The term “franchise tax” is misleading. It has nothing to do with owning a franchise restaurant or retail concept. It is simply the fee a state charges for the legal right to operate an LLC within its borders. Most states also require an annual report filed alongside the payment. Miss the deadline and your LLC can be administratively dissolved, which means you lose your liability protection and cannot legally sign contracts until you reinstate.

LLC Franchise Tax and Annual Fees by State (2024)

Figures reflect the annual franchise tax or LLC maintenance fee due to the state. They do not include local city taxes, registered agent fees, or federal income taxes. Always verify amounts with your state’s Secretary of State website before filing.

State Annual LLC Tax / Fee Basis Due Date
Alabama$100 minimumBusiness Privilege Tax; 0.175% of net worthApril 15
Alaska$100Biennial report feeJan 2 (every 2 yrs)
Arizona$0No annual report or franchise tax for LLCsN/A
Arkansas$150Annual franchise tax flat feeMay 1
California$800 minimum1.5% of net income; $800 floor every yearApril 15
Colorado$10Annual report fee onlyAnniversary month
Connecticut$80Annual report feeAnniversary month
Delaware$300Flat annual tax for most LLCsJune 1
Florida$138.75Annual report fee (no state income tax)May 1
Georgia$50Annual registration feeApril 1
Hawaii$15Annual report feeAnniversary quarter
Idaho$0Annual report only; no franchise taxAnniversary month
Illinois$75Annual report feeAnniversary month
Indiana$50 biennialReport fee every two yearsEvery 2 yrs
Iowa$60Biennial report feeApril 1 (every 2 yrs)
Kansas$55Annual report feeApril 15
Kentucky$15Annual report fee; LLET tax also appliesJune 30
Louisiana$35Annual report feeAnniversary month
Maine$85Annual report feeJune 1
Maryland$300Personal Property Return / annual feeApril 15
Massachusetts$500Annual excise tax on LLCsMarch 15
Michigan$25Annual statement feeFebruary 15
Minnesota$0No annual report fee for LLCsDec 31 (report only)
Mississippi$0Annual report; no franchise tax for LLCsApril 15
Missouri$0No annual fee or franchise taxN/A
Montana$35Annual report fee onlyApril 15
Nebraska$26Biennial report feeEvery 2 yrs
Nevada$200State Business License + annual list feeAnniversary month
New Hampshire$100Annual report feeApril 1
New Jersey$75Annual report feeAnniversary month
New Mexico$0No annual report or franchise taxN/A
New York$25State biennial fee; NYC UBT adds up to $3,400Every 2 yrs
North Carolina$200Annual report feeApril 15
North Dakota$50Annual report feeNovember 15
Ohio$99Annual report fee (franchise tax abolished)Anniversary month
Oklahoma$25Annual certificate feeAnniversary month
Oregon$100Annual report fee; CAT tax may applyAnniversary month
Pennsylvania$0Decennial report only; no annual feeEvery 10 yrs
Rhode Island$50Annual report feeNovember 1
South Carolina$25 minimumLicense fee based on capitalJanuary 1
South Dakota$50Annual report fee; no state income taxAnniversary month
Tennessee$300Annual franchise tax; $0.25 per $1,000 net worthApril 15
Texas$0–variesExempt if revenue < $2.47M; else 0.75% of marginMay 15
Utah$18Annual renewal feeAnniversary month
Vermont$35Annual report feeMarch 15
Virginia$50 minimumAnnual registration fee based on authorized sharesAnniversary month
Washington$60Annual report fee; B&O tax also appliesAnniversary month
West Virginia$25Annual report feeJuly 1
Wisconsin$25Annual report feeQuarter of formation
Wyoming$60 minimumAnnual report; 0.0002 × assets in WyomingAnniversary month

States with the Lowest LLC Overhead Costs

If you have flexibility in where you form your LLC, these five states consistently rank lowest for annual LLC maintenance costs. Wyoming charges just $60 per year and has no state income tax. New Mexico charges nothing at all after formation — no annual report, no franchise tax. Colorado keeps it to $10 per year. Arizona and Missouri also charge nothing ongoing.

The catch is that you still owe taxes in the state where you actually do business. Forming in Wyoming when you live and operate in California does not exempt you from California’s $800 annual minimum. You would end up registered in two states and paying both. For most small business owners who operate in one state, the best LLC state is simply the state where they live and work.

How Franchise Tax Deadlines Work

Most states tie the annual report and franchise tax due date to either a fixed calendar date (like April 15 or May 1) or the anniversary of your LLC formation date. Some states — including Alaska, Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska — only require filings every two years, which cuts administrative work in half.

Penalties for late filing vary by state but are typically $50 to $250 for the first missed payment, plus interest accruing at 1–1.5% per month. California is among the strictest: a $2,000 penalty for non-filing, and the FTB can suspend your LLC’s ability to do business until all taxes and penalties are paid. Set a recurring calendar reminder 60 days before your deadline every year so you never miss it.

Note: Tax rates and fees change annually. Verify your state’s current rates at your Secretary of State website before filing. This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal or tax advice. For LLC formation, ZenBusiness handles state filing and annual report reminders starting at $0 plus state fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an LLC franchise tax?
An LLC franchise tax is an annual fee or tax that states charge LLCs for the privilege of doing business in that state. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with owning a franchise business. Some states calculate it as a flat fee, others as a percentage of net income or gross receipts, and some states charge no franchise tax at all. The amount ranges from $0 in states like Wyoming and New Mexico to $800 per year minimum in California.
Which state has the highest LLC franchise tax?
California has the highest LLC franchise tax at a minimum of $800 per year, plus 1.5% of net income above a threshold. New York City LLCs face an additional Unincorporated Business Tax of up to $3,400 per year on top of state fees. Delaware charges $300 per year for most LLCs, but LLCs with many authorized shares can pay significantly more due to the Authorized Shares calculation method.
Which states have no LLC franchise tax?
Several states charge no traditional franchise tax on LLCs, including Wyoming ($60 annual report fee), Montana ($35 annual report fee), New Mexico ($0 annual fees for domestic LLCs), Colorado ($10 annual report fee), Arizona ($0), and Missouri ($0). These states are popular choices for LLC formation among entrepreneurs wanting to minimize annual overhead costs.
What happens if you don’t pay your LLC franchise tax?
If you miss your LLC franchise tax payment, the state can place your LLC in bad standing, suspend or revoke your LLC’s right to do business in that state, and charge penalty fees plus interest on the unpaid amount. In California, the Franchise Tax Board can assess a $2,000 penalty for non-filing. A suspended LLC cannot legally sign contracts, file lawsuits, or conduct business until reinstated. Reinstatement typically requires paying all back taxes, penalties, and a reinstatement fee.

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