Compare States
Five states cover most non-resident founders. Here's how to choose.
The “best” state depends on what your business does, where it operates, and how much privacy and ongoing cost matter to you. Compare the numbers, take the 60-second quiz, or read the full guide for each state.
Side by side
The numbers that matter.
| State | Filing fee | Annual cost | Processing time | Owner privacy | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $102 | $60 min annual report | 3-5 business days (online) | Strong | Guide → |
| New Mexico | $50 | No annual report | 1-3 business days (online) | Strong | Guide → |
| Delaware | $110 | $300 franchise tax | ~10 business days; paid expedite available | Good | Guide → |
| Texas | $300 | $0 for most small LLCs | 10-15 business days; expedite available | Limited | Guide → |
| Florida | $125 | $138.75 annual report | 2-5 business days | Limited | Guide → |
Fees and processing times set by each state and subject to change.
The 60-second quiz
Answer three questions, get a recommendation.
Guidance, not law — a specialist confirms the choice with you before anything is filed.
If you form where you don't operate
One honest caveat about “best state” advice.
Worth knowing
If your business has real physical operations in a U.S. state — an office, staff, inventory in your own warehouse — that state will usually expect you to register there, even if you formed elsewhere (called “foreign qualification,” with its own fees). Fully remote businesses generally don't face this, but it's exactly the kind of question worth a quick specialist chat before you choose.
Chosen your state? Your total is one click away.
The start form pre-fills your state and shows the exact filing fee — before you enter a single detail.
No payment required to get a quote · State fees shown before checkout