Registration Costs for U.S. Companies A Detailed Breakdown of Fees and Requirements

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in the United States? A Comprehensive Breakdown of Fees and Details

In recent years, with the acceleration of globalization and the continuous development of Sino-US economic and trade relations, more and more Chinese companies have chosen to invest and establish operations in the United States. As one of the world's largest economies, the U.S. offers a mature legal system, a favorable business environment, and a vast market. In particular, in 2025, the U.S. continued to roll out multiple policies to encourage foreign investment and further simplified the company registration process.

So, how much does it actually cost to register a company in the United States? This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the fees and details involved in U.S. company registration from multiple perspectives.

1. Basic Steps in U.S. Company Registration

Registering a company in the U.S. typically involves the following steps

Choosing a company structure

Selecting a state for registration

Conducting a company name search

Filing registration documents

Applying for an Employer Identification Number EIN

Opening a bank account

Different states and business structures can significantly affect both the initial registration costs and ongoing tax liabilities. Common types of U.S. companies include

Limited Liability Company LLC

Corporation C Corp or S Corp

Partnership

Among these, the LLC is the most popular among international investors due to its limited liability, flexible management, and relatively simple tax treatment.

2. Key Components of Registration Fees

1. State Filing Fees

Company registration in the U.S. is handled at the state level, so fees vary accordingly. Based on 2025 data

Delaware A popular state for incorporation, with a corporation filing fee of about $90, while LLC registration costs $300.

California LLC registration is $70, but an annual $800 minimum tax is required.

Nevada LLC registration costs $425, and the state has no income tax, making it attractive to foreign investors.

2. Registered Agent Service Fee

Each state requires a registered agent to receive legal documents on behalf of the company. Annual service fees typically range from $100 to $300.

3. EIN Application Fee

An Employer Identification Number EIN is usually free through the IRS. However, third-party services may charge between $50 and $150 for assistance.

4. Trademark and Name Search Fees

To ensure the uniqueness of the company name, a name search may cost between $10 and $50. For trademark registration, fees to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office USPTO typically range from $250 to $350 per class.

5. Professional Service Fees

Many investors opt for legal or business service providers to ensure compliance. These fees vary depending on the complexity of the company, typically ranging from $500 to $2,000.

3. Annual and Ongoing Costs

After registration, businesses should also consider the following recurring expenses

1. Annual Report Fee

Most states require an annual report and filing fee

California LLC $800 per year

Delaware LLC $300 per year

2. State and Federal Taxes

Tax rates vary significantly by state

California Corporate income tax can reach up to 8.84%

Texas and Nevada No corporate income tax

3. Accounting and Audit Fees

Hiring a local accountant for bookkeeping and tax filing is common for international investors, with annual fees ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on complexity.

4. Key Factors Affecting Costs

1. Choice of State

Registration fees and tax policies differ greatly among states. Delaware offers low initial costs and is ideal for long-term operations, while California, despite higher taxes, offers abundant market opportunities.

2. Company Structure

The LLC structure is flexible and suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. If planning to go public or raise capital in the U.S., a Corporation may be more appropriate.

3. Use of Intermediary Services

Self-registration can save on fees but carries higher risks. Hiring professionals increases costs but helps avoid legal pitfalls.

5. Recent Policy Changes and Trends

According to a U.S. Department of Commerce report released in April 2025, several states are simplifying registration procedures and offering tax incentives to attract foreign investment. For example, Florida has introduced a five-year tax exemption for newly registered tech companies. The federal government is also promoting digital registration systems, enabling remote registration and lowering entry barriers for international investors.

6. Summary

The cost of registering a company in the U.S. is not fixed but is influenced by factors such as the state of registration, business structure, and whether professional services are used. Initial registration fees generally range from $500 to $1,500. When including annual fees and service charges, the total cost for the first year may range from $2,000 to $4,000.

For Chinese companies aiming to enter the U.S. market, careful planning and strategic selection of registration location and business structure can help reduce overall costs and improve operational efficiency.