Business Formation Cost

Clients Rate Lawyers on our Platform 4.9/5 Stars
based on 4,876 reviews

Jump to Section

Need help with Articles of Incorporation?

CREATE A FREE PROJECT POSTING
Post Project Now

Business formation cost refers to the expenses which are incurred in the process of establishing a new business entity. Business formation cost is extremely important to know while starting a new business. Giving your business idea a formal framework is a key step. A business is formalized in several ways. When you are bootstrapping or looking for financing, having a grasp of the costs associated with formalizing your idea is helpful. These prices may change depending on where you are based.

Starting a corporation in the US is different from doing it in other nations. Companies can be registered in the United States of America through Law and Trust International by both nationals and non-residents of the US. A legal location must also be acquired to register a company in the United States.

What Are the Business Formation Costs?

Any capable lawyer may incorporate a business in 1-2 days. The cost varies between domestic and foreign businesses and states due to the varying compliance regulations.

  • Articles of Organization or Incorporation Filing Fee

    The cost of filing varies depending on the state. As a result, the state you plan to incorporate will determine the filing fee for the articles of organization or incorporation. The name of the relevant state is easily located online. The cost of filing with the Secretary of State varies depending on the state where the firm is incorporated, usually costing between $50 and $800. For instance, California continues to impose annual taxes of almost $800.

  • One-Time EIN Number

    Your Employer ID Number is a special identifier for your company that may be used for formal operations like opening a bank account or filing taxes. On the other hand, the EIN is not a part of your incorporation and needs to be acquired independently. The fees for this are in the range of $0–$200. If you are a citizen of the United States, applying online is simple and quick. Foreigners will probably need to go through their lawyer because manual filing is necessary.

  • Annual Franchise Taxes

    Once incorporated, you'll have to pay yearly dues to maintain the LLC or Corporation. A yearly franchise tax, which can range from $200 to $1,000, is frequently required of LLCs and Corporations to conduct business in that state as one of those entities. It's important to note that Nevada and other states do not impose this tax, which makes it more desirable to business owners.

  • Costs Associated with Incorporation Services

    Employing a qualified business attorney is normally highly advised to submit the required papers with the Secretary of State on your behalf and supply the business owners with the appropriate documentation for incorporation. Attorney fees in the states cost roughly $1,500 for S-Corporations and between $1,000 and $1,200 for corporations. LLCs are more cost-effective because their average price ranges from $500 to $900.

  • Launch Insurance

    It is around $1500 and above every year. Experts recommend having insurance for every business. The most fundamental insurance policies you'll need are General Liability, Errors and Omissions, and Cyber Security.

  • Operating Contracts

    An operating agreement is a document that spells out how a corporation or limited liability business will be operated and managed between its members. This agreement is necessary for your company to receive personal liability protection. It outlines your LLC's operating strategy and how profits and losses are allocated among the members. Although it is unnecessary to file this form with the state, it should be maintained at your main office.

  • Legal Assistance and Service Costs for Incorporation

    It is typically strongly recommended to hire a knowledgeable business attorney to complete the necessary paperwork with the Secretary of State and provide the business owners with the essential documentation for incorporation on your behalf. Attorney fees in the states range between $1,000 and $1,200 for corporations and about $1,500 for S-Corporations. LLCs typically cost between $500 and $900, making them more affordable.

What Are Some Other Common Business Formation Costs?

Depending on the type and size of the firm and the nation in which it is headquartered, the cost of business formation might vary substantially. The following are some specific spending categories that business formation costs could fall under:

  • Professional and Legal Fees

    It will probably be one of the more expensive startup costs, especially if you're starting a limited company. Before making a choice, comparing quotations from various suppliers is vital because the costs for lawyers, accountants, and other professional advisers can mount up quickly.

  • Business Insurance

    Setting up a new business requires you to insure it against fire, theft, and liability hazards. Depending on the nature and size of your company, business insurance costs will vary, but it is still wise to search for the best offer.

  • Permits and Licenses

    Before you can begin trading, you might need to apply for licenses and permits, depending on your business type. It's important to confirm which rules apply to your company in advance because this might be an expensive process.

  • Property and Equipment

    To start a physical business, you must buy or rent real estate and equipment. Since this might be a big expense, it's crucial to include it in your business plan.

  • Advertising and Marketing

    The success of your new company depends on marketing, which might be expensive. Various strategies to market your business include creating a website and running advertisements in print media and online. Planning your marketing strategy requires taking your budget and goals into account.

  • Closing the Business

    If your business collapses, check to see if you still have enough cash to dissolve your corporation as soon as this occurs. If not, you'll be saddled with an extra year's costs and hassles associated with your dormant C-Corp.

Meet some lawyers on our platform

Ryenne S.

201 projects on CC
View Profile

Amber M.

1 project on CC
View Profile

Bryan B.

122 projects on CC
View Profile

Bruce B.

24 projects on CC
View Profile

Key Terms

  • Asset: Something of worth. Examples include houses, land, cars, furniture, bank deposits, cash, and securities.
  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Ahead of a limited liability company.
  • Officer: The administrators of a company, such as the CFO, President, and Secretary. The board of directors designates the officers.

Conclusion

Startup expenditures necessitate careful planning and thorough bookkeeping, particularly in the early phases. Many startup companies overlook this step and instead rely on an influx of clients to sustain the business, usually with disastrous outcomes.

The initial fees for a sole proprietorship are distinct from those for a partnership or corporation, which is crucial to keep in mind. The price of hiring a lawyer to prepare a partnership agreement and state registration fees are some extra expenses a partnership can face. If you're looking for a business lawyer to help you with your business formation, you can find one at ContractsCounsel.

How ContractsCounsel Works
Hiring a lawyer on ContractsCounsel is easy, transparent and affordable.
1. Post a Free Project
Complete our 4-step process to provide info on what you need done.
2. Get Bids to Review
Receive flat-fee bids from lawyers in our marketplace to compare.
3. Start Your Project
Securely pay to start working with the lawyer you select.

Meet some of our Lawyers

Rosario A. on ContractsCounsel
View Rosario
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
August 24, 2020

Rosario A.

Trademark Attorney
Free Consultation
Seattle, WA
3 Yrs Experience
Licensed in WA
University of Washington

I'm a Washington-licensed lawyer specializing in trademark practice and with an extensive trademark education and academic background. I currently work with domestic and international businesses seeking trademark protection in the U.S. by conducting trademark searches, providing legal advice, submitting USPTO applications, and preparing responses to office actions. I'm passionate about trademark law and always looking forward to helping small and medium businesses promote their value by having a registered federal trademark. If you have questions or concerns about trademark/copyright/IP licensing and require legal advice, feel free to contact me so we can have a first chat.

Ashley H. on ContractsCounsel
View Ashley
5.0 (28)
Member Since:
August 24, 2020

Ashley H.

Attorney at Law
Free Consultation
Los Angeles, CA
12 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
St. Louis University School of Law

I have 10 years experience providing general counsel, in the form practical and timely legal advice, under strict deadlines to individuals and various business unit stakeholders, balancing commercial needs with legal concerns at large corporations and start-ups. I am skilled at reviewing, analyzing, drafting and negotiating commercial and government contracts globally for the procurement and sale of services and goods. I also help clients ensure compliance with regulations (including data privacy), laws and contractual obligations and protect, enforce and exploit intellectual property rights and support in the development of IP strategy. I am a Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) licensed by the IAPP - International Association of Privacy Professionals.

Diane D. on ContractsCounsel
View Diane
4.8 (3)
Member Since:
August 25, 2020

Diane D.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Mount Dora/Orlando, FL
20 Yrs Experience
Licensed in FL
Nova Southeastern University

I am the Founder and Managing Attorney of DMD Law, PA. and have 20 years' experience. I also am a business-oriented, proactive, and problem-solving corporate lawyer with in-house experience. My firm's practice focuses on ensuring the legalities of commercial transactions and contracts. I am adept at reviewing, drafting, negotiating and generally overseeing policies, procedures, handbooks, corporate documents, and contracts. I have a proven track record of leading domestic and international companies by ensuring they are functioning in complete compliance with local, federal and international law. The firm's goal is to simplify the law and provide clients with the confidence and information necessary to make their decisions.

Anatalia S. on ContractsCounsel
View Anatalia
4.8 (5)
Member Since:
August 26, 2020
Blake L. on ContractsCounsel
View Blake
4.8 (2)
Member Since:
September 22, 2020

Blake L.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Farmington Hills, MI
28 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MI
Wayne State University Law School

I am a sole practitioner who has been in practice for over 25 years. I have represented many small businesses during this time. Let me bring my expertise to your business.

Jeffrey P. on ContractsCounsel
View Jeffrey
Member Since:
August 24, 2020

Jeffrey P.

Member
Free Consultation
Deerfield Beach, FL
14 Yrs Experience
Licensed in FL, NY
Florida State University College of Law

Mr. Pomeranz serves as the principal of Pomeranz Law PLLC, a boutique law firm representing clients across myriad industries and verticals. Before founding the firm, Mr. Pomeranz served as Senior Vice President, Legal & Compliance and General Counsel of Mortgage Connect, LP in 2017. Mr. Pomeranz also served as Counsel, Transactions for Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. (NASDAQ: ASPS) beginning in 2013, and was based in the company’s C-Suite in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. Mr. Pomeranz began his career with Mainline Information Systems, Inc. as an in-house attorney.

Rinky P. on ContractsCounsel
View Rinky
Member Since:
August 25, 2020

Rinky P.

Managing Attorney
Free Consultation
Tampa, FL
30 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA, FL, TX
University of Minnesota

Rinky S. Parwani began her career practicing law in Beverly Hills, California handling high profile complex litigation and entertainment law matters. Later, her practice turned transactional to Lake Tahoe, California with a focus on business startups, trademarks, real estate resort development and government law. After leaving California, she also served as in-house counsel for a major lending corporation headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa as well as a Senior Vice President of Compliance for a fortune 500 mortgage operation in Dallas, Texas prior to opening Parwani Law, P.A. in Tampa, Florida. She has represented various sophisticated individual, government and corporate clients and counseled in a variety of litigation and corporate matters throughout her career. Ms. Parwani also has prior experience with state and federal consumer lending laws for unsecured credit cards, revolving credit, secured loans, retail credit, sales finance and mortgage loans. She also has served as a special magistrate and legal counsel for numerous Florida County Value Adjustment Boards. Her practice varies significantly from unique federal and state litigation cases to transactional matters. Born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Ms. Parwani worked in private accounting for several years prior to law school. Her background includes a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate from Iowa (currently the license is inactive) and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation (currently the designation is inactive). Ms. Parwani or the firm is currently a member of the following organizations: Hillsborough County Bar Association, American Bar Association, Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She is a Fellow of the American Bar Association. Ms. Parwani is a frequent volunteer for Fox Channel 13 Tampa Bay Ask-A-Lawyer. She has published an article entitled "Advising Your Client in Foreclosure" in the Stetson Law Review, Volume 41, No. 3, Spring 2012 Foreclosure Symposium Edition. She is a frequent continuing legal education speaker and has also taught bankruptcy seminars for the American Bar Association and Amstar Litigation. She was commissioned by the Governor of Kentucky as a Kentucky Colonel. In addition, she teaches Immigration Law, Bankruptcy Law and Legal Research and Writing as an adjunct faculty instructor at the Hillsborough Community College Ybor campus in the paralegal studies program.

Nicole R. on ContractsCounsel
View Nicole
Member Since:
September 2, 2020

Nicole R.

Attorney / Owner
Free Consultation
Mount Dora, FL
11 Yrs Experience
Licensed in FL
University of Miami School of Law

Full-service boutique law firm providing personalized services in business law, trademarks, and real estate closings/title work.

Maury B. on ContractsCounsel
View Maury
Member Since:
September 2, 2020

Maury B.

Senior Counsel
Free Consultation
Minneapolis, MN
32 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MN, WI
Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Respected, driven, ethical, and high energy legal and business professional with strong focus on litigation, contracts and compliance issues. Critical management experience includes client development, developing core initiatives, and forecasting risk in major corporations. Strong legal research, analytical and problem solving skills with demonstrated adaptability in a multifaceted legal practice including delivering high value results in a Fortune 10 environment. Core competencies include: Tactical and strategic legal direction and support to clients which includes contract negotiation, drafting and review, business planning, and a passion for relationship management. Excellent legal research, writing, analytical and problem solving skills including legal training and compliance with regulatory requirements and corporate policies. Coordinates with in-house legal and business resources for team building with excellent verbal communication skills, coaching, and leadership.

Diana M. on ContractsCounsel
View Diana
Member Since:
September 23, 2020

Diana M.

Patent Attorney
Free Consultation
Boca Raton, FL
11 Yrs Experience
Licensed in FL
Florida Coastal School of Law

Diana is a registered patent attorney and licensed to practice law in Florida and in federal courts in Florida and in Texas. For nearly a decade, Diana has been known as the go-to brand builder, business protector, and rights negotiator. Diana works with individual inventors, startups, and small to medium-sized closely held business entities to build, protect, and leverage a robust intellectual property portfolio comprising patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade dress, and trade secrets.

Brandon L. on ContractsCounsel
View Brandon
Member Since:
October 1, 2020

Brandon L.

Managing Partner, Attorney
Free Consultation
Dallas-Fort Worth
12 Yrs Experience
Licensed in TX
Juris Doctor – Pepperdine University School of Law – Malibu, California

Brandon is a Texas Super Lawyer®, meaning he is among the top 2.5% of attorneys in his state. He has designed his practice to provide a unique ecosystem of legal support services to business and entrepreneurs, derived from his background as a federal district law clerk, published biochemist, and industry lecturer. Brandon is fluent in Spanish, an Eagle Scout, and actively involved with the youth in his community. He loves advocating for his clients and thinks he may never choose to retire.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call