How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in the US? Reveal the One-Time Fees!

How Much Does It Cost to Register a U.S. Company? Let’s Reveal the Costs Once and for All!

In today’s increasingly globalized world, more entrepreneurs and investors are setting their sights on overseas markets, particularly the United States - one of the world’s largest economies. Registering a U.S. company not only enhances a company’s international image but also brings numerous benefits in areas such as cross-border trade, fundraising, brand protection, and more. However, for those unfamiliar with the U.S. company registration process, cost is often one of the biggest concerns. So, how much does it really cost to register a U.S. company? This article will break it all down for you.

1. Basic Steps in Registering a U.S. Company

Before discussing costs, let’s first understand the general process of registering a U.S. company. It’s important to note that U.S. company registration is not standardized nationwide - each state operates independently. As a result, both the registration procedures and associated fees vary from state to state.

The typical steps involved in registering a U.S. company are

1. Choose a Company Type Common structures include Limited Liability Company LLC, Corporation, and Partnership. Each has different implications for taxation, liability, and management structure.

2. Select a State of Registration While many entrepreneurs opt for business hubs like California or New York, states like Delaware and Wyoming are also popular due to their business-friendly legal environments.

3. Check and Register the Company Name Ensure the desired name is available and not already taken in the chosen state.

4. Submit Registration Documents File the company’s articles of organization or incorporation with the state.

5. Obtain an Employer Identification Number EIN This is a unique identifier issued by the IRS for tax purposes.

6. Open a Bank Account and Apply for Licenses These are post-registration steps necessary for operational readiness.

While the process is not overly complex, it involves many details. First-time registrants are advised to seek assistance from a professional service.

2. Key Cost Components of U.S. Company Registration

Now, let’s break down the main costs associated with registering a U.S. company

1. State Filing Fee

This is the most basic cost, typically ranging from $50 to $500 depending on the state

California Filing fee is around $100, plus an $800 annual minimum tax Franchise Tax, which can be a significant expense for startups.

Delaware Filing fee is approximately $90. The state has no sales tax and offers relatively low corporate taxes, making it a popular choice for many large corporations.

Wyoming Filing fee is around $100. It has no corporate or personal income taxes and no inventory tax, making it increasingly attractive to entrepreneurs.

2. Annual Report and Franchise Tax

Most states require companies to file an annual report and pay an annual fee, typically ranging from $50 to $300

Delaware LLCs pay $300 annually in franchise tax, while Corporations pay based on the number of authorized shares.

3. Registered Agent Service Fee

U.S. law requires every company to appoint a Registered Agent - a person or entity responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the company. The agent must reside in the state of registration.

For non-U.S. residents, hiring a third-party registered agent is usually necessary, costing between $100 and $300 per year.

States like Delaware and Wyoming offer relatively low-cost and reliable registered agent services, which is one reason they are so popular.

4. Articles of Organization and Legal Document Preparation

If you choose to use a professional service or attorney to prepare your company’s legal documents, expect to pay between $200 and $1,000.

Those with legal knowledge may choose to prepare the documents themselves to save on this cost.

5. EIN Application Fee

Applying for an Employer Identification Number EIN is free through the IRS website.

However, some third-party services charge a small fee usually under $50 for assistance.

6. Company Seal and Business License Fees

Some states require a company seal, which typically costs between $50 and $100.

If you plan to operate locally, you’ll also need a business license. Fees vary by city and industry, generally ranging from $50 to $200.

7. Professional Service Fees Optional

Many entrepreneurs opt for full-service providers that handle everything from registration to bank account setup.

These services typically cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the scope of services and provider.

3. Budgeting and Cost-Benefit Analysis

Based on the above, here’s a general cost breakdown

Basic Budget DIY $300-$800 - Suitable for those familiar with the process and willing to handle most tasks themselves.

Mid-Range Budget Partial Outsourcing $800-$1,500 - Ideal for those who want help with key steps like registered agent services or EIN application.

Premium Budget Full Outsourcing $1,500-$3,000 - Best for those who prefer a hands-off approach and want to save time and effort.

Keep in mind that ongoing costs - such as annual fees, tax filings, and accounting services - should also be factored into your long-term planning. When choosing a state and company type, consider both initial and long-term costs.

4. Recent Trends and News

According to reports from Q3 2025, an increasing number of Chinese cross-border e-commerce companies are choosing to register in the U.S. to enhance brand credibility, optimize tax structures, and gain easier access to local payment systems.

For example, a well-known Shenzhen-based cross-border e-commerce company registered an LLC in Wyoming in July 2025, spending less than $1,000 in total and benefiting from favorable local tax policies.

At the same time, Delaware continues to attract a growing number of new registrations. According to The Wall Street Journal, the number of new company registrations in Delaware increased by 12% in the first half of 2025, reinforcing its status as a top destination for U.S. company formation.

5. Conclusion

Registering a U.S. company is more accessible than many people believe. With careful selection of the state, company structure, and service providers, the overall cost can be well managed. Whether you’re a cross-border e-commerce business, a tech startup, or an individual investor, you can tailor a registration plan that fits your needs.

In today’s global economy, taking this step could be the key to unlocking international markets and achieving significant growth.