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Form an LLC in any state.
Verified guidance, every step.

Researched from primary sources, fact-checked against state filings, and updated monthly — the LLC resource we wish existed when we started.

12+ years of LLC expertise
800+ guides across 50 states
Cited by Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc.
140+ videos on YouTube
Updated monthly against state records
As Referenced By
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Steve Goldstein
Meet the Editor

Steve Goldstein

Founder & Editor-in-Chief, LLCBuddy

I've formed many LLCs, tested every major formation service on the market, and spent over a decade in business compliance. LLCBuddy exists because every other LLC site I researched as a founder felt like rewritten templates with affiliate links.

Every guide on this site is researched from primary sources, written by specialists, fact-checked, and updated on a monthly cycle. I hold final editorial authority on every page published.

How We Work

Every page goes through a four-step editorial process before publication.

We don't aggregate other LLC sites. We don't rewrite state filings. Our team researches primary sources, verifies every fee against the Secretary of State, and tests every service we recommend.

When we review a formation service, we purchase it, time the delivery, and test customer support — then publish the results, regardless of affiliate relationships.

Read our full editorial policy →
1
Primary Source Research Every fact traces to a Secretary of State page, IRS publication, or state statute. We cite sources on every guide.
2
Specialist Writing Content is authored by Steve Goldstein and a team of editors with direct LLC formation experience.
3
Independent Fact-Check Every guide is verified by an editor who didn't write it. State fees and filing steps are confirmed against current records.
4
Monthly Re-Verification State fees and rules change. Every published guide is reviewed and updated on a rolling monthly schedule.
Actively maintained

779 guides fact-checked in the last 30 days

Verified against official state, IRS & FinCEN sources — 1221 corrections logged this month.

  • Ownership transfer
    How to Transfer LLC Ownership in Virginia: 2026 UpdatesUpdated the consent rule to a majority of the members other than the seller, renamed the filing agency to the State Corporation Commission, removed the Texas Public Information Report sentence, aligned the Quick Facts amendment row, and clarified the dissolution, amendment and member-consent steps. Source: law.lis.virginia.gov, Va. Code 13.1-1040.
  • Ownership transfer
    How to Transfer LLC Ownership in Oregon: 2026 UpdatesUpdated the consent rule to the majority of the members other than the seller, removed the Texas Public Information Report sentence, and clarified that a member leaving does not dissolve the LLC and reworded the amendment and member-consent steps. Source: oregon.public.law, ORS 63.245.
  • Ownership transfer
    How to Transfer LLC Ownership in Kentucky: 2026 UpdatesUpdated the consent rule to the majority-in-interest of the other owners, removed the Texas Public Information Report sentence, and clarified that a member leaving does not dissolve the LLC, that amending is needed only when filed information changes, and that a buyer needs the others' consent to become a full member. Source: KRS 275.265.
  • Ownership transfer
    How to Transfer LLC Ownership in Tennessee: 2026 UpdatesUpdated the approval row to the unanimous consent of the other members needed to admit a buyer, removed the Texas Public Information Report sentence, aligned the Quick Facts amendment row, and clarified the dissolution, amendment and member-consent steps. Source: codes.findlaw.com, Tenn. Code 48-249-508.
  • Ownership transfer
    How to Transfer LLC Ownership in New York: 2026 UpdatesReplaced the Notice of Transfer claim with the biennial statement, which updates only the service-of-process address, removed the Texas Public Information Report sentence, aligned the Quick Facts amendment row, and clarified the dissolution, amendment and member-consent steps. Source: dos.ny.gov.
  • Ownership transfer
    How to Transfer LLC Ownership in Texas: 2026 UpdatesUpdated the amendment fee from $300 to $150 and named the filing, the Certificate of Amendment on Form 424, and clarified that a member leaving does not dissolve the LLC and reworded the amendment and member-consent steps. Source: sos.state.tx.us/corp/instructions/424.shtml.
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How we make money

LLCBuddy earns commissions when readers sign up for the formation services we recommend. Our rankings are based on direct testing — not commission rates. Services we don't recommend also pay us as those we do.

What We Cover

Three pillars. Zero filler.

We focus on three things and do them exceptionally well — state filings, service reviews, and ongoing LLC compliance.

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State Filing Guides

Every state's exact fees, processing times, and step-by-step filing instructions — verified against each Secretary of State office.

View state guides →
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Service Reviews

We purchase and test every LLC service before ranking it. Real screenshots, real timing data, real support transcripts.

See our rankings →
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Compliance Guides

Operating agreements, EINs, registered agents, annual reports, tax elections — with cited sources on every page.

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State Guides

Start an LLC in your state

Each guide reflects that state's exact filing fees, processing times, and procedures — verified against the Secretary of State.

All 50 States
Common Questions

Before you file

The questions we get asked most often — answered directly.

Can I form an LLC myself, or do I need a service?

You can absolutely file directly with your state — every Secretary of State accepts DIY filings. A service is useful if you want a registered agent included, want compliance reminders, or simply value the convenience. Our state guides walk you through both paths.

Which state is cheapest to form an LLC in?

Kentucky ($40) and Arkansas ($45) have the lowest filing fees. But "cheapest to file" rarely means "best for your business." We recommend forming in the state where you operate — out-of-state filing usually creates more cost and complexity than it saves.

Do I need a registered agent?

Yes — every state requires LLCs to designate a registered agent. You can be your own agent in most states if you have a physical address there and are available during business hours. Otherwise, a service typically costs $100–$300 per year.

How long does it take to form an LLC?

Online filings are usually approved in 1–14 business days, depending on state. Some states (like Delaware and Wyoming) offer same-day or 24-hour expedited processing for an additional fee. Each of our state guides lists current processing times.

What happens after I file?

You'll need an EIN from the IRS (free, takes 10 minutes), an operating agreement (we have free templates), and may need to register for state taxes or local business licenses depending on your activities. Our post-formation checklist covers all of this.

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Choose your state and follow our step-by-step guide. Free, no email required, takes most people under 15 minutes.

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