to move a little bit faster. If the whole set up is a bit complicated i.e. members have all invested different amounts into the business, you could consider hiring an attorney to help figure things out. You would have to factor the extra cost into your budget though.