Company Registration in the U.S. Fees You Can’t Overlook!

Which Fees Should Not Be Ignored When Registering a Company in the United States? A Comprehensive Analysis

In recent years, with the acceleration of globalization, an increasing number of Chinese entrepreneurs and investors have turned their attention to overseas markets-particularly the United States, one of the world’s most dynamic economies. According to data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2025, foreign investment in the U.S. continues to grow, especially in the fields of technology, manufacturing, and cross-border e-commerce. However, registering a company in the U.S. is no easy task. In addition to understanding the local legal environment and tax system, various administrative fees also represent a significant cost that entrepreneurs must not overlook.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of essential fees associated with registering a company in the U.S., helping investors planning to establish a presence in the American market make more informed budgeting decisions.

1. Basic Registration Fees

The first step in registering a company in the U.S. is to determine the state of incorporation. Company registration policies and fees vary significantly from state to state. For example, the initial fee for registering a Limited Liability Company LLC is approximately $80 in California and $90 in Delaware. While these fees may appear low, it is also important to consider annual fees and franchise taxes.

California, for instance, imposes an $800 annual franchise tax on LLCs, while Delaware charges a $300 annual fee. Although these costs are relatively fixed, overlooking them can place considerable pressure on a company’s cash flow.

2. Registered Agent Service Fees

All companies registered in the U.S. must appoint a Registered Agent, who is responsible for receiving legal documents and official notices. A Registered Agent must be a U.S. resident or a legally operating agency with a U.S. address. For overseas investors, acting as their own agent is nearly impossible, so they often rely on professional service providers.

Currently, registered agent service fees range from $100 to $300 per year, depending on the state and the service provider. While not substantial, this is a recurring annual expense that must be accounted for.

3. Bank Account Opening Fees

Opening a corporate bank account is essential for business operations in the U.S., but this process also involves several costs. Some banks, such as Bank of America and Citibank, require minimum initial deposits ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Additionally, certain banks charge monthly maintenance fees, typically between $10 and $25.

For startups, selecting the right bank and understanding its fee structure is crucial for managing cash flow effectively.

4. Employer Identification Number EIN Application Fees

The Internal Revenue Service IRS offers Employer Identification Numbers EINs free of charge, which are required for tax reporting and opening bank accounts. However, many foreign investors, unfamiliar with the process and language, opt to use third-party service providers to handle EIN applications.

These service providers typically charge between $50 and $150. While the EIN itself is free, this service fee should be included in the overall budget if outsourcing is chosen.

5. Legal and Accounting Service Fees

Registering a company in the U.S.-especially for those unfamiliar with local laws and tax regulations-often necessitates hiring professional lawyers and accountants. Lawyers can assist in selecting the appropriate business structure e.g., LLC, C Corp, S Corp and ensure compliance with registration procedures, while accountants can help establish financial systems and develop tax strategies.

According to the latest 2025 industry pricing, basic legal services typically range from $500 to $2,000, and annual accounting services range from $1,000 to $5,000. While these are upfront costs, they help reduce potential legal and tax risks in the future.

6. Trademark Registration Fees

For companies with a strong brand identity, trademark registration is a key step in protecting intellectual property. According to the latest 2025 fee schedule from the United States Patent and Trademark Office USPTO, the application fee for each trademark class is approximately $250 to $350. If a company plans to register multiple classes or requires legal assistance in preparing the application, the total cost may be higher.

While not mandatory for company registration, trademark registration is a worthwhile investment for businesses planning long-term operations in the U.S.

7. Federal and State Tax Filing Fees

U.S. companies are required to file both federal and state tax returns annually. For non-resident shareholders, the process can be particularly complex. Many businesses choose to outsource their annual tax filing to accounting firms, with fees typically ranging from $500 to $3,000 depending on the size and complexity of the business.

Some states also require the submission of an Annual Report, with fees ranging from $50 to $500. While these are recurring annual costs, they are essential for maintaining legal and tax compliance.

8. Other Potential Fees

In addition to the major costs outlined above, there are several other expenses that are often overlooked. These include

Registered office address rental fees, if the registered agent does not provide a virtual address.

Business license application fees, which vary by city and generally range from $50 to $200.

Office supplies such as company seals and contract templates.

Although these individual costs may seem minor, they can accumulate and should not be ignored in financial planning.

Conclusion

Registering a company in the United States is a complex and multi-faceted process involving numerous administrative and service fees. For entrepreneurs planning to expand into the U.S. market, understanding and budgeting for these costs in advance is critical-not only for cost control, but also for laying a solid foundation for long-term, stable operations.

In today’s complex and rapidly changing global economic environment, thorough preparation and careful planning are essential for achieving sustainable success in the competitive U.S. market.