🇺🇸 US LLC State Comparison Guide (2026)
Compare formation costs, privacy laws, and tax requirements across all 50 states. Find the best jurisdiction for your business.
| State | First Year | Annual Cost | Processing Time | Privacy | Income Tax | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $215 | $935 | 2-5 business days | Low | Yes | View Guide → |
| Delaware ⭐ | $535 | $425 | 7-10 business days | Medium | No | View Guide → |
| Florida | $250 | $263 | 3-5 business days | Low | No | View Guide → |
| Nevada | $550 | $475 | 1-2 business days | High | No | View Guide → |
| New Mexico ⭐ | $175 | $125 | 2-3 weeks | High | No | View Guide → |
| Texas | $425 | $125 | 2-3 business days | Low | No | View Guide → |
| Wyoming ⭐ | $225 | $185 | 1-3 business days | High | No | View Guide → |
| Wyoming vs Delaware | $0 | $0 | N/A | Medium | No | View Guide → |
How to Choose the Best State for Your LLC
1. Formation & Annual Costs
Don't just look at the initial filing fee. Some states like California or Massachusetts have high annual recurring fees ($800+ per year). States like New Mexico and Missouri have $0 annual report fees, making them ideal for holding companies or low-maintenance businesses.
2. Privacy Protection (Anonymous LLCs)
If you don't want your name on public records, choose a state that allows "Anonymous LLCs". Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico, and Nevada are the gold standards. In these states, only your Registered Agent's information is public, keeping your home address private.
3. Taxation for Non-Residents
For non-US residents, the state income tax rate is often irrelevant if you don't have a physical presence (nexus) in that state. However, forming in a state with 0% Corporate Income Tax (like Wyoming or South Dakota) adds an extra layer of safety against future tax complications.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does the state I choose matter?
Yes. Different states have different costs, privacy laws, tax requirements, and filing procedures. For most non-residents, Wyoming, Delaware, or New Mexico offer the best combination of low cost and privacy.
Can I form an LLC in any state?
Absolutely. You can form an LLC in any US state regardless of where you live or where your business operates. This is especially beneficial for non-US residents.
What's the cheapest state?
New Mexico has the lowest total costs (around $145/year) with no annual report required. Wyoming and Kentucky are also budget-friendly at approximately $185/year.
Best state for privacy?
Wyoming, New Mexico, and Delaware offer the highest privacy levels. They don't require member/manager names in public filings, keeping your identity protected.
Need Help Choosing?
Read our comprehensive guide for non-residents to understand which state is best for your specific situation.
Non-Resident LLC Guide →