Comprehensive Analysis of US Company Registration Fees! Do You Know the Cost?

Do You Know How Much It Costs to Register a Company in the U.S.? A Full Breakdown!

In recent years, as globalization has deepened, more and more Chinese companies and entrepreneurs have turned their attention to overseas markets. The United States, as one of the world's largest economies, has naturally become a top destination for businesses looking to expand internationally. However, registering a U.S. company is not a simple process-it involves various procedures, fees, and legal requirements that can be quite complex.

This article will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the fees and information related to U.S. company registration, incorporating recent news and trends.

I. The Basic Process of Registering a U.S. Company

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

Choosing a business structure

Selecting a state for registration

Filing the necessary documents

Obtaining a federal tax ID EIN

Opening a bank account

Meeting state-specific compliance requirements

Each state has its own regulations and fee structures, which means the overall cost can vary significantly. According to a July 2025 article by Forbes, an increasing number of small and medium-sized Chinese enterprises are choosing to register in Delaware due to its well-developed corporate legal system and business-friendly policies.

However, registration costs go beyond just the state fees-they also include various service charges.

II. Key Costs Involved in Registering a U.S. Company

1. State Filing Fee

This is the most basic fee, charged by the state where the company is registered.

Examples of filing fees in popular states

Delaware

LLC $90

Corporation $89

California

LLC $70

Additional annual franchise tax $800 waived for the first year

New York

LLC $200

Additional newspaper publication fee $300-$1,000

Although these fees may seem low individually, they can quickly add up when combined with other charges.

2. Registered Agent Fee

Under U.S. law, every company must appoint a registered agent who resides in the state of registration or is a licensed entity. If a company lacks a local representative, it must hire a professional agent.

According to data from LegalZoom and Incfile in June 2025, registered agent service fees typically range from $50 to $300 per year. Some agencies offer the first year free to attract new clients.

3. Formation Service Fee

Many companies choose to use third-party services like Rocket Lawyer or ZenBusiness to assist with the registration process. These services often include drafting articles of organization, filing documents, and helping to apply for an EIN.

As of mid-2025, basic formation packages range from $99 to $300, while premium or customized services can exceed $500 depending on the provider and scope of work.

4. EIN Application Fee

An Employer Identification Number EIN is required for tax purposes in the U.S. Companies without a U.S. representative can apply online through the IRS or via a third-party service.

While the IRS offers this service for free, some third-party services charge between $50 and $100 for assistance.

5. Annual Maintenance Fees

U.S. companies are required to pay annual fees or taxes to the state

Delaware

LLC $300/year

Corporation $400/year

California

LLC $800/year

New York

LLC $25/year plus newspaper publication and other compliance costs

Additional annual fees may apply if the company uses a registered agent or accounting services.

III. Other Potential Costs

Beyond the core registration fees, there may be additional expenses, including

Bank account opening fee $100-$500 if opening a U.S. bank account remotely

Accounting and tax services $1,000-$3,000 annually

Trademark registration $250-$400 per class

Compliance consulting Fees vary depending on the complexity and legal advice needed

IV. Real-World Example

Take the case of a Chinese tech company that decided to establish a subsidiary in the U.S. in early 2025 to expand into the North American market. They chose to register as an LLC in Delaware using a third-party service provider.

Breakdown of total initial costs

State filing fee $90

Registered agent fee first year $100

Formation service fee $199

Bank account opening fee $300

EIN application fee $50

Total $739 approximately RMB 5,300

The company also budgeted around $400 annually for ongoing maintenance and planned to spend about $2,000 per year on accounting and tax services.

V. Conclusion

The cost of registering a U.S. company varies based on business type, chosen state, and whether or not you use intermediary services. In general, initial registration costs range from $500 to $1,000, with additional annual maintenance and compliance expenses potentially reaching several thousand dollars.

For Chinese companies or individuals planning to operate in the U.S., understanding these costs is essential for budget planning and selecting the most suitable registration strategy. As the U.S. market continues to attract Chinese businesses, proper financial and legal preparation will help ensure smoother and more successful overseas expansion.