April 5, 2024

How Much Does an LLC Cost in New York

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Forming an LLC in New York is not the easiest or cheapest process. Before you go all in, discover how much it will really cost you.

How much does it cost to set up an LLC in New York?
Here are the fees to consider:

Starting an LLC in New York isn't just about the paperwork. You also need to prepare for the associated costs, starting with the $200 LLC formation filing fee.

Without proper planning, these expenses can balloon, straining your budget and causing unexpected financial stress.

Don't let the costs catch you off guard. Discover the true cost of forming an LLC in New York below.

What influenced your choice for forming an LLC in New York?

Domestic New York LLC Formation Filing Fee

Cost: $200

You must submit your Articles of Organization to the New York Secretary of State to officially form your New York LLC.[1]

The Articles of Organization is the most important document you'll fill out to start an LLC in New York. It contains the following:

  • LLC name (ends with "LLC")
  • County
  • Purpose
  • Duration (if your LLC will end)
  • Management structure
  • Filer's info (name and address)

You can submit the paperwork and accompanying fee in person, by mail, fax, or online.

What's the cheapest way to start an LLC in New York?
You can lessen the cost of creating an LLC in New York by being your own registered agent and using a free LLC operating agreement.

Foreign New York LLC Formation Filing Fee

Cost: $250

If you already have an LLC in your home state and would like to expand your business into New York, you'll need to file an Application for Authority instead.[2]

You can register a foreign LLC in New York even if you don't have a local LLC in your home state. Before doing so, check both New York's requirements and your home state's requirements to ensure you're compliant.

An LLC is the most common business structure used in New York because it offers liability protection for LLC owners.

New York LLC Publication Fees

Cost: $80 - $2,000

In New York, you're required to publish a copy of your LLC's Articles of Organization in two newspapers, one daily and one weekly.[3] You need to pay the publishing fees for both.

Publishing fees vary depending on location. For example, Albany publication fees can be as low as $80, while publications in New York may charge up to $2,000.

You need to publish a copy of the formation documents within 120 days of submitting your Articles of Organization (domestic LLC) or Application for Authority (foreign LLC).[3]

New York LLC Certificate of Publication Fee

Cost: $50

The newspaper company will send you a Certificate of Publication after publishing a copy of your LLC's Articles of Organization.

You'll need to submit the Certificate of Publication to the Department of State along with the filing fee.[3] This rule applies to both domestic and foreign LLCs in New York.

New York LLC Biennial Statement Fee

Cost: $9

An LLC in New York needs to file a Biennial Statement to keep its information with the state up to date.[4] It should be filed on your LLC's anniversary month every two years.

For example, if you started your business on March 15, 2023, your biennial report will be due in March 2025, March 2027, March 2029, and so on.

New York LLC Annual Fee

Cost: $25 - $4,500

An LLC in New York must pay an annual fee if it's treated as a partnership or disregarded entity. The exact fee varies depending on the LLC's income.

A disregarded entity is also called a single-member LLC (SMLLC). It's taxed like a sole proprietorship on a federal level.[5]

If your LLC elects to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, you will not have to pay an annual filing fee.

How much does it cost to maintain an LLC in New York?
Annual filing fees typically range from $25 to $4,500. Meanwhile, the Biennial Statement has a fixed $9 fee.

New York LLC Professional License Fee

Cost: $25 - $788

You'll need to pay for a professional license if your LLC offers specialized services, like accounting, medical, and legal services.[6]

The New York Professional License fee varies depending on several factors, like your business' industry and your LLC's physical location, among others.

New York LLC Local Business Licenses

Cost: $50 - $200

Each city in New York has different requirements for owning and operating a business.

For example, a restaurant license in Buffalo might cost $200.[7] Meanwhile, a food service establishment license in New York City might cost $280.[8]

New York LLC Optional/Add-On Fees

Optional fees include fees for expedited processing, obtaining certified copies, or changing registered agents.

They're not essential, but many LLCs in New York end up paying for these services because they either offer convenience or are necessary for specific situations.

To ensure you stick to your budget, consider planning for the following expenses as well:[9]

New York LLC Optional/Add-On Fees
Registered Agent Fee$0 - $200
Employer Identification Number (EIN)FREE
Name Reservation Fee$20
Certificated of Assumed Name Fee$25
Certified Copy of Document Fee$10
Certificate of Status Fee$25
Expedited Handling Fees$25 - $150
Certificate of Amendment Fee$60
Certificate of Correction Fee$60
Certificate of Change Fee$30

New York LLC Registered Agent Fee

Cost: $0 - $200

A registered agent is your LLC's main point of contact with the state. They're also responsible for accepting legal documents, especially if your business is sued.

The Secretary of State is the registered agent for all New York LLCs by default. However, you can still assign someone else to be the registered agent for your New York LLC.

Just make sure your New York registered agent is:

  • At least 18 years or older
  • Residing in New York
  • Available during business hours

Is a registered agent required for my LLC in New York?
Yes, a New York LLC is required to have a registered agent. This person or registered agent service is responsible for receiving important legal documents on your LLC's behalf.

New York LLC Employer Identification Number

Cost: FREE

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

It's a business ID you can use for the following:

  • Tax reporting purposes
  • Opening a business bank account
  • Hiring employees

You can get one for free by applying directly with the IRS.

New York LLC Name Reservation Fee

Cost: $20

To reserve a business name, you need to submit an Application for Reservation of Name to the New York Department of State.[10]

Submitting the form and paying the $20 fee will reserve your business name for 60 days.

You need to know if another business entity in New York already uses your desired LLC name. You can check by using the New York Corporation and Business Entity Database for free.

New York LLC Certificate of Assumed Name Fee

Cost: $25

An assumed name (or DBA) allows your business to operate under a name that's different from your LLC's official name.

To apply for one, you'll need to submit a Certificate of Assumed Name and pay a $25 fee.[11]

However, when naming your New York LLC, be sure you choose one that:

  • Is available for use in the state of New York
  • Meets New York naming requirements
  • Is available as a web domain (optional)

Check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain
Even if you're not building a business website yet, you can buy the URL to prevent others from acquiring it before you do.

New York LLC Certified Copy of Document Fee

Cost: $10

You might need a certified copy of your New York LLC documents for a variety of reasons. A New York LLC Certified Copy of Document may be required for:

You can request certified copies through the Business Express online portal, by mail, fax, or in person.

New York LLC Certificate of Status Fee

Cost: $25

A Certificate of Status in New York verifies that your LLC is legally registered and in good standing with the state.[12]

You might need this certificate if you're applying for business loans, engaging in contracts, or conducting business in other states.

You can request a Certificate of Status from the New York State Department of State, Division of Corporations with a written request sent by mail, fax, or in person.

New York LLC Expedited Handling Fees

Cost: $25 - $150

You can pay to have your LLC formation documents processed faster than the standard processing time.

With expedited handling, the New York Department of State will prioritize your paperwork, so you get your LLC more quickly.

The cost depends on how fast you want your LLC formed:[13]

  • $25: within 24 hours
  • $75: within the same day
  • $150: within 2 hours

New York LLC Certificate of Amendment Fee

Cost: $60

You might need to make changes to your LLC's details after filing the paperwork with the New York Department of State. These could be altering the LLC's name, its management structure, or its principal office address.

To make the changes, you need to file a Certificate of Amendment with the New York Department of State and pay a $60 filing fee.[14]

New York LLC Certificate of Correction Fee

Cost: $60

If you realize there are errors in your Articles of Organization after submitting them, don't worry, you can still fix them.

Just submit a Certificate of Correction with the $60 fee to the New York Department of State to correct them.[15]

New York LLC Certificate of Change Fee

Cost: $30

If you want to change your LLC's registered agent in New York, you need to file a Certificate of Change with the $30 filing fee.[16]

This will update your LLC's registered agent information with the New York Department of State.

Is the New York Amendment Fee and Certificate of Change Fee the same?
No, they're not the same. The New York LLC Amendment Fee is the cost of amending the Articles of Organization. This might be necessary if there are major changes to the LLC's structure, name, or purpose.

Meanwhile, the New York LLC Certificate of Change Fee is the cost of changing the LLC's registered agent, office address, or other similar changes.

What was the priciest part of forming your New York LLC?

Bottom Line

New York isn't the most budget-friendly state for LLCs. You have to pay a minimum of $200 to start a New York LLC or $250 if you're from another state. On top of that, there's the biennial statement, annual fee, and publication fees to consider.

Being prepared for these costs lessens the financial shocks down the road. Now that you're armed with this knowledge, you're on the path to launching a successful and financially savvy business.

What was your initial estimate for New York LLC formation costs?

References

  1. ^ New York Department of State. Articles of Organization for Domestic Limited Liability Company, Retrieved 11/06/2023
  2. ^ New York Department of State. Application for Authority –Foreign Limited Liability Companies, Retrieved 01/18/2024
  3. ^ New York Department of State. Certificate of Publication for Domestic Limited Liability Company, Retrieved 11/06/2023
  4. ^ New York Department of State. Biennial Statements for Business Corporations and Limited Liability Companies, Retrieved 11/06/2023
  5. ^ New York Department of State. Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), Retrieved 11/06/2023
  6. ^ New York State Education Department. Office of the Professions Fees Chart, Retrieved 01/28/2024
  7. ^ City of Buffalo. License Applications & Code Requirements, Retrieved 01/28/2024
  8. ^ City of New York. Food Service Establishment Permit, Retrieved 01/28/2024
  9. ^ New York Department of State. Fee Schedules, Retrieved 01/28/2024
  10. ^ New York Department of State. Application for Reservation of Name, Retrieved 01/12/2024
  11. ^ New York Department of State. Certificate of Assumed Name for Domestic and Foreign Business Corporations, Retrieved 11/06/2023
  12. ^ New York Department of State. Certificate of Status, Retrieved 11/06/2023
  13. ^ New York Department of State. Fee Schedules, Retrieved 01/18/2024
  14. ^ New York Department of State. Certificate of Amendment, Retrieved 01/12/2024
  15. ^ New York Department of State. Certificate of Correction, Retrieved 01/12/2024
  16. ^ New York Department of State. Certificate of Change, Retrieved 01/12/2024

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